Course Description

Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 individuals and often presents in therapy settings, even when therapists do not specialize in reproductive mental health. Many clinicians report feeling unprepared to support clients navigating fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, donor conception, or the decision to stop trying to build a family.

This upcoming training provides an introduction to the psychological impact of infertility and the unique clinical themes that emerge in this population. Participants will learn a thematic framework for case conceptualization, common emotional and relational patterns seen during fertility treatment, and practical interventions for supporting individuals and couples. The course will also include a brief, attachment-informed perspective on working with couples experiencing infertility.

This training is designed for generalist therapists who want to feel more confident, competent, and emotionally attuned when infertility shows up in their clinical work, as well as perinatal therapists seeking to round out their training.

Presented by Ashley Germann LISW-S, PMH-C and Samantha Deribin LISW.

Course Objectives

1. Describe the basic medical and psychosocial aspects of infertility and common fertility treatments.

2. Identify at least five psychological themes commonly present in clients experiencing infertility.

3. Explain how infertility can activate attachment, identity, and trauma-related dynamics.

4. Apply a thematic framework to case conceptualization with infertility clients.

5. Demonstrate at least three therapist responses that support emotional processing rather than problem-solving.

6. Describe common relational patterns that emerge in couples experiencing infertility.

7. Explain how attachment-based concepts can be applied to infertility-related distress.

8. Identify situations in which referral to a reproductive mental health specialist is clinically indicated.

Lotus Counseling Collective is an Approved Provider with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Provider Approval #RCST012403.