These structured group programs are modelled after Dr Alice Domar, PhD (www.domarcenter.com) internationally acclaimed mind/body fertility programs. Dr Domar is the leading expert of mind/body medicine for infertility. These group programs are designed to help couples or individuals cope with the physical & emotional impact of infertility. Research shows that participants in Mind/Body programs for infertility experience significant decreases in stress-related physical symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, back/neck pain, headaches. It has also been clinically proven to reduce feelings of emotional distress.

Infertility can affect every aspect of your life. In general, there are two types of people who we know will benefit from the mind/body programs offered by Conceivable Options:

Those who are feeling okay, but anticipate more intense feelings as treatment progresses and want to stay okay
Those who are already feeling not okay

MIND/BODY WELLNESS PROGRAMS

Watch for exciting new programs coming in the Fall 2010

At Conceivable Options, our goal is to have all of our clients at the okay end of the scale. There are some very key reasons why we feel strongly about helping clients maintain the lowest distress level possible.

1.   We do not want clients to feel sad, anxious, guilty, lonely or angry as they go through fertility treatment. The physical rigors of fertility treatment are enough to manage.

2.   Research shows that the level of distress may impact the success of treatment. The most recent study showed that women who were the most anxious and depressed prior to their IVF treatment cycle were 93% less likely to conceive than the least distressed women.

3.   A study published in February 2004 shows that the #1 reason patients drop out of fertility treatment is not because their physician was discouraging them from continuing, but because of their distress.

This program combines lecture, skills training, and group sharing to enable you to take back control of your life, cope with your infertility in a much more positive way, and learn about lifestyle habits that can enhance your fertility, and contribute to your happiness and good health for the rest of your life.

Goals of the Program

decrease isolation surrounding infertility
reduce physical symptoms of stress which include headache, fatigue, and insomnia
examine lifestyle behaviours that can impact fertility
explore efficacy of alternative medicine approaches
learn the art of self-nurturance, effective communication and coping with negative emotions
explore a variety of relaxation methods
learn cognitive restructuring, which involves identifying and reframing recurrent negative thought patterns
reconnect with your partner

The programs are led by Louise Kirkhope, who has been personally trained by Dr Alice Domar, PhD, and also includes additional instruction by a select group of other mind/body specialists on nutrition, acupuncture, and yoga.

Mind/Body Fertility Program - Formats

The Mind/Body Fertility Program is available in two formats – Weekend Retreat or 10 week program:

Mind/Body Fertility Weekend Retreat

The Mind/Body Weekend Retreat is an intensive, two day retreat designed to help alleviate emotional and physical distress, along with offering invaluable guidance and support, to those experiencing infertility. Unlike the 10 week program, the weekend retreat allows for the full integration of partners into the curriculum.

The Mind/Body Fertility Weekend Retreat Includes:

2 day workshop
Lunch and refreshments on both days
Mind/Body Program for Infertility Patient Manual
Healing Mind/Healthy Woman book, by Alice Domar

Experiential training will be provided throughout the weekend. These interventions are most effective when you commit to incorporating them into your life in the ensuing weeks.

Mind/Body Fertility Ten Week Program

The Ten Week Mind/Body Fertility Program teaches the same mind/body approaches as in the weekend retreat, but over a longer period of time, which allows for more group sharing and ongoing symptom monitoring.

This program includes:

10 group sessions (which includes a full Saturday session)
2 individual counselling sessions
Phone access to group leader during the 10 weeks
Weekend day session lunch for you and your partner
Mind/Body Program for Infertility Patient Manual
Healing Mind/Healthy Woman book by Alice Domar

*partners are encouraged to attend sessions 1, 7, and 9.

Conceivable Options Counselling Services can offer its Mind/Body Fertility Program on an individual basis. This format is customized to meet the unique needs of the individual or couple.