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9/10/2010 10:20:08 PM

gaok

4 posts

Support Group

Hi All

Just wondering if there is any support group in Dublin for couples who have reached the end of the road with treatments and are trying to make peace with the fact that they won't have children? My dh and I are just slowly coming to the conclusion that it's just the two of us and it has been a tough old year for us. Our last try was in Feb when we went to Spain and had DEIVF - we conceived but unfortunately it ended in yet another miscarriage. I find that talking about this to people who have children even having gone through IVF or DEIVF is not the same - nor is it the same as talking to people who haven't quite given up on having children. I know that each person's experience is different but if there are others out there who are in the same situation as dh and I I'd love to know!

8/31/2011 6:31:46 PM

lucey

3 posts

Re: Support

Hi Goak or others! Just wondering if u ever got a reply to this or indeed if you have any advice on how to deal with things after coming to the conclusion that you will not have any children.

We've just had a second uncessful DE cycle and we had agreed for a number of reasons that this was the last effort ..so just trying to come to terms with it . So much of our lives --physically, emotionally, financially etc was devoted to this journey for the last 5 years that it feels like there is alot to figure out now. thanks

11/9/2011 1:24:42 PM

gaok

4 posts

Re: Support

Hello Lucey
No replies on my post from last year - dh and I went for counselling and found it to be v helpful. As you say yourself so much of our lives were spent in trying to have children that its difficult to let it go. We went to H*R* unit and while you have to pay for counselling at least you are talking to people who know their stuff and you don't have to start explaining yourself or the processes. I am better able to cope with the idea of not having children now than when I posted - it will always make me sad and as dh says you never get over it but you learn to get around it. I do find that there are times when I can't cope with the new babies, pregnancy announcements, cute kids in the park, toy ads etc and I tend to do my best to avoid them. Other times I can cope and it doesn't bother me much. I was in Tesco one Sunday morning and it seemed like every toddler in there was having a meltdown and I did kinda smile and think ah well at least I can go home and have a coffee, read the papers etc! But it's taken me a while to get to some kind of level.Hope you are doing ok yourself and working it all out.

11/10/2011 5:29:47 PM

AlisonBough

1 posts

Re: Support

Hi there, I have just spotted this. I am currently undertaking my MA in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I am a graduate member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, a student member of the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Ireland (APCP) and a member of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA).

In addition to a Certificate in Social Science and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology I also hold Postgraduate qualifications in Language Pathology from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. I have lectured for FETAC in the areas of Communication, Education, Child Development and Psychology. I have gained varied and significant professional experience over the last 10 years working in the NHS, in managerial positions within two charitable organisations and have gained a wealth of experience working with adults in the area of mental health.

My current work is largely in the area of Reproductive Psychology and Infertility counselling. My Thesis (due for submission August 2012) is entitled "The Psychological Functioning, Coping Skills and Communication of Couples Dealing With Infertility/Undergoing Assisted Fertilitly Procedures". I see clients in Naas, Co. Kildare Monday-Thursday and am supervised by a Counselling Psychologist.

I would be very happy to facilitate a support group free of charge at our clinic if there is interest/demand for it. In terms of successful group work I would suggest a minimum of three couples and a maximum of six. If anyone would like to get involved/is interested you can contact me at reception@counsellingpsychologist.ie or on (045) 856860.

Alison

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