Adoption or Infertility-related Therapy and Treatment
Infertility affects approximately one in ten individuals, or couples, of reproductive age. It can involve many painful feelings, and the losses and stresses associated with a diagnosis of infertility can feel traumatic. Infertility is considered a reproductive trauma because “it attacks both the physical and emotional sense of self, it presents us with multiple, complicated losses, it affects our most important relationships, and it shifts our sense of belonging in the world.” (from Unsung Lullabies by Jaffe, Diamond, & Diamond, 2005, p.5)
The recourse to infertility treatment has its own challenges, in part, because it is sought to compensate for the loss of a natural function, and it can be physically, emotionally and financially draining. There are multiple decisions to make and multiple hopes and disappointments along the way. It can feel like a roller-coaster ride, occasionally affecting self-esteem and straining relationships. Not only do women suffer, but their partners feel the pressure, as well. Both parties need support through this process.
The multiple losses a couple may experience are:
- loss of the experience of pregnancy and birth as planned and dreamed about
- loss of feeling competent and in control of your body and your life
- loss of feeling healthy and “normal” and a sense of belonging
- loss of sexual intimacy, spontaneity, and privacy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be help in a comprehensive way when dealing with the trauma of infertility, the sense of loss, the negative beliefs about oneself and one’s body, as well as relationship issues that can arise. Since infertility treatments are not guaranteed, the couple can hit a new low, too, if treatments do not result in a child.
More about EMDR Therapy is described on the home page of Comprehensive Therapy Approach. We have the highest standard for inclusion of our EMDR Therapists. They all are EMDRIA-Certified EMDR Therapists.
Adoption may be an option if a child does not come from the treatment. Not being able to create one’s own child can often result in a new round of feelings of loss and failure that must be treated. The good news is that EMDR can help you gain resolution from these issues more efficiently and leave you with fresh energy for pursuing the new goal of adoption, if you choose to do so.
There are many decisions to make about the adoption process, too. This can be stressful; and things may not go as planned. Many adoptions happen smoothly and as desired; but, on occasion, there are negative interactions with the birth mother, problems with the baby, traumas that the baby experienced, and so on, that are highly stressful. EMDR and other trauma therapies can help process and release distressing traumas that may occur.
Many parents-to-be have been helped in resolving reproductive traumas: they are back to their usual selves, balanced and confident, and one way or the other are making a family and raising children. Would you like to do the same? Please call today for the assistance you are seeking.
