How to Ride the Infertility Tsunami without Getting Swamped
Helen Adrienne, LCSW, BCD
Format: MP3 Audio file download

Infertility is traumatic, always unexpected and existential in its depth, universally leaving people feeling out of control. The stress of this bio-psycho-socio-spiritual crisis has been measured on par with life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and HIV/AIDS. While medical interventions are astounding in their ability to help people procreate, the protocols are demanding mentally, physically, financially and socially. Furthermore, because the treatment feels like science fiction--especially compared to love-making--trauma is intensified. Clinicians should know the special needs and effective treatments for this growing population. It is virtually universal for this population to lose resiliency. Mind/ Body interventions humanize the technology. Hypnosis is a boon to these patients; it loosens the grip of anxiety and depression and facilitates connection with inner resources. While bringing home a baby is the only true resolution, mind/ body interventions go a long way to enhancing coping skills, making it easier to endure the emotional roller coaster that could go on for years. Mind/Body methods have been field-tested and are holistic, embracing cognitive, mindfulness, spiritual, hypnotic and other approaches. Acceptance, increased awareness and learning adaptive mind/body methods return the locus of control to the patient and with it, resiliency and hope while they await their miracle.

During and at the conclusion of this session, the attendee will be able to:

• List typical physical, emotional and spiritual responses to the stress of infertility; and
• Develop "from the inside out" the effective mind/body coping skills.