Fertility Consultations and Reports
Whether you’re exploring embarking on your fertility journey for the first time or again, you are not alone. Our highly trained psychotherapists specialize in psychological ramifications of infertility treatment and are here to support you every step of the way. We provide a safe, inclusive space for you, your intended parent, and your story, and offer comprehensive consultations and reports to help you navigate fertility challenges.
How To Get Started With Wildflower
Request a Free Consultation
Schedule a 15-minute call online or by phone. We’ll cover key details and make sure we’re the right fit for your needs.
Complete New Client Paperwork
Receive registration forms pre-visit. Your provider will review details, ensuring clarity on our policies and guidelines.
Attend Your Fertility Consultation
During your initial 60-minute consultation appointment, you and your provider will discuss your consultation needs, and develop a plan that is in alignment with your goals.
Navigating Infertility? Download Our Free Guide.
No person feels prepared to confront infertility and the grief, anxiety, and fear that may follow. Our attuned and knowledgeable psychotherapists are committed to helping you cope with the experience of infertility. Together we will navigate the physical, psychological, relational, spiritual, and sexual ramifications of infertility. We offer individual therapy, couples therapy, and group support. To learn more, visit our website or call us at 312.809.0298. We hope our free guide will help you find community and equip you to care for yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Specialized Infertility Consultations and Reports: Your Journey, Our Support
Consultations are a crucial part of determining intended parents’ readiness to participate in third-party reproduction, including use of egg and sperm donors or gestational surrogacy. These consultations help intended parents explore and understand the psychological ramifications of third-party reproduction.
At Wildflower we provide tailored consultation services to intended parents who are building their families through In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), including egg donation, sperm donation, embryo donation, or gestational surrogacy. We work closely with your fertility clinic to ensure a thorough evaluation process. Typically, clinics require intended parents to meet with a mental health provider trained to conduct an evaluation before proceeding with treatment. If you are working with a known donor, such as a friend or family member, a joint meeting is required. This standard part of the consultation ensures potential issues are discussed openly before moving forward. Once the clinical interview is complete, a written report will be sent to your fertility clinic provider.
Infertility Consultation and Reports: Holistic Support for Every Stage
Navigating life’s reproductive stages and challenges can be emotionally taxing, affecting individuals and their loved ones in profound ways. Wildflower offers specialized psychotherapy, addressing the unique needs and experiences ranging from infertility to bonding with your baby, ensuring comprehensive care and understanding during these transformative periods.
Consultation Services for Intended Parents Using Third-Party Reproduction
If you are considering utilizing third-party reproduction, such as an egg or sperm donor, or gestational carrier, your fertility clinic will most likely require you to complete a consultation with a licensed mental health provider specializing in fertility and reproductive mental health. The purpose of this meeting is to fully prepare you for this process, assist you in thinking about the implications of these decisions for your family and any future children, and to help navigate any concerns you may have.
Joint Consultation with Intended Parents and Known Egg/Sperm Donor
If you are using a known donor such as your sister, brother, relative, or friend, your fertility clinic will recommend a joint meeting for intended parents, the donor, and their intended parent. Using a known donor, such as a friend or family member, involves unique dynamics that require careful consideration. Processing all of these components is a crucial step to clarify boundaries, define each other’s roles, and work towards building a happy and healthy family together.
Pregnancy and Postpartum
Pregnancy and postpartum are transformative periods requiring specialized care. Wildflower provides a supportive therapeutic environment, addressing challenges like postpartum depression, neonatal loss, and identity shifts. Our clinicians are trained to guide you through the unique mental health concerns of the perinatal period.
Pregnancy Loss
Experiencing pregnancy loss is deeply personal, often marked by isolation and unhelpful comments. Despite subsequent successful pregnancies, emotional scars can remain. Partners too face emotional turmoil. Wildflower offers psychotherapy for healing, understanding, and resilience during these challenging times.
Counseling for Parents of Children Conceived by Egg or Sperm Donor
If you are a parent of a child conceived via an egg or a sperm donor, you may face unique concerns. You may develop worries as to how to navigate being a non-genetic parent. You may worry about disclosing information about your child’s genetic origins. It is natural to feel anxious about these things. We can provide support and guidance on how to navigate these challenging topics.
Consultations for Egg and Sperm Donors
Prior to donating sperm or eggs, the potential sperm or egg donor must undergo an evaluation to determine suitability. The donor and partner will meet for a clinical interview and detailed evaluation to ensure all potential concerns are addressed, followed by a written report.
Infertility Support Groups
Navigating the emotional challenges of infertility can be overwhelming and isolating. At Wildflower, we understand the unique struggles that come with the fertility journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our infertility support groups provide a safe, compassionate space for individuals and couples to share their experiences, gain emotional support, and connect with others who understand what they are going through.
Counseling
At Wildflower, our therapists are skilled in providing compassionate counseling for individuals and couples navigating the challenging experience of infertility. We understand the emotional complexities involved and are here to support you every step of the way, helping you find resilience and hope during this time.
Meet Your Consultants
Kate Ernstrom, LCSW, PMH-C, CST and Gabby Pendley, LCSW, PMH-C, CADC
Kate Ernstrom, LCSW, PMH-C, CST, and Gabby Pendley, LCSW, PMH-C, CADC are highly trained psychotherapists specializing in reproductive mental health. Both Kate and Gabby have extensive training in fertility consultations and are Perinatal Mental Health Certified Clinicians, making them uniquely qualified to support individuals and couples through their fertility diagnosis and treatment.
They provide comprehensive consultations for those pursuing third-party reproduction, including the use of egg and sperm donors and gestational surrogacy. Their expertise ensures that clients receive thorough evaluations and compassionate guidance, addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of fertility treatments to help create healthy and supportive pathways to parenthood.
Flourish With Wildflower:
Discover. Heal. Grow.
Dive into a transformative therapy experience with Wildflower. Uncover hidden strengths, embrace emotional growth and journey toward a renewed sense of self.
Core Tenets of Wildflower’s
Clinical Philosophy
Deeply Relational &
Personalized Therapy
We recognize that you are the expert on your life. Therapy at Wildflower is a collaborative journey. Our caring, affirming therapists tailor sessions to your unique needs and experiences, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for growth.
Commitment to
Excellence & Learning
Every client deserves the best of our clinical skills and knowledge. Our team is a community of professionals who not only uphold shared values and clinical excellence but also engage in regular training and consultation to stay at the forefront of therapeutic practices.
Stigma-Free View on
Mental Health
Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, deserving of attention without any stigma or judgment. Everyone faces challenges, and seeking help is a sign of resilience and strength. Every person’s mental health journey is valid, and we aim to support that with the utmost respect.
Advocates of Social
Justice & Inclusivity
We recognize that no one exists in a vacuum. Complex systems of oppression and privilege shape individuals’ lives. We believe that as mental health professionals, we have an obligation to promote social justice and contribute to a world that celebrates every person’s inherent worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Clients’ Growth Stories
Wildflower and my therapist provided a safe, warm, understanding, non-judgmental space, both literally and figuratively, to do meaningful work. I am so grateful for my therapist’s compassion and guidance.
Wildflower is such a warm space with incredibly caring therapists! I have grown so much during my years here and always recommend coming here to friends looking for a therapist.
My experience at Wildflower has been absolutely seamless. Starting therapy takes courage and Wildflower respects that by responding to inquiries quickly and in a straightforward manner. It became very obvious that my therapist had been matched with me thoughtfully. I have loved my time working with [my therapist], even working through difficult topics and situations. I recommend Wildflower to anyone looking to be pushed towards growth in a respectful and safe space.
Wildflower has been a breath of fresh air. I’ve gone to a few different offices over the years and this is by far the best experience I’ve had. From the space itself to the people you hire, you’ve made something that can be very intimidating to people easy and enjoyable.
The Wildflower team guided me through what I can only hope was the most difficult period of my life. During a nightmarish time of crisis, extreme grief and trauma, they matched me with an exceptional therapist who was genuine, caring, and attuned. Our weekly sessions were simultaneously the best and hardest parts of my week … and eventually the heaviness got lighter.
Blooming Insights:
The Latest from the Wildflower Blog
We believe that knowledge and learning are key aspects of helping you to grow and thrive on your mental health journey. Stay updated with our latest articles on emotional well-being, perinatal mental health, sexuality, and more on our blog.
Blossom Into Your Best Self with Wildflower
Work with Wildflower to cultivate emotional strength and clarity. With expert support and a deeply personal touch, let’s nurture your growth and well-being. Ready to bloom? We’re here to guide you.
