Cultural Considerations in Counseling Couples Who Experience Infertility

Abstract

infertility creates challenges affecting various aspects of couples' intimate lives. practices regarding reproduction are often shaped by cultural messages. culturally sensitive treatment methods help counselors provide effective therapy to couples with fertility problems. this article describes cultural influences, challenges, and counseling interventions for couples struggling with infertility. la infertilidad crea una serie de desafíos que afectan a varios aspectos de la vida íntima de las parejas. las prácticas relacionadas con la reproducción son determinadas frecuentemente por mensajes culturales. unos métodos de tratamiento culturalmente sensibles ayudan a los consejeros a proporcionar una terapia eficaz para las parejas con problemas de fertilidad. este artículo describe las influencias culturales, los desafíos y las intervenciones de consejería para parejas que sufren a causa de su infertilidad.

Counseling-supportive interventions to decrease infertile women’s perceived stress: A systematic review

“…According to American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the goal of infertility counseling is for every infertile couple and person to learn how to face physical and emotional changes that will happen to them during infertility and also changes that may happen in the treatment process. Furthermore, it is necessary for infertility consultants to have comprehensive knowledge of the base of the problem and also have accurate information about the feelings the infertile have and the culture of the region in dealing with the infertile ( 22 ).…”

Women’s Experience of Infertility and Disenfranchised Grief

“…The results of these studies indicate that disenfranchisement of grief impedes the bereavement process and call for professionals to be sensitive to the client’s perceptions and emotional needs. Several studies discuss the need to develop models and methods for counseling infertile clients (Burnett, 2009; Gibson & Myers, 2002; Peterson & Eifert, 2011; Wirtberg et al, 2007), but there is a lack of discussion around informing counselors of how to avoid further disenfranchising a client’s grief. Burns and Covington (2006) briefly describe infertility as a disenfranchised grief and recognize that infertility can be experienced within all three categories of not being publically mourned, openly acknowledged, or socially supported.…”

He said/She said; Shaming, Blaming … Reframing: Impacts and Implications of Childlessness on Relationships in an Ancient Text

“…This assumption may present obstacles in couples’ decision-making processes as well as negatively affect communication and overall intimacy. Feelings of guilt and blame may result and further fracture couples’ connectedness (Burnett, 2009, p. 169).Frequently this results in unhelpful coping strategies and blaming. Studies show that infertility may lead partners to question the purpose and meaning behind their marriage or relationship.…”

“…This assumption may present obstacles in couples’ decision-making processes as well as negatively affect communication and overall intimacy. Feelings of guilt and blame may result and further fracture couples’ connectedness (Burnett, 2009, p. 169).…”