Infertility

Infertility impacts 6.1 million couples in the United States or close to 1 in 6 couples. You may feel very isolated and alone during this time but literally millions of other couples are or have been in a similar position as you. Infertility is devastating and often is accompanied by pregnancy losses or a stillbirth experience. Infertility takes many couples on an emotional roller coaster while trying to start or grow a family.

I am a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, and Resolve. I have completed 1st training of the ASRM Mental Health Certificate. Additionally, I am an infertility warrior and have an intimate understanding of the emotional stress, anxiety, depression and suffering that you may be going through at this time. I use mindfulness skills, and introduce healthy coping skills to help build up your distress tolerance as well as cope with the losses you are currently experiencing.

Following my own journey to parenthood, my passion is helping women and men with the hardships that can arise when building a family. I have more than 15 years of experience, specializing in helping clients coping with infertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum issues. I completed the 10-month Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course with Sharon Covington, MSW and Dr. Linda Applegarth, EdD and am certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) by Postpartum Support International.

Following my own journey to parenthood, my passion is helping women and men with the hardships that can arise when building a family. I have more than 15 years of experience, specializing in helping clients coping with infertility, pregnancy loss, and postpartum issues. I completed the 10-month Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course with Sharon Covington, MSW and Dr. Linda Applegarth, EdD and am certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) by Postpartum Support International.

You do not need to walk your difficult journey to parenthood alone. Whether impacted by infertility and its treatment (meds, IUI, IVF), use of third party reproduction (donor eggs/sperm/embryos or surrogacy), or deciding to grow your family via adoption or choosing to live child-free... we will join you. We have providers specialized in birth trauma, pregnancy and infant loss and stillbirth, and perinatal mood/anxiety/OCD/trauma disorders. We use an attachment and feminists' approach!

Fertility challenges are an emotionally and physically challenging experience. They often create feelings of disappointment, sadness, loss and extreme loneliness. This emotional rollercoaster doesn’t have to be battled alone. A therapist specialized in infertility can help you by providing much needed support and understanding.

I am very knowledgeable in this area as well as compassionate regarding the issues that come up when trying to start a family doesn't go as planned. There are may feelings that arise when a couple or single person cannot conceive in the way they had hoped. I also work with same sex couples who are interested in starting a family.

After having twin boys, I shifted my practice to focus on pregnancy, post partum and infertility issues. I am certified in perinatal mental health and completed the Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course with Sharon Covington, MSW and Dr. Linda Applegarth, EdD.

Our providers at Vayda MH have unique experience (both personal and professional in many cases) and expertise to support those with difficult journeys to parenthood. Whether impacted by infertility and the complexities and stress of treatment (e.g., meds, IUI, IVF), third party reproduction (donor gametes, surrogacy), pregnancy or perinatal concerns, birth trauma, or pregnancy/infant loss... you are NOT alone in your suffering. We will walk this painful path along with you!

Dealing with infertility - struggling to get and/or stay pregnant - is a life crisis. What we expected to be a joyful part of life becomes a series of losses which can leave us feeling intense grief, helplessness, anxiety, isolation, and envy. I can help you process these experiences, review different treatment options, talk you through considering the use of a donor and/or a gestational carrier, and even evaluate donors/GC's. You don't have to cope with this alone.

Understanding infertility interventions and solutions; support during decision-making processes; coping with fertility problems and pregnancy loss

Counseling can provide vital support and give you the tools and information you need to thrive through this journey to parenthood rather than just wait and survive. With infertility, we often treat the physical factors and neglect the critically important mental and emotional factors needed to get pregnant. By treating the whole person, your chances of conceiving improve and the hardships of infertility are lessened.

In my own struggles with infertility I have come to a deep understanding of both the physical and mental strain it places on ones body and mind. Each journey is different and as such, should be treated as unique as the individuals who experience trials of infertility.

After having twin boys, I shifted my practice to focus on pregnancy, post partum and infertility issues. I am certified in perinatal mental health and completed the Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course with Sharon Covington, MSW and Dr. Linda Applegarth, EdD.

We understand that fertility treatments and fertility struggles often stir up anxiety and depression in many individuals. Treatment is complicated by the psychological effects from the medications, hormones, stressors and implications of treatments. Our practice is able to meet you exactly where you are during their fertility journey and we understand the need for emotional support through an often very strenuous process, both physically and emotionally.

Struggling with infertility can be a deeply emotional and isolating experience. Whether you're facing difficulties conceiving, undergoing fertility treatments, or coping with pregnancy loss, know that you're not alone. I am here to walk alongside you, offering support, validation, and practical strategies to help you navigate this complex and often overwhelming journey. My approach to infertility counseling is grounded in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based techniques.

Why is it so easy for others to become a parent? What does it say about me as a woman that I’m not able to conceive? If you’re engaged in fertility treatment to become a parent and consumed with feelings of failure, disappointment, and rage–you’re not alone. During this uncertain and overwhelming process, connecting with an informed and compassionate mental health professional can help.

Infertility can be one of the most lonely experiences you go through as an individual, and as a couple. At a time when you need warmth, love, understanding, and support, most people feel isolated and alone. I am here to help you feel connected, heard, and I can offer support and understanding when you're making difficult decisions about your treatment plans. You should not have to travel this road alone.

I have a background in working with individuals and couples who are hoping to build their family and struggling with fertility, adoption and/or different roads to parenthood. I offer reproductive clinical support to couples who are exploring their options of using donor gametes (donated sperm or eggs). I also perform evaluations for prospective gestational carriers. I enjoy the opportunity to support the relational dynamic of intended parents and gestational carrier.