Infertility Support Group
Infertility Support Group
Four weeks in a row, on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday!*
Time: to be decided
Cost: $100 for the session
Online only!
*Once there are four (or more) people signed up. In order to run a successful group, there must be more than three clients, in my clinical experience.
No payment will be requested until the first meeting date is determined, but signing up will demonstrate a strong interest in attending, and I'll be able to poll the interested clients for the day of the week that is most convenient.
FAQ
Q: What can a support group for infertility offer me?
A: Groups are a powerful tool where support can be provided by you and to you. In this group, we will have opportunities to share information with each other, learn about how to reduce isolation during the infertility journey, vent about frustrating and upsetting situations, and of course, build hope within yourself for the future. Confidentiality within the group is a tool that helps everyone be vulnerable and supportive, without fear of judgement. The more that you share about your own experience, the more that your peers in the group will be willing to share their experiences, and you will get more benefit from the support.
Q: What qualifications does the group leader have?
A: Kendra is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). She will lead the discussion. She also underwent seven years of fertility treatments before staying pregnant and giving birth to a daughter. She also spent five weeks in the NICU with her daughter postpartum, which inspired her to shift her scope of practice to help people dealing with infertility, loss, and identity around parenthood. Check out her bio for more information.
Q: I normally don’t like to share too many personal issues. Is a support group appropriate?
A: I encourage people who are normally quiet or reserved to consider the benefits of connecting with others who are in a similar stage as you. It can be cathartic and helpful to listen to others and often prompts people to become vulnerable in this way as well. Sometimes the most gregarious people feel isolated; in the group setting, we are together to support a common experience. In addition, you can be as vocal or reserved as you'd like in the group. There is a lot of individual work that will also be involved in the group.
Q: Will other people in the group be like me?
A: Yes! Group members are all people who do not have children and have been trying to have a child. For some people, this could be years and others it could be months. Some people will be actively working with a fertility clinic and others might not be there yet. Many people in the group have experienced loss like miscarriage. People will likely be of varied ages, backgrounds, and professions, but the commonality of infertility will bring us together.
Q: I have a child (or more than one) and I am struggling with infertility now. Is this group a good fit for me?
A: Great question! This group is for people who do not have any living children. If you are dealing with secondary infertility (whether you did the first time around or because this is new), please let me know. It’s an incredibly hard place to be and sometime even more inexplicable to others, leading to further issues of isolation and frustration. I will likely be offering a support group for secondary infertility in the future, with specialized prompts for that group.
Q: What will we do during each group meeting?
A: We will start our meetings with a grounding exercise, then a brief check-in of the past week, and then a journal prompt related to the theme of the week. You will have time to respond to the prompt and then we will share our responses as the lead-off point for the discussion.
Q: What about in-person options?
A: Earlier this fall, I offered an in-person infertility support group in the Boston area, but did not have enough sign-ups to run the group. I am hoping to try another in-person option in the future.
Q: I need this! How do I sign up?
A: You can sign up below! Please reach out if you have any questions at any step along the way.
Q: Is it ok for me to eat dinner or a snack during the group?
A: Absolutely! One of the perks of online groups is that you can stay in the comfort of your own home and surroundings while also getting access to support from people with similar needs. Please enjoy a meal or snack, a cup of tea, or anything that feels comfortable for you! Pets are also encouraged to attend.