Overview
The experience of infertility is one of the most difficult ordeals a couple can face. From the staff of the Ackerman Institute for the Family's Infertility Project, this volume describes a unique therapeutic approach developed to help couples confront and survive this painful life challenge. Within a comprehensive multiphase framework, detailed guidelines are set forth for implementing interventions to help couples cope with an infertility diagnosis; navigate the maze of available treatment options; and make difficult decisions about medical procedures and alternatives.. "Providing invaluable knowledge and tools for a wide array of clinical professionals, this book belongs on the shelf of family therapists and other psychotherapists, as well as fertility counselors, adoption specialists, and practitioners of obstetrics/gynecology and family medicine. Students of family therapy, social work, clinical psychology, psychiatry, and nursing will find it a lucid, informative text.The book contains no figures.
This book describes in step-by-step detail a unique therapeutic approach developed to treat couples confronting the painful challenge of infertility. Therapists learn how they can help couples accept the possibility of not having genetically related children; acknowledge each other's feelings and deal with problems that may arise in their relationship; and assess the potential gains, pitfalls, and psychological effects of available treatment options. Detailed guidelines are set forth for implementing therapeutic interventions in each of five unique stages typically experienced by couples. Illuminating the tasks that couples and therapists face throughout the process, the book is illustrated with extensive case examples that bring the material to life. A useful Appendix provides current information on medical evaluation and treatment.
Synopsis
This volume describes in step-by-step detail a unique therapeutic approach developed to treat couples confronting the painful challenge of infertility. Therapists learn how they can help couples accept the possibility of not having genetically related children; acknowledge each other's feelings and deal with problems that may arise in their relationship; and assess the potential gains, pitfalls, and psychological effects of available treatment options. Detailed guidelines are set forth for implementing therapeutic interventions in each of five unique stages typically experienced by couples. Illuminating the tasks that couples and therapists face throughout the process, the book is illustrated with extensive case examples that bring the material to life. A useful Appendix provides current information on medical evaluation and treatment.
Booknews
A joint project by several therapists from an infertility institution in New York City, this volume addresses a wide range of issues from a basic overview of infertility through the issues that emerge during the process of trying to have a baby and options that arise throughout. Treatment options are covered in the appendix. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Editorials
From the Publisher
"This long overdue book is sure to become an authoritative source for understanding and dealing with the many ramifications of infertility. It is a book to be treasured by therapists and couples alike, combining technological information with enlightening therapeutic approaches. It touches on every level of this heartrending experience, with specific guidelines for helping couples through the maze of decisions, choices, disappointments, and possibilities engendered by being childless. No therapist should be without it." --Peggy Papp, MSW"Couple Therapy for Infertility is an essential reference for clinicians working with infertile couples. Using an excellent blend of research, theory and clinical material, the authors provide a sturdy foundation upon which mental health professionals can build a constructive therapeutic relationship with these couples. This book is both practical and compassionate. The format interweaves issues and therapeutic approaches and is tremendously helpful and accessible. Whether clinicians already have been working in the infertility field or are brand new, Couple Therapy for Infertility is a 'must read.'" --Andrea Mechanick Braverman, PhD, Director of Psychological Services, Pennsylvania Reproductive Associates, Philadelphia, PA
"Professionals who work with the ever-larger number of couples struggling with infertility will welcome this thoughtful, clinically sophisticated guide. The authors elucidate complex biological, psychological, and social issues, providing the reader with a clear and understandable map of the pathway in life known as infertility. Beyond this, they bring together the best elements of current research and family therapy-informed practice. This book is to be commended for the skills it will impart to healthcare providers and the help it will offer to couples." --Donald A. Bloch, MD, Co-Chair, Collaborative Family Healthcare Coalition; Past President, American Family Therapy Academy