For individuals and couples wishing to have children, but who have been having difficulty doing so, the course to creating a family can be challenging.  While there are options available, choosing among them can be a daunting task.  There are many different roads towards parenthood, however no one can tell you what is right for you.  That can be part of the frustration and stress - there is no right or wrong, no absolutes.  Deciding on the best course of action and treatment can be overwhelming and confusing at times.  Negotiating obstacles can place a great deal of stress on the individual, and on the couple relationship.  Many describe the process
as an emotional roller coaster.  I also liken it to high stakes gambling.

Do you recognize any of the following feelings and experiences?

- the sense that no one really understands what you're going through, and even their attempts to be helpful make you feel bad;
- feelings of depression, inadequacy, unfairness, and anger;
- a sense of powerlessness and loss of control;
- the feeling that intimacy has become "insemination";
- impatience with having to be patient.

If this sounds familiar, it is because I have not only professional but personal experience in the matter.  I will help you explore your options, and decide on your best course of action.  I will assist you in working through the stress, uncertainty, and relationship issues that may arise. I will help you tolerate the uncertainty, the multiple hurdles, the not knowing, the waiting time.  For women contemplating single parenthood, I will help you through the process, including donor selection, and finding answers to questions such as what will it mean to parent without a father.

I have presented on infertility issues to groups and clinicians, such as the Connecticut Psychological Society, Connecticut Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology, and Westport Family Counseling.  Good websites to explore are Resolve, Path 2 Parenthood, and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

---