Counselling

Counselling is an important part of fertility treatment, as infertility can induce strong emotional responses including grief and anger.  Infertility also places a unique stress upon a couple’s relationship as it relates to their sexuality.  It can also be difficult dealing with the questions and responses of well meaning friends and family.  Additionally, dealing with the disappointment and grief of failed treatment cycles can be heartbreaking.  Consultation with a counsellor can provide a healthy avenue of emotional release and help maintain emotional balance.   Patients may also find it helpful to contact a support group.

Counselling within accredited fertility clinics is performed by a counsellor who is experienced and qualified in fertility counselling and who must be a member of ANZICA (see below).  All patients who undergo IVF or ICSI  cycles should have access to a counsellor as part of their treatment.  In full service fertility clinics counselling should be provided free of charge, however patients are advised to confirm with the clinic.

Donor and surrogacy treatments have mandatory counselling which must be provided prior to treatment.  See the Donor and Surrogacy sections of website for further information.

See Emotional Responses to Infertility and Infertility and Sexuality on this website for further information.

Support Groups in Australia

ACCESS Australia   www.access.org.au

Access Australia is Australia’s National Infertility Network and is a independent, non-profit consumer based organisation that represents and provides support and information to infertile men and women in Australia.  Phone: 1800 888 896

Australian Donor Conception Network     www.donorconceptionnetwork.org

A support group available for infertile people in Australia including those considering donor treatments.

Infertility Counsellors

Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association (ANZICA)     www.fertilitysociety.com.au/anzica

Counsellors in accredited Australian fertility clinics must be members of ANZICA.  The Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association reports to RTAC, the Fertility Society of Australia and the New Zealand Infertility Society.  If patients wish to consult a counsellor who specialises in infertility issues then this is a good organisation to contact.  

Emergency Emotional Support

For psychological emergency care patients are advised to contact:
Lifeline Ph: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue Ph: 1300 224 636

Emergency Department at their local hospital