Did we answer all your fertility questions today?
If you still feel you need more guidance and support, you can book a FREE 1-2-1 discovery meeting to talk through the options available to you.
Fertility Counselling
Professional, dedicated support to help you through treatment.
Fertility treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging. To support you throughout your journey our highly experienced fertility counsellors are always here to listen impartially, with understanding and empathy.
Personalised and tailored to meet your needs, you can access counselling in the best way that suits you, online via Zoom or in person at our clinic.
How Can Counselling Help?
Counselling provides a safe, confidential space where you are free to explore whatever you may be feeling with someone who truly understands the complexities of fertility treatment, yet is independent from your clinical care.
Talking openly can help you to:
- Process difficult emotions such as disappointment, loss or uncertainty
- Manage stress and anxiety during treatment cycles
- Navigate relationship pressures or communication challenges
- Consider complex decisions around treatment options, donor conception or future family planning
- Prepare emotionally for different possible outcomes
- Feel heard, validated and supported without judgement
Fertility treatment can sometimes feel overwhelming. Counselling offers the opportunity to pause, reflect and gain clarity in a calm and private setting.
At Manchester Fertility, you will have the opportunity to talk to a qualified fertility counsellor in complete confidence. Sessions are private, supportive and tailored to your individual circumstances. Whether you attend alone or as a couple, the space is yours to use in the way that feels most helpful.
Our counsellors are experienced in supporting individuals and couples through:
- IVF and other assisted conception treatments
- Recurrent miscarriage
- Donor conception
- Fertility preservation
- Surrogacy
- The emotional impact of unsuccessful treatment
You do not need to be in crisis to seek support. Many patients choose counselling simply to help them feel more emotionally prepared and supported throughout their journey.
Meet Our Councellors
Vicky Parkin
Fertility Counsellor
Vicky is a general counsellor and a specialist infertility counsellor - after completing her diploma, her journey inspired her to take further training to enable her to specialise in fertility. She is an accredited member of BICA (British Infertility Counselling Association) and on the BICA executive committee.
Ann Curley
Fertility Counsellor
Ann has practiced as a Fertility Counsellor since 2002 and continues to be passionate about this role, having personally experienced fertility issues herself. Ann is an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) and has fulfilled the role of Membership Secretary on the BICA Executive Committee.
Gemma Murphy
Counsellor
Gemma is one of Manchester Fertility’s expert fertility counsellors, helping individuals and couples navigate the process more effectively and with greater resilience.
Claire Pickering
Fertility Counsellor
Holding accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and membership with the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA), Claire has honed her expertise in a diverse range of settings. These encompass fertility, relationship dynamics, couples counselling, palliative and bereavement support, trauma and loss management, and addressing anxiety and depression.
Do I Need to Have Counselling?
We understand that fertility treatment can be an emotional journey as well as a physical one. While family and friends can often provide valuable comfort, reassurance and encouragement, they may not always fully understand the complexities, uncertainties, and deeply personal feelings that can arise during treatment.
For many patients, speaking with a specialist fertility counsellor offers a different kind of support. Our counsellors are experienced in working specifically with individuals and couples undergoing fertility treatment. They understand the emotional impact of IVF, genetic conditions, recurrent miscarriage, treatment failure, and the unique considerations involved in donor conception.
For patients facing unusual or rare circumstances, having someone who truly understands the medical, ethical and emotional aspects of their situation can make a significant difference.
At Manchester Fertility, we recommend counselling for all patients, whether you feel you are coping well or simply want space to reflect and prepare. Many people find it helpful not only during challenging moments, but also as a proactive step before treatment begins.
What Can I Talk About?
1
Telling Others
Telling friends, family or work colleagues about fertility struggles. Deciding whether to share your fertility journey and with whom, can feel complicated.
Some people feel relieved when they open up, while others prefer to keep treatment private.
2
Coping Strategies
Fertility treatment can sometimes change dynamics with those closest to you. Loved ones may not always know what to say, may offer unwanted advice, or may unintentionally say things that feel hurtful.
Relationships with pregnant friends or family members can also become emotionally complex.
3
Your Relationship
Fertility challenges can place strain on even the strongest relationships. You and your partner may cope in different ways, one may want to talk openly, while the other may prefer to process things privately.
Differences in decision-making, intimacy, financial pressures and treatment fatigue can all surface.
4
Your Emotions
Fertility treatment can bring intense and sometimes surprising emotions. You may find yourself reacting strongly to pregnancy announcements, baby showers, social media posts, or even everyday conversations.
Counselling offers a safe, confidential space to process these feelings without judgement.
5
Donor Conception
Treatment involving donor sperm, donor eggs or surrogacy brings additional emotional, ethical and practical considerations. Patients often need space to reflect on complex questions and long-term implications.
This is why counselling is mandatory for donor treatment, to ensure you feel fully informed and emotionally prepared for both the present and the future.
6
Social Implications
Every family is unique, and fertility treatment, particularly with donor gametes can raise questions about how others may perceive your path to parenthood. Some patients worry about stigma, cultural expectations, or how to explain their family structure to others.
Case Studies
After having a bad experience with another fertility clinic, we knew we needed to transfer our care to another clinic if we were going to try IVF treatment again. When researching our options online, we found Manchester Fertility and are so glad we did.
Charlotte & Ashley, June 2024
Patient Support Services
Our comprehensive patient support services are designed to complement your medical treatment, enhance your wellbeing, and help you feel informed, prepared and empowered at every stage of your journey.
View our full list of patient support services here
Acupuncture
If you are interested in including acupuncture as part of your fertility journey, we work with a specialist medical acupuncturist - Sharnie Morrison
Acupuncture is a safe and effective complementary therapy often used in conjunction with fertility treatments as it promotes relaxation and is helpful in the management of stress.
Learn More
Fertility Diet & Nutrition Expertise
Nutrition plays an important role in preparing your body for treatment and pregnancy. Our fertility-focused nutrition support provides personalised guidance based on your individual needs, medical history and treatment pathway.
Learn More
Fertility Midwifery
Our fertility midwifery service bridges the gap between fertility treatment and early pregnancy care. For many patients, the transition from clinic to community maternity services can feel daunting, particularly after a long fertility journey.
Learn More
Reflexology
Many fertility patients find complementary therapy beneficial to their health and wellbeing during treatment. If you wish to try a reflexology alongside your fertility treatment, Sarah Wilkins provides a variety of therapies including reflexology, massage, reiki, detox and integrated hypnotherapy, specifically designed for fertility and the treatment journey.
Learn More
Want to know more about Councelling?
Book a free 1-2-1 call
Speak to one of our friendly co-ordinators to find out exactly which type of fertility testing option suits you.
Request a callback
Fill in your details here and we'll call you back to discuss our fertility testing options
View our fertility treatments
Find out more about our fertility treatment for male-factor infertility.