Fertility Counselling in Toronto
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If you’re on the family-building journey and finding it harder than expected, you’re not alone. The fertility process can be emotionally overwhelming—filled with hope, frustration, sadness, and uncertainty. You may be feeling isolated, questioning why this is happening to you, or struggling to keep your relationship strong amidst the stress. These feelings are normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to carry them alone.
At Toronto Therapy Practice, we’re here to walk alongside you. Fertility counselling offers a safe, supportive space where you can express your worries, process your emotions, and find the tools you need to regain a sense of control and peace in this challenging time.
Overview of Fertility Counselling in Toronto
The fertility journey can be filled with emotional ups and downs, including hope, frustration, grief, and uncertainty. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or have been trying to conceive for some time, fertility challenges can take a significant emotional toll on you and your relationships. At Toronto Therapy Practice, we specialize in fertility counselling to help you navigate this complex path with support, compassion, and expert guidance. You will feel heard, supported, and more in control of your emotions—leaving therapy more emotionally balanced, empowered, and better equipped to handle the uncertainties of their fertility journey.
1 in 6 couples experience fertility challenges, making it a more common issue than many realize. However, the emotional impact can feel isolating due to the stigma or lack of open conversation surrounding fertility struggles. Many individuals and couples report feeling a mix of grief, shame, and anxiety, often in silence. Fertility counseling offers a supportive space where you can talk openly about these challenges and realize you’re not alone in this journey—helping to reduce isolation and emotional strain.
Fertility Counselling FAQ
What is fertility counselling?
Fertility counselling provides emotional and psychological support for individuals and couples navigating the challenges of infertility and fertility treatments. It offers a safe space to process feelings of loss, frustration, and anxiety, while exploring coping strategies and ways to maintain emotional well-being.
How does fertility counselling help?
Fertility counselling helps by addressing emotional stressors, improving communication, and fostering resilience during difficult times. It also provides tools to navigate decision-making around treatments, manage expectations, and create emotional balance in the face of uncertainty.
Can fertility counselling help my relationship?
Yes. Fertility challenges can strain even the strongest relationships. Counselling provides a space to strengthen connection, improve communication, and work as a team to navigate the journey together.
Who Would Benefit from Fertility Counselling?
Fertility counselling is for anyone facing the emotional and psychological challenges of trying to conceive.
Individuals dealing with infertility or difficulties conceiving
Those navigating the stress of fertility treatments like IVF or IUI
Couples feeling strain in their relationship due to fertility challenges
Anyone experiencing reproductive loss such as miscarriage
Individuals considering alternative paths to parenthood for example adoption and surrogacy.
Those feeling anxious or uncertain about their fertility journey
Anyone struggling with the emotional and psychological toll of infertility
At Toronto Therapy Practice, we provide the emotional support and tools needed to help you process your feelings, reduce stress, and regain a sense of control on your path to parenthood.
Your Fertility Journey: Support for Various Stages
Starting or continuing on a fertility journey can feel overwhelming. Whether you're just beginning to explore treatment options, are in the middle of procedures, or processing outcomes, you're not alone. Many people find themselves experiencing a mix of hope, anxiety, frustration, and determination along the way.
The fertility journey is often divided into distinct stages, each with its own emotional and physical challenges. Fertility counselling provides tailored support for every step:
Survival Phase
Acceptance Phase
Adjustment Phase
Remember: There is no "right" way to feel during this process, and it's okay to need support. Let's explore the resources and support available to you.
Survival Phase: When It All Begins
The initial phase of fertility treatment can feel like being thrown into deep water. You might be processing the shock of diagnosis, feeling overwhelmed by medical decisions, or struggling with the question "why me?" This is a time when many people experience a rollercoaster of emotions - from hope to anxiety, from determination to uncertainty. During this phase, therapy can help you find your footing and develop coping strategies for the journey ahead.
Common Concerns :
"How do I deal with the anxiety of starting treatment?"
"My partner and I are reacting so differently - is this normal?"
"Should I tell family and friends? How much should I share?"
"How do I handle the feelings of blame and guilt?"
Together We Can:
Process the initial shock and range of emotions
Develop practical coping strategies for anxiety and stress
Navigate decisions about sharing with family and friends
Work through relationship challenges as you begin this journey
Build emotional resilience for the path ahead
Acceptance Phase: Going Through Fertility Treatment
During active treatment, you're learning to navigate a new normal. The scheduling demands, hormone medications, and constant waiting can take their toll emotionally. You might find yourself developing new coping mechanisms, but also facing unexpected challenges. This phase often involves finding ways to maintain your sense of self while dealing with the uncertainties of treatment outcomes.Navigating the emotional waves of hope, stress, and potential setbacks during active fertility treatments can feel overwhelming and therapy can help.
Common Concerns
"How do I manage the constant ups and downs?"
"What can I do during the waiting periods?"
"How do I handle failed cycles or setbacks?"
"How can I maintain a life outside of treatment?"
Together We Can
Create strategies for managing treatment stress
Process feelings about treatment outcomes
Maintain your sense of self during treatment
Balance treatment demands with daily life
Strengthen your support system
Work through relationship changes
Adjustment Phase: Moving Forward
Whether treatment leads to success or you're processing unsuccessful cycles, the adjustment phase is about integrating your fertility journey into your life story. This phase involves making peace with your experiences, rebuilding or strengthening relationships, and finding meaning in your journey. For some, it means celebrating success while managing new anxieties; for others, it means processing grief and exploring different paths to parenthood.This stage can be emotionally complex, and therapy offers a supportive space to navigate the mixed feelings of hope, disappointment, relief, or uncertainty. A fertility therapist helps you make sense of your emotions, understand the impact on your relationship, and create a path forward.
Common Concerns:
"How do I process what I've been through?"
"What does this experience mean for my future?"
"How do I rebuild my life after treatment?"
"Where do I go from here?"
Together We Can:
Process your fertility journey experiences
Work through grief or anxiety about the future
Rebuild relationships and connections
Support you in exploring next steps
Help you find meaning in your journey
Navigate your new normal
Fertility Counselling for 2SLGBTQ+ Individuals, Couples, and Families
Every fertility journey is unique, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and families often face distinct emotional, legal, and medical considerations when building their families. Our specialized fertility counselling services provide inclusive, affirming support throughout your path to parenthood.
Understanding Your Fertility Journey
Personalized Fertility Counselling: Our experienced therapists help you explore and process emotions around family building, fertility treatments, and identity. We create a safe space for discussing hopes, fears, and challenges.
Treatment Decision Support: Navigate complex choices about fertility treatments with confidence. We help you understand options like IVF, donor insemination, surrogacy, and adoption, considering both emotional and practical aspects.
Relationship and Family Dynamics: Process how fertility treatments might impact your relationships, explore family-building decisions together, and strengthen communication with your partner(s).
Identity-Affirming Care: Our therapists understand the unique intersection of 2SLGBTQ+ identity and fertility. We provide support that honours your whole self while addressing fertility-specific challenges.
Local Toronto Resources
Rainbow Family Planning Toronto: Specialized support groups and workshops for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and couples pursuing parenthood.
The 519 Family Programs: Community connection and practical resources for queer family building in Toronto.
Legal and Financial Planning: Access to professionals experienced in 2SLGBTQ+ family law and fertility treatment financing.
Books We Recommend
Modern Families: Stories of Extraordinary Journeys to Kinship by Joshua Gamson: Explore diverse family-building narratives that reflect the richness of queer families.
Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler: Evidence-based information about reproductive health, inclusive of all family structures.
Fertility Resources
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HELPFUL WEBSITES
Fertility Matters Canada
http://fertilitymatters.caDonor Conception Canada https://dccanada.org
Donor Conceived Alliance https://www.donorconceivedalliance.ca/faq/
Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society https://cfas.ca/public.html
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada https://www.sexandu.ca/
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BOOKS FOR ADULTS
The Trying Game by Amy Klein
Experiencing Infertility: An Essential Resource by Debby Peoples and Harriette Rovner Ferguson
Building a Family with the Assistance of Donor Insemination by Kenneth Raymond Daniels
Mommies, Daddies, Donors, Surrogates: Answering Tough Questions and Building Strong Families by Diane Ehrensaft
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BOOKS FOR KIDS
Before You Were Born: Our Wish for a Child series/My Wish for a Child (16-book collection includes stories about IVF, egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, surrogacy, heterosexual, LGBTQ, dual parent and single parent led families) by Janice Grimes
Kangaroo Pouch: A Story about Surrogacy for Young Children by Sarah Phillips Pellet
A Tiny Itsy Bitsy Gift of Life: An Egg Donor Story by Carmen Martinez Jover
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PODCASTS
My Fertility Podcast by Dr. Garcia and Dr. Wais
Fertility in Focus Podcast by Fertility Matters Canada
Fertility Doc Talk with Dr. Kaajal Abrol
IVFML by Anna Alemndrala and Simon Gantz
Effective Approaches to Fertility Counselling
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to postpartum depression. By reframing these thoughts, you can develop healthier emotional responses and behaviours.
Supportive Therapy:
Supportive counselling offers a non-judgmental space to express emotions, process the disappointment of unsuccessful attempts, and manage the emotional strain of treatments like IVF. This approach focuses on emotional validation and empathy.
Grief Counselling
For those experiencing infertility-related losses, such as miscarriages or failed treatments, grief counseling provides support to process these losses and develop coping mechanisms for moving forward.
Psychoeducation
Providing clients with information about the emotional impact of infertility and the stages of fertility treatments helps them feel more prepared, informed, and empowered throughout their journey.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness techniques, including meditation and relaxation exercises, help reduce the stress and anxiety often experienced during fertility treatments. Practicing mindfulness can create emotional balance and foster a sense of calm and control throughout the journey.
Fertility struggles can strain relationships. Couples therapy helps partners navigate the emotional and psychological challenges together, improving communication, fostering understanding, and rebuilding intimacy throughout the fertility process.
Mind-Body Techniques
Integrating practices like yoga, acupuncture, or breathing exercises can promote relaxation, reduce stress hormones, and enhance overall well-being. These holistic approaches complement emotional support in therapy.
Support Group Facilitation
Group therapy or support groups offer individuals a chance to connect with others experiencing similar challenges. Sharing experiences and strategies fosters a sense of community and reduces isolation.
We Can Support You With:
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
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Fertility struggles often bring a mix of emotions like sadness, frustration, and anxiety. We’ll help you understand and express these feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
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Fertility treatments and the uncertainty of trying to conceive can be overwhelming. We provide tools like mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help you manage stress and reduce anxiety.
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Fertility challenges can strain relationships. We’ll help you and your partner communicate more effectively, navigate the emotional load together, and strengthen your bond.
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Infertility can lead to feelings of guilt or inadequacy. We’ll work with you to reframe these thoughts, helping you develop a healthier mindset and greater self-compassion.
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Whether you’re undergoing IVF, IUI, or other treatments, we offer emotional support to help you cope with the stress and emotional ups and downs of the process.
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If you're considering options like adoption or surrogacy, we’ll guide you through the emotional and psychological aspects of these choices, helping you feel empowered and informed.
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Whether you’re weighing options like IVF, surrogacy, or adoption, or deciding when to pause or stop treatments, therapy helps you approach these decisions with clarity and confidence.
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Your therapist will help you develop coping techniques tailored to your specific emotional needs, whether it’s managing stress, reducing anxiety, or navigating relationship challenges.
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You’ll learn mindfulness, relaxation, and cognitive techniques to help you stay emotionally balanced, particularly during the ups and downs of fertility treatments or the uncertainty of trying to conceive.
What to Expect from Fertility Counselling in Toronto
At Toronto Therapy Practice, you will work with a therapist who specializes in fertility challenges and understands the emotional rollercoaster you may be facing. Whether you’re navigating uncertainty, grief, or the strain on your relationships, we provide a supportive space where you’ll feel heard, validated, and guided every step of the way. Through evidence-based fertility counselling and compassionate care, we help you manage stress, strengthen connections, and find balance on your fertility journey.
Our Services
Fertility Counselling in Toronto:
FACING CHALLENGES WITH SUPPORT
Struggling with fertility challenges? Whether you're dealing with infertility diagnoses, considering treatments like IUI or IVF, or coping with pregnancy loss, the journey can feel overwhelming and isolating. At Toronto Therapy Practice, we provide compassionate individual and couples therapy to support you through the emotional and physical challenges of the fertility process, including specialized support for same-sex couples and single individuals. Let us help you navigate this complex journey.
Couples Therapy:
NURTURING INTIMACY & CONNECTION
Navigating fertility treatments or pregnancy loss can strain even the strongest relationships. Our couples therapy provides a safe space to process these challenges together, strengthen your connection, and develop coping strategies as you move through this journey. Our experienced Toronto therapists specialize in supporting couples facing fertility-related stress and grief, helping you communicate effectively about treatment decisions, manage emotional ups and downs, and maintain intimacy during this demanding time.
Supportive Partner Therapy
YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS TOO
Supporting a partner through fertility treatments or pregnancy loss can leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. While focusing on being their rock, you may struggle with your own complex emotions and stress. Our therapy provides a safe space to process these feelings and learn effective ways to support both your partner and yourself, while managing the emotional and practical challenges of this journey. We understand the unique challenges faced by supporting partners and can help you navigate your role with compassion, strength, and resilience.
OUR PROCESS
Book a Free Consultation
Pick a time that works for you to chat about your needs and how we can support you.
Meet Your
Therapist
Get to know your therapist and explore how the journey will unfold together.
Embrace Positive Change
Join your first session and begin making impactful, lasting progress in your life.
BLOG
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How to Support Someone Going Through IVF
When your partner is the person undergoing IVF, you may feel like there is nothing you can do to reduce their exhaustion. However, you can still support them. They need it now more than ever!
Meet the Team
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Rebecca Songhurst MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Emilie Baillarino MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Ruth Diemer MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Alana Jackson MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Mila Marsenijevic MSW RSW
Founder and Clinical Director, Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist
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Caroline Nikiel MSW RSW
Registered Social Worker and Psychotherapist