Complementary Therapies for Infertility
Other Complementary Therapies Can Help
A range of natural therapies, as a complement to Western medical assisted techniques, can be extremely useful. Which ones and in which combination will depend, of course, on your individual situation.
There are many therapies to choose from, including counselling, hypnotherapy and massage (Manual Lymphatic Drainage, aromatherapy), are useful in addressing specific areas of physical or emotional imbalance.
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counselling and Psychotherapy can provide a space to focus on the emotional experiences that are part of the process of trying to conceive. Some of the emotions experienced may be distressing and confusing such as: anger, jealousy and resentment towards friends and family without fertility issues, which are normal. You can find yourself surprised at how bitter you feel and not at all comfortable about expressing these feelings.
You can also find yourself in the grip of unexpected and negative feelings about your partner and yourself. How you see yourself as a woman or a man can be hugely challenged, as can be your personal sense of sexuality. These big, powerful issues can be further complicated by difficult decisions around whether or not to have a certain treatment, while at the same time feeling a pressure ‘not to be stressed’.
Counselling or psychotherapy can be a companion during these difficult times. It involves you and the therapist meeting, talking and listening together; it is a shared process nurtured in a safe and dependable environment.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy that incorporates self-hypnosis and visualisation training can help too. It can be very effective at providing strategies for managing stress and for providing self-help techniques to help you keep calm and focussed throughout your IVF programme.
Massage
Any type of massage will be useful, including reflexology. All offer improved blood circulation and detoxification. Particularly good at this is Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Swedish or therapeutic massage. Also the essential oils of aromatherapy can induce deep relaxation and positive feelings of wellbeing.
If other therapies are relevant, at your initial consultation and throughout your treatment plan, we can consider and advise on the most appropriate therapies for you.
Associates
We work closely with a selection of therapists which are able to offer other help when required. Our associates are:Aromatherapy: with Tracey Goulding
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to relieve stress, tension and aches and pain. It allows you time out of the stress of trying to conceive, to give your mind and body a peaceful and relaxing space. Advice on your home care use of oils can be given. For further information, go to our Aromatherapy section: Aromatherapy Treatments. We also offer aromatherapy maternity care, for further information go to our section on pregnancy Preganancy care
Counselling and Psychotherapy: with Lesley Haswell and Christine Martin
Lesley and Christine from Haswell, Martin and Rose are professionally trained and registered counsellors and therapists. They work carefully and respectfully, honouring your privacy, autonomy and independence, and they create a space to reflect on how these challenging emotions, including the negative ones, are affecting your life. www.haswellmartinrose.com
Counselling: with Cristina Vrech
Cristina Vrech is a professionally qualified counsellor. Cristina works sensitively and confidentially helping you to transform issues and challenges into opportunities for transformation and healing. Cristina uses a range of models of counselling according to what feels most valuable and effective for achieving positive change and transformation.
www.CristinaVrechCounselling.co.uk
Hypnotherapy: with Duncan Sequeira
Duncan qualified as a hypnotherapist in 1995 and has since kept up with the latest developments in the field, by training with many practitioners including, Valerie Austin, David Landau, Paul McKenna and the Essex Institute of Clinical Hypnosis and the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. www.metrohypnotherapy.com
Reflexology: with Heather Hayes
Reflexology is an ancient practice which has evolved into a new therapy that activates the innate healing powers of the body through pressure techniques administered to specific reflex points of the foot. Although it may not be used as a diagnosis or a cure, reflexology will return the body to a state of balance by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Heather has over six years experience both in London and the US. Having qualified as a Reflexologist, at the Central London School of Reflexology under the expert guidance of cofounders Michael and Louise Keet in 2001, Heather’s treatments have been enhanced by the recent and radical teachings of Lee Anthony Taylor which focus more on speciality problem areas including fertility, migraine, MS and cancer. www.healingfeeling.org
These therapists work in different locations and so their availability could be restricted, other contacts can given where necessary, if required.