Leicester Assisted Conception Services
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Counselling

MONTHLY PATIENT DROP IN SESSION

Many patients tell us about the feeling of isolation they experience with infertility, how deeply distressing it is and how it often touches every aspect of their lives. Some would like the opportunity to share experiences, talk about the daily struggles and share tips for coping.

The causes of infertility and the treatment can be confusing and difficult to understand and talking to other patients and members of the team can provide support and information. It can also increase awareness of personal strengths and weaknesses, and give access to resources which help.

The Leicester Fertility Centre is starting a monthly drop in session open to any infertility patients. There will be general discussions and time for private talks if required, as well as tea and biscuits!

The sessions will be held on the first Monday of the month in the Assisted Conception Unit. No appointment is necessary; just join us anytime between 4.30pm-6.30pm.

Monday 3rd November 2008

4.30pm-6.30pm

Leicester Fertility Centre
Assisted Conception Unit

Infertility treatment can be very stressful on top of what is already an often-heartbreaking problem for a couple. We are acutely aware that infertility affects many aspects of patients' lives. Counselling can help examine feelings and attitudes to the issues and find coping strategies etc if required. We believe that counselling is an integral part of the infertility treatment process.

Counselling is offered to all couples and you are strongly encouraged to take up this service as a normal part of your infertility management. Taking up the option of counselling does not mean that you have failed or are in some way thought to be inadequate. Counselling is not only informative but when required can be supportive as well as therapeutic. In certain circumstances we will insist that counselling is undertaken before treatment can be carried out, as one of our major obligations under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (1990) is to look to the welfare of any child resulting from assisted conception treatments.

There will always be couples who will fail in their dream of having a family of their own. This must be a cause for profound regret but it would be very sad if this led to long-term bitterness. We feel that successful management of infertility does not necessarily mean that the outcome must be for a couple to have a baby. To help a couple come to terms with the fact that they are not going to have a child in the knowledge that they have tried everything that is reasonable and have thoroughly explored every option, can help them to finally close the door on that chapter of their lives together and allow the future to open up for them. This is where support and therapeutic counselling comes into its own. We are fortunate in having very skilled counselling services readily available.

Our counsellor, Mo Thomas, may be reached through the Leicester Fertility Centre, Leicester Royal Infirmary on 0116 2585922.

Counselling sessions with Mo can be made without difficulty and everything possible is done to try and fit these appointments in with your normal daily work commitments. Whatever you discuss with Mo will remain confidential.

An alternative source of independent counselling is available. A contact list of appropriate counsellors can be provided.
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