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
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we respectfully request at least 48 hours notice. Our policy is any cancellation or reschedule made less that 48 hours notice will result in a cancellation fee of 50% of the consultation charge. No show appointments or cancellations on the day of your scheduled appointment will be charged in full. We thank you for your understanding and co-operation.