Starting IVF after 2 years TTC - need counselor/support group recommendations

[Anonymous]

My emotional needs at this point are putting a strain on my husband and I, and I think it's time for me to turn to a therapist, counselor, or support group for help. We've been TTC for almost two years, seeing an RE since April, first failed IUI last Friday, and now about to start IVF and feeling really overwhelmed. Can anyone recommend an individual therapist who specializes in TTC. Also, I've read a lot on this forum about support groups but they all seem to be online, which doesn't doo much for me. Any that meet in person?

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I can't recommend a therapist, but FWIW I would recommend acupuncture. I did 2 failed IUIs and then one round of IVF to get pregnant. It was so emotionally draining and stressful and DH just didn't seem to relate to my mental state or know how to deal with it.
I started acupuncture shortly before IVF and found it to be hugely beneficial for how I felt. I'm not normally into alternative treatments, so I didn't go in expecting much. But it was somehow quite calming on my internal state of being.

Your fertility treatment provider may have counselors or support groups available, or be able to point you in the direction of one.

[Anonymous]

Resolve Network meets face to face. They have support groups for Women only or for couples or a combination of both.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I am sorry for what you are going for. But I would caution you on some support groups, especially before your first IVF. I went to a support group at my acupuncturisst about two weeks before starting my first IVF and the stories frm the other women were so devastating and sad that I was in tears on the street afterward. My acupuncturist even apoligezed to me since she never knows who will show up to any of the monthly meetings. That was a time when I needed to hear POSITIVE stories of success (after so many personal failures). The women in the gorup (there were five others) had experienced a still birth at 38 weeks, two women lost twins in the second trimester, multiple miscarriages and multiple failed IVFs and every one cried telling their story but me. My heart broke for these women and it took me weeks to have a more positive outlook. It was better for me to just confide in friends and it turns out many of them went through IVF (I am older so this may not be your case). I was fortunate that my first IVF worked. But I wish you the best in finding the support you need, just caution you to find a group or therapist that understands where you are physically and emotionally in your fertility journey.

[Anonymous]

For in person support groups, I would HIGHLY recommend Lisa Eaves' support group. She runs an acupuncture practice - Heal From Within - and also several support groups, including an informal one that meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. She also runs a workshop that meets regularly for I think eight weeks. Her office is right off the Friendship Heights metro.

I live in downtown DC and have not had success locating a RESOLVE group near enough for me to attend regularly. This Heal From Within group was really helpful for me when I was in the depths of my infertility struggle and really needed to talk to other people about it.

http://heal-from-within.com/

Good luck to you, OP. I wish you the best.

[Anonymous]

I second the heal from within group!

[Anonymous]

Personally- Not a fan of acupuncture for FWIW

[Anonymous]

I'm the 13:26 poster And I was referring to the heal from within drop in group. On one hand, I think the women who,suffered losses got a lot from it. Its hard for anyone to understand that kind of loss if they have not been through it. But that was just my experience and as someone who never had a miscarriage and had not started IVF it was definitely not a good fit. But Lis is amazing. I saw her weekly for treatment for almost 8 months. I think acupuncture helped a lot with IVF.

[Anonymous]

I would say look into a Resolve group for support and also try Phyllis Martin. She is a therapist who specializes in IF.

[Anonymous]

Counseling is a great idea. Are you looking for a therapist in Maryland, Virginia, or DC?

[Anonymous]

OP here, counselor in MD near Betheda, Rockville is preferable. Thx

[Anonymous]

I listened to the Circle and Bloom IVF program. It helped me manage my stress and negative feelings about the whole process.

[Anonymous]

I can totally relate to the stress and how husbands can't relate - we have a 1 year old a s result of IVF and about to start up again. I remember having a lot of anxiety because it was something new and A LOT OF SHOTS! I think he thought he was supportive but he never understood the intensity and how overwhelming it was for me. I sought forums and guidance but found it depressing (as a PP said). I just did things that uplifted me, things I really enjoyed so I didn't dwell on the scary stuff and it got me through really well.
Good luck!