Counselling

[Forlove]

Has anyone had counselling to cope with all of this grief & heartache? We had one session with our clinic and I really think it would be helpful. Our clinic is too far away to continue counselling there so can anyone recommend how to find a counsellor or one they have used themselves. I’m in North West London x

[Sammylou51]

Hi. I found counselling really helpful. We had one session with our clinic but it was too e pensive to keep it up. I found a local counsellor through my GP who referred me. I got 6 sessions and then I paid privately to keep seeing her. So you could see your Gp or there is a website for approved counsellor also. counselling-directory.org.uk

I found it important to find someone I clicked with. As I have had counselling in the past and did t find it useful as I did t click with the counsellor.

Good luck with it all. Give me a shout if I can be of any more help .

Sam xx

[Forlove in reply to Sammylou51]

Thanks Sammylou51. Unfortunately my doctor was no help and I will have to go it alone.

What made you feel comfortable with your counsellor?

[Sammylou51 in reply to Forlove]

Hi

That’s a shame. Is there only one GP at your surgery or could you see someone else. I did feel a bit abandoned by our fertility clinic when it didn’t work out. One session and dumped!! I have since found out they include 3 sessions with each IVF package but they didn’t offer us any further support!!! Wasn’t impressed with them to be honest.

My counsellor I have now I think I just felt completely comfortable with her. I felt like she got me. She also gives me strategies to try at home rather than just talking. Which I feel really works for me, as I feel I’m doing more to help myself. Sometimes I go with my fiancé and sometimes on my own. Although everyone is different. I think you just need to find someone who works for you.

Hope you manage to find some peace soon. I know I’m still on the roller coaster having just had a hysterectomy 4 weeks ago.

Big hugs

Sam xx

[MinMin]

I live in Berkshire and I self referred myself for nhs counselling without the need of the doctor - but obviously this may be variable depending where you live. I used to pay privately for support but just couldn't afford that anymore.

She wasn't an infertility specialist but was kind and supportive and kept me afloat for way longer than she needed to.

My husband refused to seek help and just turned to alcohol which has nearly wrecked everything so I would always advise getting counselling to help in what is a really difficult time...and this should never be underestimated.

Hope you find something that works for you both xxx

talkingtherapies.berkshire....

[lc01sw]

Hi I have had counseling a few times over the years but I work for the NHS so was able to get the counseling free from the Occupational Health department at the hospital where I work. The last time I had a session the counsellor herself was childless which helped me greatly. Good luck in finding somewhere nearby.

[Forlove]

Thank you so much everyone. You have been so helpful. X

[Caudalie11]

Hi forlove there's lots of advice on how to find a counsellor on the gateway women website. I find one that way in January. You can search by issue so I looked for someone who has infertility experience and bereavement too to help with the grief, because it's definitely grief we face. Most counsellors offer a free first session so you can try 2 or 3 to see how you get on. I don't think the counsellor themselves has to have struggled with infertility or childlessness to be able to help you although some people feel that's important. Its rare to find a counsellor with personal experience. Its important that the counsellor understands the long term issues associated with infertility and by that I mean the ongoing life challenges we face from a society insensitive to how it feels to be childless not by choice. And the need to grieve the losses we feel. X

[Katybetter]

I have counselling & am now on anti depressants due to our situation. I need help & I’m taking it.