How long is a consultation?
A consultation is 50 minutes. Sometimes when exploring topics such as egg donation, sperm donation or surrogacy, 1.5 hours can be made available for a consult.
How many consultations will I need to have?
There is no set number of consultations you must have. My work with clients is based on their individual needs. Depending on what is happening for you, you may benefit from consecutive consults and at other times you may dip in and out of counselling as you need.
What happens at my initial consultation?
Your initial consult will provide you with an opportunity to share your story. This will enable me to get a better understanding of you and what is happening right now. It is also a time when we can identify what your goals of counselling are.
If I require a letter for my clinic stating I have had counselling for donation can you provide this?
Yes. If your clinic requires a letter stating you have attended for Implications Counselling in relation to egg donation or sperm donation, I am happy to provide this. After your consult I will provide you with a letter which you can share with your treating clinic.
Will counselling delay or interfere in my fertility treatment plan?
No. Counselling is a separate service from your treatment. At times, Consultants, GP’s, Nurses, and other clinic staff may advise or suggest some counselling support. This is perfectly normal and to be expected especially if you are finding the treatment process stressful, if you have had an unsuccessful cycle or if you have had a miscarriage. Engaging in specialist counselling can help you manage the treatment process better and provide necessary emotional support as you deal with treatment outcomes and prepare for future treatment. Counselling can be an aide to your treatment.
Do many people have counselling during fertility treatment?
Yes. Very often before an individual or couple engages with a fertility clinic, they may have already linked in with a specialist fertility counsellor to support them. It is not unusual for women in particular, to experience some episodes of anxiety or depression before, during or after treatment. It is a time of significant pressure and intense emotions therefore feeling scared, anxious or depressed is normal. Specialist Fertility Counselling can be a significant aide to you and a source of great support as you proceed with treatment.
Do many people experience anxiety and depression during and after a pregnancy?
Yes. Anxiety and depression can present during pregnancy and post pregnancy for many women. Most women will experience some level of worry, anxiety and apprehension about their pregnancy and post pregnancy. With some counselling support these worries, and anxieties can be resolved. However, if how you are feeling is prolonged and intensifying it could be that you have developed anxiety or depression. Talking to you GP, Consultant or Midwife about how you are feeling is very important. They may suggest putting in place certain support structures to help you feel better. Very often pregnancy counselling is recommended by GP’s and Consultants in addition to other support structures.
What therapy approaches do you use?
I offer a combined approach to my counselling interventions. I am very aware that at different stages of trying to conceive, pregnancy, post pregnancy, fertility treatment and outcomes, that different interventions are needed. I combine cognitive behaviour and solution focused therapy with a person-centred approach.
What are the consultation fee’s?
1 Hour Individual Consultation €80 *As per January 2024
1 Hour Couples Consultation €100 *As per January 2024
1 Hour Implications Counselling Consultation €120
30 Minutes Individual Consultation €50
30 Minutes Couple Consultation €70
What is the Cancellation, Reschedule & Confidentiality Policy?
Please read the information below as this sets out the boundaries to our therapy work together. This is an informed consent form, and you are asked to read and agree its acceptance before commencing your consultation. Fertility Counselling Care adheres to the Code of Ethics & Practice as set out by the Irish Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy.
Consultation Duration
The duration of each consultation is approximately 50 minutes. (Please note that lateness cannot be made up for at the end of the appointment time).
Professional Fee & Payment
The fee is set out in your confirmation email and is payable before the consultation via the SumUp payment link you will receive by email. Non-payment for consultation may result in cessation or delay of future consultations. You will be informed in advance of the next agreed consultation time, should this arise.
Cancellation Policy
Consultations are organised for an agreed date and time. If you are late attending the consultation, your therapist will stay online for fifteen minutes to allow for any eventualities. If you do not make contact within this time, then the consultation will be considered missed and will be cancelled. You will be charged in full for the consultation. If you are late attending your consultation, the consultation will still end on time.
A minimum of 48-hours’ notice is required to cancel a consultation. If a consultation is cancelled or rescheduled with less than the required notice a charge of 50% of the consultation fee will apply. Missed consultations or cancellations on the day will be charged at the agreed session rate, as this does not leave sufficient time to offer the appointment to someone on out waiting list.
Online Counselling
Consultations will be conducted by video or voice via the Zoom online platform which is secured by end-to-end encryption. It is free and easy to use. Please download Zoom at https://zoom.us/ to your device and to set up an account prior to your first consultation. A meeting invite will be sent to you via email prior to the agreed consultation date and time. No audio or video recordings of consultation will be made.
Technology Failure
If technical difficulties are experienced with the online platform, your therapist will contact you to continue the consultation by phone. If technical difficulties persist the session will be rescheduled.
Protocol for Attending Consultations
Fertility Counselling Care work with all clients in a professional manner and we ask that you do not attend consultations under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Personal Confidentiality
It is essential for you to ensure that you have a safe and private space to work from where you will not be disturbed and that you safe-guard and password protect any device used for consultations.
PLEASE NOTE: Fertility Counselling Care requests that we are notified in advance of the consultation of anyone else who may be present for the consultation, whether they are within view or not of the camera and who are not the named client for the consultation.
Confidentiality
Your consultation is strictly confidential except where your life or the safety of others is threatened or at risk; where there are child protection concerns; or where any legal process supersedes the counselling arrangement. In these circumstances your therapist will encourage and support you to seek help with a relevant agency. If it becomes clear that this will not happen, or if the danger is considered very serious, the therapist may pass the information on directly. In such cases the client is encouraged to allow consent for the therapist to help and to provide the right level of support on their behalf. This may include making an onward referral. Please note that we are mandated reporters under the Children First Act (2015). If you are under medical supervision your permission may be requested to contact your doctor, however, no information about your counselling will be shared with any third party without your express consent. Fertility Counselling Care ensures that all information is kept safe and protected and we ask that you do the same. Consultations may not be recorded electronically. General contact, for practical arrangements will be via ordinary email or text message.
PLEASE NOTE: Accredited counsellors and psychotherapists are required to attend regular supervision, but this does not involve revealing the identity of clients and is solely for the purpose of maintaining the highest professional standards.
Emergency Contact
If you feel you are in crisis or are in danger of harming yourself then is it imperative that you contact the Emergency Services, go to your nearest Accident & Emergency Department or call the Samaritans on 116 123.