When the Fertility Journey Isn’t Going as Planned

You didn’t expect calendars, medications, procedures, and waiting rooms to become part of your life.

You feel hopeful one day and crushed the next.

You’re tired of being told to “just relax.”

You’re carrying grief that no one quite sees, because nothing feels officially lost, yet everything feels uncertain.

You might be:

• In the middle of fertility treatment

• Recovering from a failed cycle

• Considering next steps

• Deciding whether to continue or stop

• Facing the possibility of a life without children

If this is you, you don’t have to carry it alone.

You imagined this chapter would look different…

What Makes This Journey So Hard

Grief, uncertainty, and the hidden challenges.

Infertility isn’t just medical. It’s Emotional. Relational. Existential.

It can bring:

  • Chronic anxiety and cycle-to-cycle living

  • Grief that feels invisible or ambiguous

  • Shame or self-blame around your body

  • Isolation from friends and family

  • Strain in your relationship

  • Feeling like your life is on hold

  • Fear of what comes next

  • Navigating the end of treatment

  • …and much more

There is often a deep sense of ambiguous grief, grieving what hasn’t happened yet, what may never happen, or what once felt certain.

And when treatment ends, whether by choice or circumstance, many people are left without structured emotional support.

You deserve care for this part of your story.

How I Support You

  • Learn About Kirsten Sherlock’s Private Counselling Approach in Port Moody

    What Support Can Look Like

    Support can feel different for everyone, but it often looks like:

    • Feeling heard, seen, and understood

    • Processing grief, hope, and uncertainty safely

    • Calming anxiety and navigating cycles with tools that work for you

    • Exploring identity shifts and self-compassion

    • Supporting communication and connection with your partner

    • Finding ways to honor loss and hope

  • Kirsten Sherlock works collaboratively with her clients in Port Moody

    Finding Your Ground Again

    Regaining balance might show up in ways such as:

    • Feeling calmer and more steady

    • Making decisions with confidence

    • Processing grief without overwhelm

    • Connecting more deeply with your partner or support network

    • Reconnecting with life, hobbies, and purpose

    • Honoring your journey while embracing new possibilities

Common Questions About Infertility Counselling

You may have questions about what counselling involves or whether it’s the right fit for you. Here are some common questions I hear from individuals navigating infertility challenges.

  • Infertility counselling provides emotional support during the stress, grief, and uncertainty of trying to conceive. It offers a safe space to process complex feelings, manage anxiety, strengthen relationships, and navigate decisions with greater clarity and steadiness.

  • No. Counselling can be helpful at any stage — whether you are trying to conceive naturally, considering medical support, in the middle of treatment, or feeling unsure about next steps. Support is available wherever you are in your journey.

  • The two-week wait can heighten worry and overthinking. Counselling can help you calm your nervous system, interrupt spiraling thoughts, and create grounding practices that bring steadiness during periods of uncertainty.

  • It’s very common for partners to process fertility challenges in different ways. Counselling can help improve communication, reduce misunderstandings, and support both of you in feeling heard and connected during a stressful time.

  • Yes. These reactions are deeply human and often rooted in grief. In counselling, we create space for these feelings without judgment and explore ways to care for yourself in triggering situations.

  • If this journey feels overwhelming, lonely, or emotionally heavy, counselling may offer helpful support. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit — sometimes having a steady, compassionate space makes all the difference.

  • As a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), many extended health plans provide coverage. I recommend checking with your provider to confirm your specific benefits.

Infertility challenges can feel isolating and overwhelming. Counselling offers space to slow down, breathe, and find steadiness amid uncertainty.

If you're ready to explore support, I invite you to reach out.

Sessions are available virtually or in person in Coquitlam, whichever works best for you.