Counseling & Support

 There is no question that infertility is emotionally trying for couples. The condition creates stress for both partners at a time when they need each other the most. At Abington Reproductive Medicine, our efforts are focused on providing all of our patients with the highest level of emotional support.


Alternative methods of support also are available, including acupuncture, massage and many others.

If you or your partner feels depressed, anxious or overly preoccupied with the infertility process, please call our office at 215-887-2010 x 1528.

Support Group
We understand this is a stressful time in your life. Join our support group to share your experience of infertility. This service is free to all of our patients.

Please contact Helene Polin at 215-887-2010 x 1528 if you are interested in joining the group. You may email questions to hpolin@abington-repromed.com. 

Abington meetings scheduled for:
September 8
October 6
November 3
December 1
January 5, February 2 and March 2, 2009

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Abington Reproductive Medicine, Suite 404

Lansdale meetings scheduled for:
September 22
October 20
November17
December 15
January 19, February 16 and March 16, 2009

6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Abington Reproductive Medicine - Lansdale office, Suite 190

*Sessions will be lead by Lynn Cohen, MSS LCSW

Lynn J. Cohen, MSS LCSW
For counseling and support needs, Abington Reproductive Medicine is pleased to refer our patients to Lynn Cohen.  She has been in private practice since 1982 and specializes in individual and group support for infertility. Lynn has earned her masters degree from the Bryn Mawr College of Social Work followed by ongoing advanced specialty training.  She holds the additional credentials of Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Qualified Clinical Social Worker and is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers.
 
With over 26 years serving adults, children, adolescents, couples and families, Lynn has become a well respected clinician in the tri-state area.  She is known for her exceptional therapy skills coupled with a considerate and caring manner.  


Ruth Bluethenthal-Appel, MSSW, ACSW
Ruth Bluethenthal-Appel, MSSW, ACSW. In private practice for over 20 years, Ruth graduated from Columbia University’s prestigious School of Social Work and the Family Institute of Philadelphia’s Clinical School of Family and Marital Therapy. Before launching her private practice in 1984, she counseled individuals, couples and families at Interpsych Associates in Valley Forge and children and families at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. She is a member of the Association of Certified Social Workers, the Family Institute of Philadelphia and the National Association of Social Workers.



Frequently Asked Questions:
The Psychological Component of Infertility
(from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine)

1. What impact does infertility have on psychological well being?
Infertility often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. The long term inability to conceive a child can evoke significant feelings of loss. Coping with the multitude of medical decisions and the uncertainties that infertility brings can create great emotional upheaval for most couples. If you find yourself feeling anxious, depressed, out of control, or isolated, you are not alone.

2. How do I know if I could benefit from psychological counseling?
Everyone has feelings and emotional ups and downs as they pursue infertility treatment. Feeling overwhelmed at times is a perfectly normal response. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms over a prolonged period of time, you may benefit a great deal from working with a mental health professional:

* loss of interest in usual activities
* depression that doesn't lift
* strained interpersonal relationships (with partner, family, friends and/or colleagues)
* difficulty thinking of anything other than your infertility
* high levels of anxiety.
* diminished ability to accomplish tasks
* difficulty with concentration
* change in your sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, early morning awakening, sleeping more than usual for you)
* change in your appetite or weight (increase or decrease)
* increased use of drugs or alcohol
* thoughts about death or suicide
* social isolation
* persistent feelings of pessimism, guilt, or worthlessness
* persistent feelings of bitterness or anger

In addition, there are certain points during infertility treatment when discussion with a mental health professional of various options and exploration of your feelings about these options can help facilitate clarification of your thinking and help with your decision making. For example, consultation with a mental health professional may be helpful to you and your partner if you are:

* at a treatment crossroad
* deciding between alternative treatment possibilities
* exploring other family building options
* considering third party assistance (gamete donation, surrogacy)
* having difficulty communicating or if you have different ideas about what direction to take

3. How can psychological treatment help me/us cope with infertility?
Mental health professionals with experience in infertility treatment can help a great deal. Their primary goal is to help individuals and couples learn how to cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with infertility, as well as with the medical treatments that can be painful and intrusive. For some, the focus may be on how to deal with a partner's response. For others, it may be on how to choose the right medical treatment or how to begin exploring other family building options. For still others, it may be on how to control stress, anxiety, or depression. By teaching patients problem- solving strategies in a supportive environment, mental health professionals help people work through their grief, fear, and other emotions so that they can find resolution of their infertility. A good therapist can help you sort out feelings, strengthen already present coping skills and develop new ones, and communicate with others more clearly. For many, the life crisis of infertility eventually proves to be an opportunity for life-enhancing personal growth.

4. How can I find a mental health professional experienced in working with infertility?
Make sure you choose a mental health professional who is familiar with the emotional experience of infertility. It is recommended that they have:

* a graduate degree in a mental health profession
* a license to practice and/or state registration
* clinical training in the psychological aspects of infertility
* experience in the medical and psychological aspects of reproductive medicine

Interview more than one person. Ask them for their credentials as well as their experience with infertility issues and treatments. Ask if they are currently seeing other people with infertility.