Why is there a need for infertility counseling? An overview of the training module

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MODULE 1: Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of infertility and its treatment.

 

1. Personal /social/cultural context

2. The narratives and the drawings

3. Challenges –coping with infertility

CASE ILLUSTRATION  

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MODULE 2:  Basic concepts regarding causes of infertility and A.R.T.

1. Basic medical aspects of infertility and its treatment- A.R.T

2. The Distress of Couples during Infertility Treatment

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MODULE 3: Routine Psychosocial Care: ESHRE/ASRM guidelines

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1. Why is it important? The evidence

2. Who can provide?

3. Sharing patient feedback

4. Communication skills for sensitively discussing infertility with patients

5. Conducting sensitizing workshops for the infertility team

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MODULE 3: How to implement distress screening at A.R.T. clinic.

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1. Behavioral observations: some red flag indicators

2. Interview schedule…… for infertility……. to be developed

3. Psychological tests

• Initial screening for risk--- PGI HQ N2; Well being

• Detailed screening using Infertility Specific Tests   Screen IVF, Fertiqol

• The need for culture-specific tests

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MODULE 4: Strategies for assessing and providing psychosocial support to couple during the A.R.T. process

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• Intake: preparation for infertility treatment

  • Information provision

  • Lifestyle change

  • Yoga based techniques 

• During treatment
  Interventions during phases of high stress.

  • Before oocyte pick-up

  • Before embryo transfer

  • The waiting period

  • The forgotten male

• ​After treatment – Successful outcome

• After treatment -- Failure /miscarriage
  Breaking bad news

 

MODULE 5: Specialized Psychosocial care: The invisible grief.

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1. Marriage counseling during infertility treatment
   CASE STUDIES

2. Male sexual dysfunction and  infertility
   CASE STUDIES

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MODULE 6: Holistic Approaches

1. SEHT – Subconscious Energy Healing Therapy

2. Use of Hypnotherapy in Infertility  

3. Yoga-based techniques for enhanced self-regulation

4. Holistic IUI and IVF: Positive psychology and affirmations

5. Mindfulness in Infertility Treatment

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MODULE 7: Emerging trends

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1. Use of Internet-based technology: The KindMap App and MyJourney App

2. Decision aids
   CASE STUDY DISCUSSION

 

MODULE 8:

 Third-party reproduction: Psychological concerns

• Surrogacy

• Gamete donor

• The welfare of the child

• Evidence: Long-term follow-up of children born through ART

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Course Format: This course would include lectures, presentations, case studies, and clinical examples. Further role-playing and simulated counseling sessions will provide learners with an opportunity to practice their skills in a safe and supportive environment. This enhances confidence and competence in working with clients dealing with infertility.

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Course Duration: The course duration is approximately 45 hours

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Course Outcome:

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The outcomes of infertility counseling training will be significant and impactful as it will provide students with a deeper understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by individuals and couples struggling with infertility. This will lead to deeper knowledge of the medical causes of infertility, the emotional impact of infertility, and the various treatment options available. It will finally equip the trainees with skills and techniques to develop greater empathy and sensitivity towards clients dealing with infertility

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Participants in the infertility counseling training course will learn how to:

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• Understand the emotional and psychological impact of infertility on individuals and couples

• Develop effective counseling strategies for supporting individuals and couples struggling with infertility

• Help clients manage their emotions and cope with the challenges of infertility

• Understand and navigate the ethical issues related to infertility counseling

• Communicate sensitively and effectively with clients and many more

 

This is a comprehensive and valuable resource for professionals who are working in the field of counseling and would want to specialize in Infertility Counselling as this is the evolving industry, after ART guidelines and the ruling of MOHFW and ICMR. It provides participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to provide effective and compassionate support to those who are struggling with infertility.