At Care Fertility, we understand that IVF and fertility treatment don’t just affect your body. They take up space in your thoughts, in your relationships, and in every decision you make. That’s why counselling is not an afterthought here—it’s woven into the support we offer every single patient.
On National Counsellors Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the work of our 16 dedicated fertility counsellors. These highly trained professionals are here to support you through the complex emotions that can come with IVF, donation, surrogacy, or trying to conceive.
We spoke to our Lead Counsellor, Dee Durham, about why counselling during fertility treatment is so important:
“Fertility counselling offers a space to cry, to grieve, to rage, to find hope and to keep going… or choose another path,” Dee shared. “It’s a unique and valuable space, purely for the patient but with a supportive hand helping them along the path.”
Understanding your journey
By the time many patients walk through our doors, their journey has already been long. As Dee explains:
"Before our patients arrive at our clinics, they have already been on their fertility journey, many of them for years. What does that journey look like? Often, a slow process—realising there may be an issue, speaking to the GP, waiting for results, fearing the worst, making difficult choices.”
And all this often happens while juggling everyday life—work, family, social events—with quiet determination.”
That’s the backdrop our counsellors understand. They bring clinical knowledge and human understanding in equal measure.
What makes fertility counselling different?
Fertility counselling is tailored to the emotional and psychological challenges that come with IVF and other treatments. It’s available to all our patients—whether you’re in a couple, single, or on a surrogacy path—and you can access it before, during, or after treatment.
Each patient is offered three counselling sessions per round of treatment, and you can book at any stage. If you’re considering donation, surrogacy, or genetic testing, we also offer implications counselling to help you explore every angle of your decision.
There is no expectation, no pressure, and no judgement. As Dee puts it:
“This is your space. The counsellor has no agenda. Just a safe and confidential space to explore the emotional load that fertility treatment invariably brings”.
What happens in a session?
The first session might feel a little daunting. But there’s no need to prepare anything. You’ll be met with warmth, understanding, and confidentiality (with the only exception being safeguarding concerns). Some patients want to talk. Some cry. Others sit in silence until they’re ready. It’s all valid.
Every emotion—anger, hope, grief, confusion—is welcome in the room. Your counsellor will listen without judgement and help you find ways to cope when things feel too big. That might be practical tools to manage stress or simply having someone to talk to who truly gets it.
“Deciding to seek help from a fertility counsellor can in itself be helpful,” Dee says. “Realising you are not alone in how you feel, and that the anxiety and stress can be overwhelming but normal, can be a huge relief”.
It’s not just for when things go wrong
You don’t have to be in crisis to speak to a counsellor. In fact, some of the most powerful conversations happen when things feel steady on the surface—but emotions are bubbling underneath. Talking can help you feel more in control and more connected to yourself, your choices, and your partner.
And if you are navigating something tough—a failed cycle, a miscarriage, the end of treatment—counselling becomes even more essential. We’re here to help you process those feelings, make sense of your next steps, and feel supported through it all.
Understanding stress and fertility
Fertility struggles and stress often go hand in hand. The pressure to conceive, the wait between appointments, the rollercoaster of hope and disappointment—it can all weigh heavily on your mind and body. Research shows that high levels of stress can impact hormone regulation and disrupt reproductive health.
That’s why breaking the stress cycle is so important. In our blog “Stress and fertility: Breaking the cycle,” we explore practical ways to support emotional balance. These include:
- joining a support group or speaking with a counsellor
- incorporating mindfulness or gentle yoga into your routine
- exploring acupuncture or light exercise to promote relaxation
Stress might not be the root cause of fertility issues, but learning how to manage it can make a big difference to how you feel throughout treatment.
Supporting you through IVF’s emotional stages
IVF can stir up a range of emotions—hope, excitement, fear, frustration, even guilt. It’s normal to feel pulled in different directions at once. In our blog “Coping with the emotional aspects of IVF,” we talk about how to stay grounded, even when things feel uncertain.
That might look like:
- leaning on your support network or finding a peer group
- creating space for self-care—think proper rest, nourishing meals, clear boundaries
- writing things down or exploring breathwork to calm your thoughts
- having honest conversations with your partner about how you’re both feeling
Counselling is a cornerstone of this kind of care. It gives you time and space to pause, process and feel supported—whatever stage of the journey you’re in.
A relationship built on trust
By the time you’ve spoken with one of our counsellors, you might already be feeling emotionally saturated. That’s why our counselling team focuses on building something gentle and steady: trust.
This isn’t a clinical relationship. It’s not about diagnosis or solutions. It’s about creating a space where you feel truly heard, free from judgement or pressure. Over time, many patients describe their sessions as an anchor—a reliable point in a sea of uncertainty.
As Dee puts it, “There’s no advice, judgement or criticism. There’s just space, time and someone who understands, listens and supports.”
Whether you attend one session or several, whether you’re navigating a complex decision or just need a pause from the emotional load—your counsellor is there to meet you exactly where you are.
How to book a counselling session
You can book your counselling sessions through your Treatment Companion App or by contacting our Patient Services Team. It’s quick, easy, and always confidential.
Each round of treatment unlocks three counselling sessions at no cost to you. If you ever feel you need more, additional sessions are also available.
At Care Fertility, we believe every part of your journey matters. And whatever you’re carrying, we want to remind you—you don’t have to carry it alone.
