Involuntary Childlessness - Psychological Assessment, Counseling, and Psychotherapy

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

I. Introduction to the Subject

Psychological and Psychosomatic Aspects of Involuntary Childlessness: State of Research at the End of the 1990’ s

Introduction

1 Psychological Characteristics of Infertile Women, Men, and Couples

2 The Influence of Stress on Fertility

3 Psychosocial Stresses Connected with a Fertility Disorder

4 Psychological Stress in the Context of Reproductive Medical Treatments

5 Gender Differences in the Stress Experienced Due to a Fertility Disorder

6 Aspects of the Relationships of Involuntarily Childless Couples

7 Further Developments

Psychological Diagnosis, Counseling, and Psychotherapy in Fertility Medicine – An Overview

Introduction

1 The Tasks and Goals of Psychological Diagnosis and Intervention in Fertility Medicine

2 Effects of Psychological Care

3 Outlook

Primary Medical Care of Infertile Couples – Limitations and Opportunities

1 Target Population

2 Background

3 Content and Goals of Primary Medical Care in Relation to the Wish to Conceive

4 Specific Aspects of Diagnosis in Family Practice

5 Approach

6 Special Problem Configurations in Patients Wishing to Conceive

7 Implications for Practice

The Unfulfilled Desire for a Child of Oriental Couples – Infertility Counseling and Treatment of Turkish Immigrants in Germany

1 Introduction

2 The Psychosocial Situation of Turkish Immigrants in Germany

3 Special Features and Difficulties in Gynecological Care

4 The Unfulfilled Desire for a Child

5 Conclusions

6 Indications for Practice

II. Specific Counseling and Therapy Approaches

Psychological Therapy in Idiopathic Infertility: A Stress Reduction Approach

1 Indications, Target Population, Motivation, and Selection

2 Reasons for the Development of the Program

3 Content and Goals

4 Distinctive Features of the Diagnosis

5 Treatment

6 Advantages and Disadvantages, Contraindications

7 Results and Effects

8 Implications for Practice

Focal Counseling for Women and Couples with an Unfulfilled Desire for a Child:A Three Step Model

1 Indications, Target Population, Motivation, and Selection

2 Reasons for the Development of the Program and Theoretical Background

3 Content and Goals

4 Distinctive Features of the Diagnostic Process

5 Treatment

6 Effects of the Counseling

7 Implications for Practice

Solution-Focused Counseling for Involuntarily Childless Couples

1 Indication and Target Population

2 Reasons for the Development of the Program and Theoretical Background

3 Goal of the Couple Counseling

4 Setting, Diagnosis and Evaluation

5 Treatment Model

6 Advantages and Disadvantages, Contraindications

7 Results and Effects

8 Summary and Implications for Practice

Couple Counseling and Therapy for the Unfulfilled Desire for a Child – The Two-Step Approach of the “Heidelberg Infertility Consultation Service”

Introduction

1 The Two-Session Couple Counseling

2 Ten-Session Couple Therapy

3 Advantages, Disadvantages, and Contraindications

4 Effects of Couple Counseling and Therapy by the “ Heidelberg Infertility Consultation Service”

5 Implications for Practice

The Relationship of Research and Practice in Fertility Medicine

1 The Implementation of Psychosomatic Research Projects in Reproductive Medical Institutions

2 Transference of Research Results to Clinical Practice

Bibliography

List of Authors

III. Appendices

Practical Therapy in Sterility – A Manual for Gynecologists from a Psychosomatic Point of View

Introduction

1 The Wish for a Child

2 The Problem of Sterility – The Case History

3 Initial Interview with the Gynecologist

4 Diagnostic Phase

5 Contraindications Against Medical Therapy in Sterility

6 Focusing on Psychological Aspects

7 What is a Treatment Success?

8 Problems in Care

9 Key Questions

References

List of Contact Addresses for Organizations