The uncertainty that comes with a fertility diagnosis and the potential for disappointment each month can put a tremendous strain on your physical and emotional well-being. At Fertility Centers of Illinois, we are dedicated to providing you with all of the emotional support and education about fertility to help you along your journey. One of the most valuable resources that provide emotional support are our fertility support groups with our Behavioral Health Specialists.
Join Dr. Tiffany Edwards and Susan Rizzato, MSW as they share what it is like to attend a fertility support group and why it can benefit your fertility journey. They will also discuss their role as Behavioral Health Specialists, how they interact with patients, and when a patient may see them during their fertility journey.
Questions about fertility support groups
- What exactly is a Behavioral Health Specialist?
- What kinds of responsibilities does a Behavioral Health Specialist have?
- When does a patient see a Behavioral Health Specialist during their journey?
- How does a Behavioral Health Specialist work with patients?
- How often can a patient meet with a Behavioral Health Specialist?
- How many patients does a Behavioral Health Specialist work with at one time?
- Along with meeting with patients one on one, I know there are virtual support groups. What kind of fertility support groups are available?
- Do you have to be a patient to attend these support groups?
- What are some common reasons people join a fertility support group?
- What are the benefits to joining a fertility support group?
- What does a typical support group meeting look like?
- What happens when you graduate from a fertility support group?
- What experience with patients have stood out over the years?
- Can you share some words of hope with our listeners?
The Time to Talk Fertility podcast releases new episodes monthly and is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Tune In, Google Play and Spotify.
Dr. Tiffany Edwards is a licensed clinical psychologist and patient educator specializing in counseling couples and individuals during treatment as well as egg donors and surrogates for those pursuing third party reproduction. In her career, she has worked with patients to address a variety of psychological and health-related issues such as anxiety, depression, cancer survivorship, women’s health issues, stress management, and more.
Susan Rizzato, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who brings over nearly 20 years of counseling experience to those that have experienced pregnancy loss, perinatal loss, and the challenges of neonatal intensive care. Her professional experiences in working with extreme grief and loss combined with her personal experiences with infertility allow her a unique understanding of patient needs as they navigate the fertility treatment process.
