Fertility and conception support

Infertility Counselling

Expert support for the emotional strain, anxiety and grief that accompany the journey through fertility challenges.

Clinical Overview

Supporting your fertility journey

Infertility presents as a significant challenge that spans medical, psychological and relational spheres, often resulting in deep cycles of grief and anxiety. Impacting roughly 1 in 7 couples, the journey through investigations and treatment can consume one's daily life and sense of future. We provide integrative care, combining CBT, mindfulness and relational therapy to help manage the emotional load, support couples' resilience and provide stability throughout the fertility process.

Prevalence

Around 1 in 7 couples experience infertility

Gold-standard treatment

CBT, mindfulness-informed therapy and relationship support

Typical recovery

Support is often helpful across diagnosis, treatment cycles and decision points

Acknowledging the emotional reality

Infertility is linked with high rates of anxiety, depression and grief

Couple-focused support

Therapy can help individuals and partners cope more sustainably

HFEA fertility information

1 in 7

Couples experience difficulty conceiving

IVF

Treatment cycles can amplify anxiety, loss of control and relationship pressure

Both

Emotional impact often affects individuals and couples differently

Quick check

Is Counselling right for you?

Answer 3 quick questions to find out

Question 1 of 30% complete

How long has this been affecting you?

There are no right or wrong answers.

Free self-assessment

Free anxiety test

Two minutes, confidential, instant results. See where you stand before you book.

Take the test
DM
Dr Martina Paglia

Clinically reviewed by

Dr Martina Paglia

Founder & CEO of Mind a Porter

HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist

Special interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, burnout, workplace stress, relationship difficulties and high-performance mental wellbeing.

Last reviewed: 13 August 2026

All health information on Mind a Porter is clinically reviewed by our clinical lead. These resources are educational and do not replace professional advice.

AI-ready summary

Infertility is not only a medical issue; it is often a grief, anxiety and identity crisis that affects mood, relationships, sex, finances and the sense of a hoped-for future. Around 1 in 7 couples experience difficulty conceiving, and fertility treatment pathways can intensify stress, uncertainty and repeated disappointment. CBT, mindfulness-informed therapy, grief work and couple support can all help reduce emotional distress and improve coping across the fertility journey.

Understanding fertility stress

Managing the strain of fertility journeys

Infertility is an experience that often involves a relentless cycle of anticipation, waiting and repeated disappointment. It is a journey that changes how you view your body, your partner, your financial choices and your envisioned future. Many of our clients arrive at infertility counselling after feeling as though their lives have been put on hold, struggling to maintain a sense of balance amidst the constant uncertainty.

The fertility journey can be uniquely isolating, as it impacts almost every facet of life in London—from balancing high-pressure career demands to managing the strain on friendships and social spaces. You may feel a persistent sense of grief for the future you planned, or a overwhelming pressure to make decisions during a time of immense emotional exhaustion. It is common to feel detached from your partner or to notice how differently you are each processing the difficulty.

Our goal is not to offer false promises, but to provide a secure space where you can process the weight of your experience. We support individuals and couples through the difficult terrain of diagnosis, IVF, donor conception or the tough choices about when to stop. Therapy helps you regain a sense of self that exists independently of the fertility journey, teaching you how to build resilience and self-compassion while navigating these challenges.

Good support acknowledges the reality of your pain. We make room for the anger, the envy of others' pregnancies, the bodily betrayal and the sheer exhaustion of it all. By integrating clinical tools with deep emotional support, we work to ensure that you are not navigating this path in the dark.

Understanding causes

What contributes to infertility

Infertility rarely has a single cause. It usually builds up from a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors, and understanding your own pattern is an important part of finding the right support.

Biological factors: Genetics, brain chemistry, physical health and sleep patterns can all play a role in how infertility develops and is experienced.

Psychological factors: Thinking styles, past experiences, personality traits and learned coping patterns can maintain or worsen infertility over time.

Environmental factors: Stress, relationships, work pressure, life transitions and broader social or cultural factors often contribute to when and how infertility surfaces.

Benefits

The benefits of Infertility Counselling

A clearer understanding of what is keeping your infertility going and why

Practical tools from cbt to manage triggers and setbacks in daily life

Reduced intensity and frequency of infertility symptoms as the work progresses

Better sleep, focus and energy as infertility stops dominating your day

More confidence in social, work and relationship situations

A therapeutic relationship you can return to whenever things feel harder

Emotional impacts of infertility

Identifying the signs of fertility strain

Infertility impacts much more than the reproductive process. If you notice these shifts, therapy can provide a much-needed outlet.

  • Grief about the life path you expected to have
  • Anxiety around tests, scans, treatment cycles or outcomes
  • Depression, numbness or emotional exhaustion after repeated disappointment
  • Jealousy, envy or pain around other pregnancies and babies
  • Relationship strain, sexual pressure or feeling emotionally out of sync with your partner
  • Loss of trust in your body or identity
  • Compulsive research, overmonitoring or difficulty switching off
  • Fear, confusion or collapse around decisions about next steps

When to seek help

When is it time to seek therapy for infertility?

It is worth reaching out when infertility is starting to affect your daily life, relationships or wellbeing. You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable. These are the signs that professional support could help.

  • grief about the life path you expected to have
  • anxiety around tests, scans, treatment cycles or outcomes
  • depression, numbness or emotional exhaustion after repeated disappointment
  • jealousy, envy or pain around other pregnancies and babies
  • relationship strain, sexual pressure or feeling emotionally out of sync with your partner
  • loss of trust in your body or identity

Recognise any of these signs?

You don't have to figure it out alone. A 15-minute £1 discovery call can help you make sense of what's happening and what kind of support might help. Therapy for infertility is available online or in person in London.

Clinical treatment methods

Our therapeutic framework for fertility

We combine evidence-based tools to help you build resilience, process your emotions and navigate uncertainty.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Addressing the loops of anxiety and self-blame that arise during treatment cycles and waiting periods.

Learn more

Mindfulness-informed therapy

Helping to calm the nervous system when hypervigilance and monitoring become sources of constant stress.

Learn more

Grief-focused therapy

Working through the losses of imagined futures and the profound disappointment of negative cycles.

Learn more

Couple and attachment-focused support

Strengthening communication and intimacy to ensure you and your partner stay connected through the journey.

Learn more

Fees & booking

Transparent pricing for infertility counselling

50-minute sessions, online or in person across London
Fees set by each therapist and shown before you book
Private insurance accepted by many clinicians

Clients never pay more with us than going direct, and our therapists offer their best rates.

What to expect

What does a first infertility counselling session look like?

A first infertility session usually starts by understanding where you are in the fertility journey and what it is taking from you. Your therapist will ask about diagnosis, treatment cycles, waiting, repeated disappointment, anxiety around scans and results, and how the process is affecting your mood, body, relationship, work and sense of the future.

You may also explore grief for the future you imagined, jealousy of other pregnancies, loss of trust in your body, sexual pressure, financial strain and the difficult decisions about whether to continue, change path or stop. The session makes room for anger and envy because these are normal in fertility struggles, not shameful.

By the end of the session you should feel more supported and less alone, with a clearer understanding of what CBT, mindfulness-informed or grief-focused work would involve and how therapy can support you across treatment cycles and decision points. Most people leave feeling more able to cope with the uncertainty.

Ready to take the first step?

Book a £1 discovery call, or browse therapists near you for infertility counselling. Online and in-person sessions across London.

Why Choose Us

Why choose us for infertility counselling?

We offer fertility support that is deeply empathetic, clinically informed and focused on preserving your mental health and your relationships.

Perinatal specialists

Therapists with real experience of the emotional realities of pregnancy, birth, loss and early parenthood.

Compassionate care

Warm, steady support for the exhaustion, guilt, anxiety and unspoken loneliness that can arrive with parenthood.

System-aware support

Care that also makes room for partner dynamics, co-parenting pressure and the wider family around you.

Evidence-based

Therapy draws on CBT, IPT, EMDR and attachment-informed work, depending on what is actually happening for you.

Therapists Offering Counselling

£1 Discovery Call
Emily McMullan
Easy Booking
WomanOnline via Google Meet

Mrs Emily McmullanCounsellor

PG Diploma5+ years of experience

I am a BACP-registered counsellor holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy. With five years of clinical experience, including extensive service within the NHS, I provide professional, confidential support to teenagers aged thirteen to seventeen and adults. My practice is focused on online therapy, delivered via video or telephone, providing an accessible space for those navigating complex emotional challenges. I bring depth of experience to issues such as bereavement, depression, burnout, and profound life transitions, alongside supporting clients managing codependency, perfectionism, and workplace stress. I am equally adept at helping individuals navigate the intricacies of relationship issues, including trust, jealousy, and abandonment. Throughout my five years of practice, I have remained committed to providing a calm, professional, and consistent environment where individuals can explore the nuances of their personal experiences. Whether you are addressing long-standing imposter syndrome or immediate feelings of loneliness, I offer a steady, informed presence to support your journey.

English
From £50 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Aanu Jide-Ojo
Easy Booking
WomanOnline via Google Meet

Ms Aanu Jide-ojoClinical Psychologist

M.Sc. Organisational Psychiatry and Psychology · M.Sc. Clini…7+ years of experience

I am an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with seven years of professional experience. My academic background includes a B.Sc. in Psychology, an M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, and an M.Sc. in Organisational Psychiatry and Psychology. I provide a comprehensive range of clinical services, including individual therapy, couples and family counselling, and autism assessment. My practice is informed by an extensive breadth of modalities, such as CBT, ACT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, the Gottman Method, and Somatic Therapy. I work with a diverse client base, supporting teenagers, adults, and seniors through complex challenges including PTSD, personality disorders, neurodivergence, and relationship dynamics. By integrating trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirmative approaches, I offer a tailored, professional space designed to address the unique intersections of identity and life experience. My clinical commitment is to provide expert, evidence-based psychological support that empowers you to navigate significant transitions, workplace pressures, and personal growth with confidence and clarity.

English
From £120 /session
🔥 Booked in Last 48 hrs
£1 Discovery Call
Roberta Crescenzo
Easy Booking
Woman ChelseaOnline via Google Meet

Mrs Roberta CrescenzoCounsellor

PGDip15+ years of experience

I am a BACP-registered counsellor with 15 years of experience supporting adults across the private and voluntary sectors. I hold a PGDip in Attachment-Based Therapy and an Adv. Dip. in Humanistic Integrative Counselling, providing me with a robust clinical foundation to support clients navigating complex personal, emotional, and relational challenges. I offer both short-term and open-ended therapy, welcoming adults from diverse backgrounds to my practice in South West London and online. My clinical expertise spans a broad spectrum, including bereavement, trauma recovery from domestic abuse and gaslighting, infertility, and various forms of anxiety. I am particularly adept at helping individuals manage the pressures of life transitions, low self-esteem, and relationship complexities. Whether you are dealing with the impact of past experiences or current life stressors, I provide a professional, thoughtful space where we can work together to understand your history and cultivate greater resilience in your everyday life.

EnglishItalian
From £70 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Param Singh Sahni
Easy Booking
Man Sudbury HillOnline via Google Meet

Mr Param Singh SahniPsychotherapist

MSc · PGDip · BA10+ years of experience

I am a UKCP-registered and BACP-accredited psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience, offering a warm, collaborative space for adults seeking meaningful change. My practice is informed by an MSc and a breadth of specialist training, allowing me to support clients through a diverse range of challenges including anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, addiction, and complex trauma. As a British Punjabi Sikh therapist, I bring a unique depth to my work, carefully considering the intersections of culture, race, faith, and identity. My expertise spans individual and online therapy, where I integrate modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Therapy to meet your specific needs. Whether we are navigating life transitions, relationship dynamics, or professional burnout, my aim is to facilitate genuine understanding. I am committed to providing an inclusive, non-judgemental environment where you can explore your personal history and current experiences to foster lasting emotional growth and wellbeing.

EnglishHindiPunjabi+1
From £120 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Harriet Marciano
WomanOnline via Google Meet

Mrs Harriet MarcianoPsychotherapist

Dip13+ years of experience

I am a UKCP-registered psychotherapist with over 13 years of clinical experience, providing a supportive space for adults to navigate complex life transitions and personal challenges. My practice spans both the voluntary and private sectors, including extensive experience delivering short-term counselling within the NHS. I currently work with individuals in person in London and West Molesey, as well as providing secure online therapy. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep commitment to helping clients address a broad range of concerns, including anger management, bereavement, body image issues, codependency, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and workplace stress. My therapeutic identity is grounded in an integrative, transpersonal approach, which allows me to draw upon diverse theories and techniques tailored to your specific needs. I am dedicated to offering a calm, professional, and empathetic environment where we can explore your experiences with sensitivity, ultimately fostering greater self-understanding and the capacity for positive, lasting change.

English
From £100 /session
£1 Discovery Call
Jessi Levy
WomanOnline via Zoom

Mrs Jessi LevyCounsellor

Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Using the Arts2+ years of experience

I am a registered counsellor with two years of experience, providing a supportive and professional space for adults to navigate life’s complexities. My practice is grounded in a commitment to helping clients explore experiences including grief, loss, divorce, generalised anxiety, and significant life transitions. I work extensively with those navigating low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and trust issues. As a practitioner qualified in the use of art within counselling, I offer a unique, integrative approach that blends traditional talk therapy with creative expression. Whether we are working with Person-Centred, Gestalt, or Attachment-Based techniques, my aim is to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment tailored to your specific needs. I am a member of the BACP and NCPS, and I offer sessions in both English and French. My work is dedicated to helping you feel heard, understood, and supported as you gain a deeper perspective on your personal journey.

EnglishFrench
From £65 /session

What Our Clients Say

Real experiences from people who've transformed their lives through therapy

Video

Grace

Therapy for Anxiety

SM
Sarah M.

Finally found the right therapist

After years of struggling with anxiety, I finally found the right therapist through Mind a Porter. The CBT sessions have been transformative. I'm now …

CBT Therapy
Video

Tia

Same Day Appointment

JL
James L.

Convenience meets expertise

The convenience of online therapy combined with world-class expertise was exactly what I needed. My therapist understood the pressures of startup life…

Online Therapy
Video

Sally

Quick Support

MR
Maria R.

EMDR changed my life

I was skeptical about therapy, but the EMDR sessions helped me process past trauma I didn't even realize was affecting me. The therapist was incredibl…

EMDR Therapy
Video

Charlotte

Therapist Match

DK
David K.

A safe, supportive space

From the first session I felt heard and understood. Booking was effortless and my therapist tailored every session to what I needed that week. Highly …

Psychodynamic Therapy
Video

Rick

Therapy for Work Stress

Video

Elli

Recommend to Anyone

Video

Carolyn

Finally Asked for Help

Video

Angie

Felt Comfortable

Video

Élodie

Expat in London

Common questions about fertility counselling

Our clients often reach out with these questions when considering support for the fertility journey.

When should I consider starting fertility counselling?

You don't need to wait for a breaking point to reach out. Many people find it valuable to start at the point of diagnosis, before beginning treatment or when they find their anxiety about the future is becoming difficult to manage. Therapy can provide a consistent space to help you stay grounded, resilient and connected throughout the entire process.

Can therapy help even if the fertility struggle is purely medical?

Medical infertility is almost always accompanied by a psychological weight. While therapy won't change your medical results, it can significantly transform how you manage your internal life. It helps reduce the heavy burden of shame, anxiety and grief, allowing you to approach your care with more clarity and sustainability.

Should I come to sessions with my partner?

Choosing whether to come alone or together depends on your specific needs. Sometimes individual work offers the best space to process your own fears, while at other times, joint sessions can be crucial for bridging communication gaps or navigating shared difficult decisions. We are happy to work with you in whatever configuration feels most supportive for your relationship.

Can therapy assist in making difficult decisions about treatment?

The weight of deciding whether to continue, stop or change treatment paths can be overwhelming, especially when hope, age and personal boundaries are all in play. We provide an unbiased space for you to explore all your options and feel confident in the decisions you are making, helping you let go of the pressure that comes from feeling stuck.

Is ongoing support helpful after successful fertility treatment?

Transitioning to pregnancy after a difficult fertility journey is often marked by significant anxiety rather than instant relief. Many of our clients continue with us throughout their pregnancy, finding that ongoing support helps them process the lingering stress of the past and build a sense of safety in the present.

When should I seek therapy for infertility?

It is worth considering therapy when infertility is becoming persistent, distressing, or harder to manage on your own, especially if it is affecting work, relationships, sleep, confidence, or day-to-day functioning. You do not need to wait until things feel severe before asking for support. Early therapy can help you understand what is driving the pattern, reduce symptoms sooner, and decide whether focused online treatment, in-person therapy in London, or a broader clinical review is the most appropriate next step.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about infertility, please speak with a qualified therapist or your GP. In a crisis, call 999 or Samaritans on 116 123.

The right therapist for Infertility Counselling
is worth finding

Book infertility counselling London to receive support for the complex emotional weight of your fertility journey.

Pay as you go
Live slots
Instant book
£1 discovery call
Same-day appointments
Insurance accepted

Explore More

Related Resources

Related conditions, therapies, locations and free self-assessments