Infertility and Identity: New Strategies for Treatment / Edition 1

by Lara L. Deveraux, Ann Jackoway Hammerman

Overview

A new model for treating infertility

This new book offers a revolutionary clinical model for treating individuals and couples who are infertile. The authors reveal how infertility profoundly affects a sense of identity and colors the most intimate relationships with family and friends. Step by step, this vital resource, shows clinicians how they can learn to support clients in overcoming their inevitable sense of loss and help them to regain their power.

The authors' advocacy of acceptance of infertility is a liberating approach for families who have been struggling to ‘resolve' these life long issues. This original book . . . .Can change your life.


—Linda Perilstein, executive director, Cradle of Hope Adoption Center, Washington, DC

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780787938819
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	06/16/1998
Edition description:	1 ED
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.12(w) x 11.02(h) x 1.18(d)

About the Author

ANN JACKOWAY HAMMERMAN are clinical social workers in private practice with Clayton Counseling Associates in St. Louis, Missouri.

Table of Contents

Part One: Preparing the Therapist
1. Pioneering a New Model of Treatment
2. Learning the Essential Skills of Infertility Counseling
Part Two: Understanding the Client Experience with Infertility
3. Recognizing the Impact of Infertility
4. Identifying Specific Responses to Infertility
Part Three: Strategies for Treatment
5. Coping with Reproductive Loss
6. Dealing with Sexuality and Infertility
7. Considering Alternatives to Biological Parenting
8. Coping with Recurring Grief and Doubt
9. Regaining a Healthy Identity
Part Four: Session Plans
Assessment, Grief, Decision-Making, Special Concerns, Infertility and Identity, Self-Advocacy, Financial Planning, Alternatives to Biological Parenting, Termination
Appendices: A: Exercises
B: Suggested Reading and Viewing Lists
C: Resources
D: Alternatives to Biological Parenting: Practical Considerations

Editorial Reviews

"A liberating approach for families who have been struggling to ‘resolve' these lifelong issues. This original book should be read by therapists, adoption professionals, clients, and anyone touched by infertility. It can change your life." —Linda Perilstein, executive director, Cradle of Hope Adoption Center, Washington, DC

"Finally, there is an explanation and hope given to all clients who are suffering needlessly. I highly recommAnd this book for all professionals anxious to see their clients get off the sidelines and onto the court of their lives." —Teri Clemens, Adoptive mother of six and head volleyball coach of the Washington University National Championship Bears

"The authors' new treatment strategy is the best approach to infertility counseling there is. This book is both pragmatic and compassionate. Finally, there is an explanation and hop given to all clients who are suffering needlessly. I highly recommAnd this book for all professionals anxious to see their clients get off the sidelines and onto the count of their lives." —Teri Clemens, Adoptive mother of 6 and Head Volleyball Coach of the Washington University National Championship Bears

"The book provides an interesting and helpful analysis for attorneys, agency workers, court personnel, and other professionals involved in the adoption process. We recommAnd it highly as a key to better understanding on the part of all such concerned professionals." —Dudley C. Dunlop, attorney at law, St. Louis (Clayton), Missouri

"This book covers a difficult aspect of infertility treatment! It is oriented toward learning how to live despite grief and loss. It is the type of book that I hope all professionals will read because when professionals read it, patients will benefit from its wisdom." —Sherman J. Silber, M.D., director, Infertility Center of St. Louis

From the Publisher

Challenging the traditional belief that parenthood is the only successful outcome for clients experiencing infertility, the authors show mental health professionals how to support them in overcoming their sense of loss and helping them to regain their power. They discuss how to help clients integrate the experience of infertility into identity; the effect infertility has on sexuality and on relationships with family and friends; and the emotional implications of the alternatives to biological parenting. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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