Psychologists and Psychiatrists
Infertility can be a very distressing problem to have to deal with. If you and your partner are undergoing fertility diagnosis or treatments, or if you have been unsuccessful with conception, you are probably going through a rollercoaster of emotions. From anger to relief, happiness to sadness, this multitude of emotion can sometimes be challenging to understand and deal with. If you or your partner are having problems with your fertility, you may consider visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist. Both of these professionals are trained to help people deal with a range of emotional concerns, and can be very helpful when it comes to dealing with infertility.
When Should You Seek Professional Counseling?
Professional counseling is now recommended for all couples who are dealing with infertility. Whether you are actively trying IUI or IVF, or if you are dealing with a recent infertility diagnosis, infertility treatment can bring out many different emotions. It is important to be able to have someone to talk to who can help you deal with these emotions. In particular, you and your partner may want to seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist if you are experiencing any of the following:
- anger with yourself or your partner
- guilt, sadness, or depression concerning infertility
- problems with your personal or work relationships
- change in appetite, weight, or daily activities
- feelings of self harm or suicide
Coping with Infertility: Seeing a Psychologist
You and your partner may decide to see a psychologist to help you deal with the emotional demands of infertility. A psychologist is a professional counselor who studies your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors from a scientific perspective. They help you to understand your emotions, fears, and anxieties. They also provide you with concrete ways in which to manage your emotions and change your behaviors in ways that are healthy for you.
What Conditions Do Psychologists Treat?
Clinical psychologists treat a wide range of people who may be dealing with a variety of emotional or mental health concerns. Psychologists often treat:
- addiction
- depression
- mental disorders
- stress
- anxiety
What Qualifications does a Psychologist Have?
Psychologists have an in-depth knowledge of human behavior and cognition. All psychologists must complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree in psychology. This is followed by the completion of a 2-year Master’s degree and a 5 to 7-year Doctorate degree in psychology. These studies involve both research and clinical internships. In order to practice with the public, psychologists must also be licensed or certified in their state or province. In the United States, psychologists are licensed by the American Board of Professional Psychologists.
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