How much does the program cost?
The total cost of the ten-week program is $750. The program includes ten group sessions, three sessions for your partner, lunch for both of you, the participant manual, a book, and two CDs.
Why do I have to do the individual counseling at all?
The initial consult serves a very important purpose and is required for all participants. It provides a chance to meet and to get to know the program group leader and it gives her a chance to know how you’re doing and what issues you’d like to work on during the program. The final consult is optional but important as it serves to summarize your experience and progress, and to set new goals for your health.
What time does the program start and can I arrive late?
Each group is held on a weekday evening (6:00 PM to 8:30 PM). The first half hour of every group is reserved for sharing/support time and is optional. Because this support time is important to those who attend, we ask that participants respect this first half hour if they need to be late by waiting outside until the time has ended.
I’m not a group type person. How touchy feely is this?
While there is a half hour of optional sharing time at the beginning of each session, the rest of the time is structured to provide information, i.e., relaxation techniques, nutrition, exercise, etc.
Must partners participate?
Partners are invited to attend three of the ten sessions (but this participation is optional). However, there is great benefit in involvement. Not only do they benefit from techniques taught, such as relaxation methods and the couples’ paired listening exercise, but we also provide one support group session designed specifically for the partners. In addition, they gain key insight to what their partner is really going through.
Why is the men’s support group essential?
This article from RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association reviews the emotional aspect for a man dealing with his partner’s infertility diagnosis. http://www.resolve.org/about-infertility/medical-conditions/men-and-emotions.html The three sessions for men have proven to be very beneficial for the men as individuals and the couple as a whole.
What happens if I need to miss a session?
Most people need to miss a session or two since ten weeks is a long stretch of time. We ask that you not miss more than two. At the first session, a buddy is assigned to you. This person is there not only to support you emotionally during the program should you need it, but also to take notes for you should you need to miss a session. The group leader is also there to answer any questions.
I have secondary infertility. Can I participate in the ten-week program and will I feel isolated in the group?
We do accept people who have one child into the ten-week program. However, we only have secondary infertility participants if there are at least two, but no more than four per group. Most groups are limited to ten participants. We combine primary and secondary infertility participants because not enough secondary participants have yet come forward to have a separate secondary group. We match up secondary participants as buddies; in other words, we do not match up one participant who has a child with another who doesn’t yet have a child.
What is your cancellation policy?
Full refunds less a $100 cancellation fee will be made if notice of cancellation is received less than 48 hours before intake appointment (first individual counseling session). There will be no refunds for cancellations received less than 48 hours before the program begins.