Podcasts about mental health professional group

What happens when life throws you a curveball? In today's episode of "Step Into the Pivot," we are joined by the inspiring Dr. Elizabeth Grill, a health psychologist and medical researcher who shares her journey through the tumultuous waters of divorce and family court battles. Dr. Grill opens up about the survival mode mindset that took over during these challenging times, and the crucial role a strong support system played in her resilience.Imagine suddenly finding yourself as a full-time parent without financial stability or childcare support. A life-altering court decision propelled Elizabeth into immediate problem-solving mode, eventually resulting in personal growth and the birth of new business ideas. It's a story of resilience and innovation, where channeling energy into positive pursuits not only restored confidence but also inspired others along the way. “By listening to empowering narratives during my daily commutes, I found purpose and motivation amid adversity, reinforcing the belief that every challenge can be an opportunity in disguise.”Guest Bio:Dr. Elizabeth Grill is the Director of psychological services at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine and is Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, and Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is also an Assistant Attending Psychologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.Dr. Grill is established as a nationally recognized expert and innovator in reproductive and sexual mental health.  She is the current Chair of RESOLVE, the National Infertility Patient Organization, the Past Chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Past President of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research. Dr. Grill is experienced as a health psychologist and medical researcher with a special focus on the emotional aspects of infertility, IVF treatment, third party reproduction, oncofertility, fertility preservation, sexual dysfunction, and stress and infertility.  She is also the co-owner of FertiCalm and FertiStrong, the first digital apps developed to reduce distress for those experiencing infertility, using research proven modalities. Dr. Grill is an editorial reviewer for the top peer reviewed journals in the field, the author of numerous articles and book chapters, has lectured worldwide to patient and medical audiences and has participated in media interviews related to the emotional aspects of reproductive medicine. Connect with Elizabeth:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlizgrill/ Connect with Theresa and Ivana: Websites: Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: https://tsc-consultants.com/ Ivana, Courageous Being: https://www.courageousbeing.com/ Instagram: Ivana: https://www.instagram.com/courbeing/ Theresa: https://www.instagram.com/tscconsultants/ LinkedIn: Step into the Pivot: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/step-into-the-pivot/ Theresa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tree-conti/ Ivana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivipol/

This podcast is sponsored by Fenomatch; an Artificial Intelligence-based platform for fertility clinics and banks. It helps fertility centers to choose the most suitable donor for each patient and improve the selection process at all levels. For more information- https://fenomatch.com/en/ . . ** Welcome to Season 5 of the Fertility Conversations Podcast. This is Episode 7 of this season. . In this episode, we are joined by Lisa Schuman. Lisa , LCSW is the founding Director of The Center for Family Building, a comprehensive on-line program offering assessments, education and counseling for people at every stage of their family building journey.    . She is co-author of the book, Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception, host of the podcast, Donor Conception Conversations and facilitator of the TIP TOP workshop, a program designed to help donor conceived children manage difficult disclosure conversations.  . As the principal investigator for many research studies, Ms. Schuman has won awards from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society.  She served as the Chair of the Egg Freezing Task Force for the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and is a former board member of the American Fertility Association.    . Ms. Schuman, has lectured extensively and has written numerous articles on a variety of subjects.  She is the former Director of Mental Health Services for Illume Fertility and Gay Parents to Be and was the only therapist asked to testify before the State Senate Committee to legalize compensated surrogacy in New York.  . Lisa joins us to share her path to parenthood and all she does to support to individuals and couples trying to grow their family. Join us to listen to this insightful episode. . To connect with Lisa, you can contact her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecenterforfamilybuilding/  You can also check her website for more resources https://familybuilding.net/ . This is a podcast that shares stories of fertility & Infertility in Africa & all across the world. Representation Matters. Our stories matter. Our stories help others feel less alone. . Remember to Subscribe to this podcast, leave a review and give this podcast a 5*rating to help spread more awareness about In(Fertility).  . If you would like to share your story, I would love to hear from you. Please email me at: fertilityconversations@gmail.com . Additional resources:  Subscribe to the Fertility Conversations YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@fertilityconversations   To sign up for the Newsletter and for access to more information, check the website: www.fertilityconversations.com   Follow me here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefertilityconversations/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FFertilityConvos Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/The-Fertility-Conversations-100069138231702/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thefertilityconversations     Infertility | Pregnancy Loss| Childless Not By Choice | Baby Loss | Miscarriages | Male Factor Infertility | Donor Eggs | Fertility | Birth Control | Donor Sperm | Embryo Adoption | Surrogacy | IUI| IVF | Mental Health | Fertility Preservation |Egg Freezing | Sperm Freezing | PTSD | Sexual Cycles | Period Pains Infertility Podcast | Fertility Podcast I Menstruation |Adhesions | Adenomyosis | Fibroids | PCOS | Endometriosis | Irregular Cycles| Blocked Tubes | Fertility Coach I Fertility related topics | Cervical Incompetency I Transabdominal Cerclage I Vaginal Cerclage I Embryologist I EggBank I GlobalEggDonationAgency I Didelphys Uterus I Recurrent Pregnancy Loss I Fenomatch 

Ever wonder about men coping with infertility? Do they have the same challenges when dealing with the medical and emotional complexity of building their family? Listen to this vibrant conversation between Dvora and Bill Petok, an expert in men and infertility to learn more about how men are different and not so different when navigating the infertility experience.   About Bill Petok, PhD Bill Petok earned his doctorate at the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1978. In full time independent practice in Baltimore, he is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he teaches residents and externs about human sexuality. Dr. Petok's other professional activities include the co-production of two films for training therapists, multiple journal articles, book chapters and regular presentations at state, national and international conferences on reproductive and sexual health. Bill has served as a board member of the ARC/Prince George's County and is a past president of the Anne Arundel County Children's Council. He is a past Chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and currently serves on the steering committee of Seeds of Hope, a program of Jewish Community Services, which offers support and resources to Jewish individuals, couples, and families in Greater Baltimore experiencing infertility and family building challenges.   Connect with Bill Petok, PhD www.drpetok.com   Dvora Entin:  Website: https://www.dvoraentin.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvoraentin/ 

Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from the George Washington University and is the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland. Her specialty is in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents.  She is a consultant in training in EMDR through EMDRIA. She has served on several committees within the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and was just elected to its Executive Committee.  She served as a former Board Member of the Maryland Psychological Association for over 10 years. Dr. Bindeman is a member of multiple organizations focused on Maternal and Reproductive Mental Health and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on the Maternal Mental Health Task Force. She was recently awarded the Karl Heiser Award for her legislative efforts on behalf of psychology. Dr. Bindeman has published several chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology.Learn more about Dr. Julie Bindemanhttps://greaterwashingtontherapy.com/courseshttps://greaterwashingtontherapy.com/julie-bindeman-psyd/https://greaterwashingtontherapy.com/understanding-perinatal-mood-issues-when-is-it-a-problem/Follow her on social mediaTwitter: @drjulieb @ITGWTherapyFacebook: @drbindeman @ITGW2007Psychological and Medical Perspectives on Fertility Care and Sexual Health1st Edition - October 21, 2021Prenatal and Preimplantation Diagnosis: The Burden of Choice 1st ed. 2015 Edition*LOCAL LISTENERS*Sarah Boone's Mental Health Hiking group starts this September! Learn more at:https://www.sarahboonecounseling.com/retreatsworkshops--Get in touch by sending a message to robinsmithshow@gmail.com or by calling the hotline at +1 (301) 458-0883Listeners of The Robin Smith Show can now become a supporter on Patreonpatreon.com/therobinsmithshowJoin Team Robley on Kiva and help expand financial access to underserved communities

Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from the George Washington University and is the co-owner of the practice Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington, a private psychotherapy practice located in Rockville, Maryland. As a result of her own reproductive story, she pursued post-graduate training in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents on the topic. She has been on several committees for the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine including serving as Chair of the Continuing Education Committee and a past chair for the Social Media committee, and a member of the Antiracism Task Force. Dr. Bindeman is a member of a variety of organizations that are focused on Maternal Mental Health. She was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on the Maternal Mental Health Task Force representing psychologists in the state. In 2014, Dr. Bindeman was honored to receive both the Woman Who Dared Award conferred to her by the National Council of Jewish Women and the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Maryland Psychological Association. In 2021, she was honored to receive Division 31 of the American Psychological Association's Karl Heiser Award for advocacy. She authored a chapter in the book, “Psychological and Medical Perspectives on Fertility Care and Sexual Health” (Elsevier, 2021) as well as the book, “Prenatal and Preimplantation Diagnosis: The Burden of Choice” (Springer, 2015). Dr. Bindeman is the editor of a forthcoming book that will be published by Springer about Abortion. Dr. Bindeman is a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist and received her training in 2017 from EMDR of Greater Washington. She retrained with the Institute for Creative Mindfulness and is an approved consultant who did her training under Dr. Mara Tesler-Stein. Dr. Bindeman became an approved consultant under Dr. Tesler-Stein as well. She knows EMDR to be a powerful modality that creates real and lasting change within people. Listen as Dr. Bindeman discuss with Ellen and Jenn: • Navigating the new laws and encouraging adequate discussion of abortion in surrogacy. • Considering with Intended Parents and Gestational Carriers the differences between first, second, and third trimester abortion scenarios. • The importance of location in the US. • Whether an abnormal ultrasound might not be disclosed depending on a care provider's views. • Embryo disposition options in the new environment. • Being recruited to write a book on religion and abortion. Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903. Check out The Surrogacy Consultant here: https://thesurrogacyconsultant.com Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen's law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Content Warning: This episode focuses on pregnancy loss and termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. If you're not in the right head space to hear this episode, we suggest you skip ahead and come back if and when you're ready. Please take care of you. Worst-case scenarios suck. There's no way around that. But one way to make it suck slightly less is to be sure everyone involved is invited into the tough conversation about termination of pregnancy (TOP) for medical reasons. When the bad news is fresh is a really tough time to make a decision; having a planned path can at least remove some of the pressure. And not to get too political (but it's hugely relevant), legislation around “personhood” and abortion are making these decisions much harder and limiting the choices patients have regarding their health, their bodies, and their fertility. Everyone needs to know the options available in their state and the risks they may be taking by virtue of where they live. Enter Dr. Julie Bindeman. Dr. Bindeman is a licensed psychologist specializing in reproduction and fertility psychology. She is Founder and Co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington, an organization focused on helping people navigate fertility challenges, including pregnancy loss and TOP. Given the sensitivity of the topic, we've included some timestamps for anyone who prefers to skip around and listen only to what's most relevant to them. What you'll hear in this conversation: How Dr. Bindeman got into the field of perinatal mental health. (3:23) The limits of our knowledge on infertility. (9:08) The importance of talking about miscarriages and abortion. (11:45) Abortion and the downstream effects. (15:26) The problem with using euphemisms to describe prenatal testing. (20:50) Framing the decision to terminate a pregnancy. (26:43) Weight loss medications and fertility. (35:10) Mirror Syndrome and delivery. (37:52) Risk of multiples and miscarriage. (42:54) Pregnancies that cause fertility difficulties. (48:44)  Resources: Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington: greaterwashingtontherapy.com greaterwashingtontherapy.com/some-resources More about Dr. Bindeman:  Dr. Julie Bindeman received her Doctorate from George Washington University. She has served on many professional committees including in the Mental Health Professional Group of American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). She was elected to the Executive Committee in 2021. She is the former board member of the Maryland Psychological Association for 10 years and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on its Maternal Mental Health Task Force. She was recently awarded the Karl Heiser Award for her legislative efforts on behalf of the field of psychology. She has also authored and published several book chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology.  You can find Dr. Bindeman at the Integrative Therapy website: greaterwashingtontherapy.com/julie-bindeman-psyd. You can find Anne and Ruby at thewholepineapple.com.

In episode #145, Dr. Julie Bindeman shares her expertise on bereavement and workplace leave policies related to miscarriage. We talk about the current availability of leave allowed for pregnancy loss, how grief can impact us in the workplace, and what we can do to advocate for change. Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from the George Washington University and is the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland. Her specialty is in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents. She is an approved consultant in EMDR through EMDRIA. She has served on several committees within the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and was elected in 2021 to its Executive Committee. She served as a former Board Member of the Maryland Psychological Association for over 10 years. Dr. Bindeman is a member of multiple organizations focused on Maternal and Reproductive Mental Health and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on its Maternal Mental Health Task Force. She was recently awarded the Karl Heiser Award for her legislative efforts on behalf of psychology. Dr. Bindeman has published several chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology. Topics Discussed: Bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), short-term disability, effects of grief in the workplace, how to advocate for flexible leave policies, post-traumatic growth ‌ CONNECT WITH DR. BINDEMAN - www.GreaterWashingtonTherapy.com instagram.com/drjuliebindeman twitter.com/drjulieb ‌ MISCARRIAGE HOPE DESK RESOURCES- Miscarriage Hope Desk aims to help women struggling miscarriage, pregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriages (RPL), by providing the following resources- Library of Articles, found here- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/library/understanding-why/ Instagram Community- https://instagram.com/miscarriagehopedesk Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1617075958466247/ Free Miscarriage Lab Checklist- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/labs Free Weekly Newsletter- http://miscarriagehopedesk.com/newsletter FREE MEAL PLANS Do you need help getting healthy, tasty meals on the table? Check out our sponsor Prep Dish, PrepDish.com/mhd to get 2 weeks FREE! SHOW NOTES- https://miscarriagehopedesk.com/podcast/ Get a FREE Miscarriage Lab Testing Checklist- http://MiscarriageHopeDesk.com/labs  

Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from the George Washington University and is the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland. Her specialty is in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents. She is a consultant in training in EMDR through EMDRIA. She has served on several committees within the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and was recently elected to its Executive Committee. She served as a Board Member of the Maryland Psychological Association for over 10 years. Dr. Bindeman is a member of multiple organizations focused on Maternal and Reproductive Mental Health and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on its Maternal Mental Health Task Force. She was recently awarded the Karl Heiser Award for her legislative efforts on behalf of psychology. Dr. Bindeman has published several chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology. Listen to Julie as she discusses with Ellen and Jenn: • Embracing her secondary infertility story as an infertility story. • Receiving heartbreaking news at an ultrasound. • Struggling with the realities of a devastating diagnosis. • Finding comfort in her decision within her religion. • Getting pregnant quickly again. • Shockingly, receiving another devasting diagnosis. • Throwing an Elephant Shower! • Considering trying again, breaking the numbers down. • A genetic counselor sharing her opinion that a third child is “ecologically irresponsible”! Want to share your story or ask a question? Call and leave us a message on our hotline: 303-997-1903. Learn more about our podcast: https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/ Learn more about our surrogacy agencies: https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com/ Get your IWTPABIY merch here! https://iwanttoputababyinyou.com/merch Learn more about Ellen's law firm: http://trachmanlawcenter.com/

Dr. Julie Bindeman graduated from the George Washington University and is the co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington in Rockville, Maryland. Her specialty is in the field of Reproductive Psychology, where she actively writes, lectures, and presents.  She is a consultant in training in EMDR through EMDRIA. She has served on several committees within the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and was just elected to its Executive Committee.  She served as a former Board Member of the Maryland Psychological Association for over 10 years. Dr. Bindeman is a member of multiple organizations focused on Maternal and Reproductive Mental Health and was appointed by the Governor of Maryland to serve on the Maternal Mental Health Task Force. She was recently awarded the Karl Heiser Award for her legislative efforts on behalf of psychology. Dr. Bindeman has published several chapters and articles pertaining to Reproductive Psychology.Learn more about Dr. Julie Bindemanhttps://greaterwashingtontherapy.com/courseshttps://greaterwashingtontherapy.com/julie-bindeman-psyd/https://greaterwashingtontherapy.com/understanding-perinatal-mood-issues-when-is-it-a-problem/Follow her on social mediaTwitter: @drjulieb @ITGWTherapyFacebook: @drbindeman @ITGW2007Psychological and Medical Perspectives on Fertility Care and Sexual Health1st Edition - October 21, 2021Prenatal and Preimplantation Diagnosis: The Burden of Choice 1st ed. 2015 EditionConsider donating to United Help Ukraine.--Listeners of The Robin Smith Show can now join our Kiva Lending Team and help us in our effort to bring more good into being.Join Team Robley on Kiva!

Guest Steven Miller speaks with us about infertility and mental health. He holds a master's in psychology and is earning his MSW at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He sits on the Mental Health Professional Group at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). See the show notes page for related resources.

Hear About: Donor conception, the evolution in philosophies and it’s subsequent effect on an emotional journey for the intended parent and child.  The impact of using a known family member or known donor and preparing for the relationship physically, emotionally, financially, & legally prior to the child’s arrival.

Bette Galen has been a Licensed Clinical Social worker for 16 years. Her specialties include – women’s reproductive health, trauma, and life transitions. Counseling in reproductive health issues includes the emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties that occur when individuals and couples have unexpected roadblocks to growing their family.  She regularly provides consultations, education, and support for individuals and couples pursuing egg, sperm,  or embryo donation,  those seeking  a gestational carrier and those wishing to freeze their eggs for later use.  Each month she facilitates  a general infertility group and a couple’s infertility group.  In addition to working in her private practice, she is a social worker on staff in the Complementary Care department of a prestigious New Jersey  practice of Reproductive Endocrinologists. When working with clients who have experienced trauma, be it infertility related,  or sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, Bette is informed by many  modalities of treatment including but not limited to  Internal Family Systems, Pia Mellody’s Post Induction Therapy for Relational Immaturity,  and EMDR. As we age and grow, we all face any number of transitions – death or estrangement from loved ones, parenting or childfree living, divorce, or employment changes in these challenging  economic times. Learning cognitive strategies to neutralize negative thought patterns, building mind/body techniques to help with relaxation in order to get ‘unstuck’,  and learning to set boundaries, manage emotions and expectations, and operating  from your ‘best adult self’  can help while transitioning. After  many years of working in the fashion business, Bette went back to school for her master’s degree in social work.  She had her own difficulty with infertility and is passionate about helping those going through that difficult journey. She is a member of The American Society of Reproductive Medicine, The Mental Health Professional Group of ASRM, a Resolve Therapist, and is certified in Internal Family Systems. http://bettegalenlcsw.com For more information about Michelle, visit www.thewholesomelotus.com For information on the Wholesome Fertility Method online program visit www.thewholesomefertilitymethod.com

The psychological side of infertility is often neglected. However, it often plays a critical role in the physical and mental health of the couple and their ability to have a baby. How can you maintain a healthy relationship while dealing with the challenges of infertility?In this episode, Bill Petok, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, joins host Mark P. Trolice, M.D., to discuss how infertility affects couples psychologically and what they can do to enhance communication and increase intimacy between them.Tune in to discover:The psychological effects of infertility on both women and menPotential sources of conflict for couples who embark on infertility treatmentTips and strategies for coping with the challenges and stresses that come with an infertility diagnosisThe benefits of seeing a reproductive psychologist to navigate the challenges faced by couples during infertilityHow infertility can be an opportunity to strengthen a couple’s relationshipAbout Bill Petok, Ph.D.Dr. Petok is a licensed psychologist in Maryland. He is a past chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the only organization of mental health providers who specialize in the treatment of individuals and couples dealing with fertility related problems. He served as a board member of Path 2 Parenthood for 10 years and is a former member (2004 – 2010) of the Mental Health Advisory Board of RESOLVE. Dr. Petok is also on the Executive Council of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).Bill Petok earned his doctorate from the University of Maryland in 1978. Before entering full-time independent practice, he worked as a psychologist in the public sector in both Baltimore and Anne Arundel County. His postdoctoral training includes a year at the Family Therapy Institute of Washington, D.C. and an externship at Sheppard & Enoch Pratt Hospital in the Sexual Dysfunctions Clinic. His practice focuses on the problems that individuals, couples and families experience in daily life, including anxiety, depression, stress, marital and family relationships. He also has several areas of special expertise: Sex Therapy and Counseling for Fertility Problems.Dr. Petok has been teaching physicians about human sexuality since 1984 when he began training OB/GYNs at Baltimore’s Sinai Hospital residency program. He is a frequent speaker to health care professionals around the country on topics related to the treatment of sexual dysfunction. He is currently a Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Thomas Jefferson University.http://drpetok.com/AboutAbout Mark P. Trolice, M.D.Mark P. Trolice, M.D., FACOG, FACS, FACE is Director of Fertility CARE: The IVF Center in Winter Park, Florida and Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in Orlando responsible for the medical education of OB/GYN residents and medical students as well as Medical Endocrinology fellows. He is past President of the Florida Society of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) and past Division Director of REI at Winnie Palmer Hospital, part of Orlando Health.He is double Board-certified in REI and OB/GYN, maintains annual recertification, and has been awarded the American Medical Association’s “Physicians’ Recognition Award” annually. He holds the unique distinction of being a Fellow in all three American Colleges of OB/GYN, of Surgeons, and of Endocrinology. His colleagues select him as Top Doctor in America® annually, one among the top 5% of doctors in the U.S. In 2018, he was awarded the “Social Responsibility Award” by the National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Interview with Alice (Ally) Domar & Elizabeth (Liz) Grill The psychological journey through infertility for a man is a lonely confusing one. Most men recoil due to ignorance or ego, and the ones that try to step in and play active role do so with little support or understanding of how to 'be' with their wife through this difficult time. Well, Ally and Liz have gone to great lengths to try and remedy this situation. They have planted the seed and now it is all of our turn to help 'fertilize' the male mental-emotional side of modern reproduction.  ~ Spence Email domar@domarcenter.com lizgrill@yahoo.com Websites ferticalm.com fertistrong.com ALICE DOMAR Professional Profile 1980 BA Colby College, Waterville Maine 1986 MA and Ph.D in Health Psychology, Yeshiva University, New York NY 1987 Massachusetts clinical psychologist license Author or co-author of seven books including Conquering Infertility Co-founder of the new apps FertiCalm and FertiStrong Leading expert on the relationship between stress and infertility Board Member for Resolve: The National Infertility Organization, 2006-2016 Currently Executive Director, Domar Centers for Mind/Body Health Director of Integrative Care at Boston IVF Senior Staff Psychologist, Dept of Ob/Gyn, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, part-time, Harvard Medical School ELIZABETH GRILL Professional Profile Director of Psychological Services at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine Associate Professor of Psychology in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine and Psychiatry of Weill Cornell Medical College Assistant Attending Psychologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Experienced psychologist and medical researcher with a special focus on the emotional aspects of infertility, IVF treatment, third party reproduction, fertility preservation, oncofertility, stress and infertility, and sexual dysfunction.  Postdoctoral training includes a fellowship year at the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Weill Cornell Medical College. Trained and certified at the Mind/Body Institute at Harvard Medical School and developed and conducts stress management workshops for infertility patients focusing on relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, assertiveness skills and other helpful ways to manage emotional distress Completed a two-year fellowship as a sex therapist at the Human Sexuality Program, Payne Whitney Clinic of the New York Presbyterian Hospital, founded over thirty years ago by Dr. Helen S. Kaplan. Member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, the American Psychological Association, and was Past Chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Served two terms on the Content Review Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Executive Board of RESOLVE, the national infertility association and is the Continuing Education Officer on the Executive Council for The Society for Sex Therapy and Research. Cofounded and is CEO of FertiCalm, an app that provides coping strategies to manage infertility related distress. Editorial reviewer for Fertility and Sterility and Journal of Andrology.

In this episode of Focus on Fertility we learn about a recently released FREE app that is available to assist MEN coping with the journey of infertility. Similar to FertiCalm, which is designed for women, FertiStrong is specifically designed to assist men deal with every-day difficult situations that arise while battling infertility. Dr. Domar and Dr. Grill who helped develop FertiCalm have partnered with Dr. Janet Takefman, Coordinator of psychological services and research at McGill University Health Centre’s Reproductive Centre in Montreal and assistant professor for the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Psychology at McGill University, and Dr. William Petok, a clinical associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and is a past chair of the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. FertiStrong provides men with more than 500 coping skills for more than 50 specific situations they may encounter each day that may lead to distress while continuing a difficult journey to parenthood such as: Social Events Sex Fertility Evaluation and Treatments Work Family and Friends Emotions Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage) Mind-Body One’s Partner Communication When Enough is Enough Relationship Survival 101 Learn more and download the FertiStrong app at fertistrong.com

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION on reproductive psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Grill Dr. Elizabeth Grill is Director of Psychological Services at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine and is Associate Professor of Psychology in the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, and Psychiatry at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. An Assistant Attending Psychologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Grill is experienced as a counseling psychologist and medical researcher with a special focus on the emotional aspects of infertility, IVF treatment, third party reproduction, oncofertility, fertility preservation, sexual dysfunction, and stress and infertility. Having served as Chair of the Mental Health Professional Group and two terms on the Content Review Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Grill sits on multiple professional boards and is an editorial reviewer for peer-reviewed journals. The author of numerous articles and book chapters, Dr. Grill has lectured worldwide to patient and medical audiences and has participated in media interviews related to the emotional aspects of reproductive medicine.