Counselling during IVF

Counselling for IVF

At the Zita West Clinic, we approach every IVF process holistically, meaning we focus on both body and mind to maximise your own chances of success. IVF can be an extremely stressful process, and when going through the treatment many patients experience a wide range of emotions.

We recommend fertility counselling alongside the physical process of IVF to help you work through these emotions and minimise stress throughout the course of the treatment. You can learn more about fertility counselling on this page, to decide if it’s the right choice for you.

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What is IVF counselling?

Struggling to become pregnant can be extremely difficult emotionally for countless many all over the country. The process of finding new ways to have children, seeing others around with their babies and families or potentially having family members of your own who don’t understand the how the grief involved with infertility can take its toll on mental health. We offer counselling to anyone going through this process, allowing you to talk through your problems and feelings in a completely confidential and dependable environment.

We believe that relieving stress and treating the mind before the body can have a significant impact, so our qualified counsellor is always there to help you process and talk through any emotions you may be feeling. We will support you at any stage of your fertility journey – from contemplating whether or not you want to start a family or have another child, to all stages of investigations and treatments you choose to proceed with.

The Role of Counselling during IVF

In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have replaced our usual face-to-face counselling with live video sessions.

Trying to conceive can be stressful. Anyone facing the fear and uncertainty associated with invasive investigations and treatment can experience a wide range of emotions including: anger, fear, frustration, envy, guilt, negativity, lack of confidence, loss of control and low self-esteem. Some people feel isolated from friends and family, and couples may find it difficult to relate to each other.

We firmly believe in the role of fertility counselling as an integral part of treatment.

Jane Knight, Speciality Fertility Counsellor

“Your emotional response to your situation can have a real impact on your approach to dealing with it.” Jane Knight

Our fertility counsellor, Jane Knight, has a nursing background so understands the physical as well as the emotional aspects of fertility. Jane can provide support at any stage of your fertility journey – from contemplating whether or not you want to start a family (or have another child) through all stages of investigations and treatment to IVF and beyond.

Fertility counselling may be particularly beneficial following an unsuccessful cycle or miscarriage, or to help you to think through decisions about stopping treatment.

Anyone considering egg, sperm (or embryo) donation or planning surrogacy is strongly recommended to have fertility counselling to help them consider the implications for themselves and their future child in the short and long-term.

Book a consultation New Patients - 0808 196 4060 Current Patients - 020 7224 0017

What does IVF counselling involve?

Our counselling programmes are extremely individualised depending on your specific needs. Our counsellor employs a variety of techniques and treatments to support you along your fertility journey, including guided relaxation and positive visualisation, or the use of art therapy. You may also wish to consider hypnotherapy. In other cases, you may just want to talk through your emotions with a qualified professional, to help you make sense of what you’re feeling and help to change your mindset. No matter what you need, our counsellor will work with you to provide the support that will most greatly benefit you.

What does fertility counselling help with?

Fertility counselling is a very effective way to understand, or even remove completely, any overwhelming emotions you are feeling as a result of the IVF process. Whether it’s the stress of the treatment itself, or the grief that follows an unsuccessful cycle or miscarriage, counselling can give you the vital support you need to get through one of the most stressful and difficult times in your life.

Minimising stress through counselling can also help you whilst undergoing IVF treatment. We believe firmly that getting pregnant is not only helped by good physical health, but by great mental health, too. As a result, talking through the process at all stages with a qualified counsellor can help to dissipate any worries you may have, leading to a clearer mind and a more positive outlook – both of which can only help your efforts to become pregnant.

Is fertility counselling for me?

Fertility counselling can be an invaluable resource for anyone involved in an IVF or fertility treatment process. Both men and women have benefitted from this support at Zita West Clinic, as the emotional impact the process has is not limited to just the women undergoing the treatment. Whether you’re currently going through a round of IVF, have just gone through an unsuccessful round, are thinking about starting your fertility journey or are going through this process alongside someone receiving the treatment, fertility counselling may give you the support you never knew you needed.

Do you have to have counselling before IVF?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that fertility counselling should be offered before, during and after any IVF treatments, regardless of the outcome – so that’s exactly what we do. We recommend you take advantage of our counselling services before you begin your IVF process, in order to help you fully understand the process and your emotions surrounding it before any medical treatments even begin. Counselling has unique benefits at each stage of the process, all of which are going to help you stay positive and calm every step of the way.

Book a consultation New Patients - 0808 196 4060 Current Patients - 020 7224 0017

Do I need to be having IVF treatment at the Zita West Clinic to use the counselling service?

You do not need to go through your IVF treatment with Zita West Clinic to make use of our counselling services. In many cases, those who choose counselling with us aren’t undergoing IVF at all, and are instead using it to talk through other fertility issues. Counselling is a separate service to our fertility treatments, so while you are welcome (and encouraged) to use the counselling service side by side with any IVF treatments, you can also book counselling sessions as stand-alone treatments.

How long is a fertility counselling session?

The length of our counselling sessions differ depending on what you need. We will discuss the outcome you want and the general worries you wish to talk about (in very vague detail, once with your counsellor everything will be completely confidential) to decide the best course of action for you. We find that an hour-long session is often a good amount of time to get started, but in other instances, 3-6 sessions is more appropriate.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to get through everything in one sitting. You can book as many IVF counselling sessions as you like throughout your fertility journey, so there is no rush to get through everything in the first one.

How do I book a fertility counselling session?

You’ll find the number to call on our Contact Us page, where you’ll also find a Contact Form to fill out if you prefer. Our friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and get your session booked in.

If you want to speak with your counsellor in person, you’ll also find directions to our London IVF Clinic to take the stress out of finding us on the day. If you’d prefer to talk from the comfort of your own home, we also offer video call sessions. Just let us know which you’d prefer, and we’d be happy to set this up for you.

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Who we help

At Zita West Clinic, we understand that each individual person needs an individual approach to starting a family. From the moment you walk through our door, you will receive personalised and comprehensive guidance and advice to help you through your fertility journey: the future of your family starts here.

I’m new to IVF I’m returning to IVF after a lack of success I’m in a same sex couple I’m a single woman I’m over 40