counselling

Counselling is available for all patients at Reproductive Medicine Wagga. Some treatment cycles have elements of compulsory counselling.

 

The process of undergoing fertility treatment can be challenging and stressful. Counselling is available at all stages of the treatment process: before, during and after a treatment cycle. It can be helpful to address issues around decision making, following a diagnosis, deciding whether to pursue treatment, dealing with disappointment and grief and learning strategies for coping.

 

Counselling is provided by a qualified member of the Australian Association of Social Workers. Our counsellor is a member of both Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA) and the Fertility Society of Australia (FSA).

 

Counselling costs are included in some treatment programs. You can find out any costs involved by speaking with a coordinator. Access to the counsellor is through referral by your doctor, coordinator or self referral.
We believe that infertility counselling can be an important component of the service we offer. Although counselling is not mandatory in every treatment program, it may be appropriate at certain vulnerable times.

 

These include:
 

  • Following diagnosis
  • When deciding whether to pursue treatment
  • When deciding to finish treatment
  • When a cycle ends with an unfavourable outcome

 

Crisis counselling

 

There may be times when you feel particularly distressed before, during or after a treatment cycle, for example, following a negative pregnancy test, miscarriage or cancelled cycle. Telephone counselling or one-on-one counselling is available to assist you at this time.

 

Things to remember:
 

  • Grief and anxiety are common responses to fertility problems and treatment. While it may be unrealistic to expect that you will immediately overcome these feelings, you can work toward managing them.
  • You need to ensure that you maintain realistic expectations.
  • Many people place a lot of pressure on themselves and feel that they should be coping better. Different things may work for you at different times.
  • It is a natural response to feel a range of emotions when treatment is over, ranging from feelings of grief and disappointment to anger if treatment is unsuccessful. In time and with support, this will ease.
  • It is also quite common for people to experience feelings of anxiety when they have a positive pregnancy test.
  • You do not have to wait until a crisis occurs to access counselling. Many people find it helpful to come before they experience any distress to learn new coping strategies and plan on how best to manage their treatment cycle.
  • If you would like to discuss further strategies, please contact your local counsellor to arrange an appointment.

 

Support Groups

 

ACCESS is a non-profit, consumer-based, independent national support group that is committed to promoting the wellbeing of infertile couples. For more information visit their website at www.access.org.au.