Workshops & Support Groups

From the moment we are born, we are all part of a group.
They can help us to feel supported and not alone.

Fertility Workshops

Trying to build a family can be an unexpected journey with much to navigate. These workshops are designed to assist you along the way.

The purpose of this 2-part workshop series is to open up the conversation on family building options and explore the emotional, physical, and economic aspects of the journey. These aims will be achieved by providing information, support, and tools to assist the participants in navigating this process, while also allowing for conversations with others on similar paths.

Topics Discussed Include:

GENERAL IVF
SUPPORT
GROUP

The physical and emotional impact of a fertility journey can elicit feelings that range from joy and optimism, to being overwhelmed, isolated and confused. A fertility journey can evoke many emotions, and in some instances change every part of your daily routine. It can become a 24/7 priority and focus, which for some can feel all consuming.

This workshop will help participants assess the overall impact of their fertility journey. It will allow attendees to learn from and draw on the strength of others as it explores the bio-psycho-social impact, from diagnosis to delivery.

In this workshop, we will explore:

  • The physical, emotional, and financial impact of accessing care and how to navigate through your fertility journey
  • Coping strategies
  • Understanding thoughts
  • Explorations of feelings that include anxiety, stress, grief
  • Self-care and empowerment
  • Structure of routines
  • Relationships
  • Communication
  • Assisting attendees in understanding the impact their fertility journey is having on them,
  • their partner (if they have one), and their support system while recognizing they are not alone

These themes will be explored via

  • Practitioner led inputs
  • Worksheets, exercises, and recourses
  • Questions and answers
  • Group work and facilitated conversations between participants

INTENDED PARENTS (IP) OF DONOR EGG, SPERM, EMBRYO & SURROGACY BABIES

For some, the thought of donor conception, surrogacy, and adoption to build their family was one that was anticipated, and for others, it was not. Regardless, there is a complexity of thoughts and emotions that deserve to be discussed to help the intended parent(s) cope and feel better equipped for this path to parenthood.

This workshop allows the intended parent(s) to come together to explore the current and future impact associated with this special relationship.

Topics discussed include:

  • Exploration of the journey to donor, surrogacy, and adoption
  • Navigating the physical, emotional, and financial impact of building your family through third-party reproduction
  • Acknowledgement and significance of emotional impact anxiety, stress, grief
  • Coping strategies, self-care and empowerment
  • Exploration of the impact associated with third-party reproduction in all areas of your life

The workshop will also cover:

  • What to consider when choosing an egg donor, a gestational carrier, and a surrogacy agency
  • How to make thoughtful, confident decisions along the way
  • Relationships and support systems
  • Communication

These themes will be explored via:

  • Worksheets
  • Exercise and resources
  • Breakout sessions
  • Questions and answers

RECIPIENT PARENTS OF CHILDREN BORN THROUGH DONOR EGG, SPERM & SURROGACY

Having your child through the assistance of 3rd party reproduction can include contemplation, excitement, “cautious” optimism, and concerns. After the child is born, there is no denying the love. While each parent knows their child would not be here without them, concerns and insecurities can build over the lack of genetic connection. Parents often report feelings of anxiety at the prospects of future conversations about how the child came into the world.

This workshop allows the participant to know they are ‘not alone’ and will provide a safe place to share and gain a greater understanding of themselves, their child, and their own need.

Topics covered during the workshop include:

  • Accessing support emotionally, legally, and financially
  • Processing your family-building journey
  • Short-term and long-term considerations as you raise your child
  • Empowering yourself for questions and concerns that may arise
  • When to tell your child their story and how relationships and support systems
  • Acknowledgement and significance of emotional impact anxiety, stress, grief
  • Coping strategies
  • Self-care and empowerment

These themes will be explored via:

  • Worksheets
  • Exercise and recourses
  • Breakout sessions
  • Questions and answers

Current and Upcoming
Support Groups, Lectures, & Workshops

INTENDED PARENTS (IP) OF DONOR EGG, SPERM, EMBRYO & SURROGACY BABIES

This group allows for the IPs to come together to explore the impact both current and future associated with this special relationship. For some, the thought of 3rd party was one that was anticipated and for others it was not. In either case there is a complexity that deserves to be talked about with others on similar journeys in order to help the parent cope and feel better equipped.

GENERAL IVF SUPPORT GROUP

The physical & emotional impact of a fertility journey can elicit feelings that range from joy & optimism to being overwhelmed, isolated  & confused.  Groups allow members the opportunity to draw on the strengths of others. A fertility journey can elicit so many emotions, change every part of your daily routine becoming a priority and focus. The group will allow attendees to explore ways of coping with concerns, stress, routines, relationships, communication and more.

RECIPIENT PARENTS (RI) OF  CHILDREN BORN THROUGH
DONOR EGG, SPERM & SURROGACY

Having your child through the assistance of 3rd party reproduction can include contemplation, excitement, “cautious” optimism and concerns.  After the child is born there is no denying the love. While each parent knows their child would not be here without them, concerns can continue over the biological connection and future conversations about how the child came into the world.   Joining a group allows participant to know they are not alone, feel understood, supported, having a “safe place” to share and gain a greater understanding of themselves, their needs, and the ways in which to meet them. The group is held online to accommodate new mom’s hectic schedules. Key topics will be discuss while the group will be tailored to the participants. The group is led by Lori Metz, LCSW,CCM,BC-TMH, special professional guests may be invited to participate in response to the group discussion.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR THE PARTNER

The decision to begin fertility treatment has a physical, emotional and financial impact on the couple trying to conceive. It can elicit a wide array of feelings.  While typically most of the emotional support is focused on the one attempting to conceive, many partners feel helpless and alone, believing it is not their body going through the process.  Group members usually feel supported, less alone and able to gain greater understanding through coming together and sharing experiences. The 6 week group will be arranged to accommodate schedules and can be held in-person  or as a video conference. The agenda includes key topics for the partners to discuss.

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The Podcast.

Bringing you insight and experiences into love, relationships and fertility, with a focus on enjoying life and moving forward.

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