Infertility Counselling - Softcover

Unlike most works on infertility, which are based on the premise that infertility is a medical problem, this book suggests that alongside medical treatment, a creative psychotherapeutic approach can both assist in the conception process itself and also enhance medical intervention. It addresses the psychological dimension inherent in infertility assessment, treatment and pathology and suggests ways in which members of the medical profession can reduce the inherent stress in infertility investigation, as well as alerting them early in the treatment to potential psychological factors. Additionally, a disproportionate number of women present themselves at infertility clinics with anorexia nervosa and other eating/body image disorders. Adequate screening and appropriate treatment is needed to deal with these problems before infertility treatment (if then needed) is needed. Not all psychological intervention necessitates long-term psychotherapy. When treating infertility problems there is a need for advice and information (that is both heard and understood), counselling, support therapy and stress management, as well as the importance of art therapy and dramatherapy as a means of expression in such situations. This book presents a methodology for creative psychotherapeutic dramatherapeutic intervention where appropriate - particularly in unexplained infertility and marital stress. Case histories are used to illustrate the possibility of therapeutic change and insight.