Events of Interest

Psychotherapy for Pregnancy Loss:

Applying Relationship Science to Clinical Practice

by Rayna D. Markin, Associate Professor in Counseling, Villanova University: Licensed Psychologist, Attune Philadelphia

In Psychotherapy for Pregnancy Loss: Applying Relationship Science to Clinical Practice, Rayna D. Markin applies cutting-edge research on the therapist-client relationship to individual and couples therapy for pregnancy loss and related forms of reproductive trauma, in such a way that is easy for clinicians to utilize in various settings. Through in-depth clinical illustrations and practical relational guidance, Markin demonstrates how the therapy relationship can help clients affected by pregnancy loss to mourn their losses, process and grow from trauma and loss, and restore healthy self-esteem

Features

Applies research on evidence-based relationships to a specific clinical context Provides clinical guidance for therapists working with patients who have experienced pregnancy loss.  Includes detailed case examples and hypothetical sessions to illustrate how to apply relationship elements to therapy for pregnancy loss 

Order online at https://global.oup.com/academic with promotion code ASPROMP8 to save 30%! 

The Evolution of Therapy in Reproductive Medicine: A Conversation with Sharon Covington

The Evolution of Therapy in Reproductive Medicine: A Conversation with Sharon Covington

 

Quiet the Clock is a new podcast, hosted by Beth Culotta, LMHC, which explores the uncertainties of navigating dating, motherhood, and egg freezing. 

 In this recent episode of the podcast, Beth interviews Sharon Covington, LCSW-C, a clinical social worker and director of psychological support services at Shady Grove Fertility. Sharon shares her personal journey into the field of reproductive medicine and discusses the emotional and pain points that women experience when considering or undergoing fertility preservation. They also discuss the evolution of therapy in this space, including the use of self-disclosure, and the challenges of dealing with uncertainty in infertility treatment. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxmogCybQi0

Episodes of Quiet the Clock are also available on :

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/quiet-the-clock/id1684574820
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Lzlbpi82Nz8NybxGCjMMg?si=f894bafeabe94d8c

 This Podcast is not sponsored nor endorsed by ASRM.

The MHPG Scientific Development Committee presents our second virtual Research Process and Developme

The MHPG Scientific Development Committee presents our second virtual Research Process and Development Meeting of 2023:

 

Speakers: Nancy Kaufman, LCSW, LP and Linda Applegarth, Ed.D.

Topic: "Secrets and Lies and Donor Conceptions: What Donor Conceived Individuals Really Feel"

Date: Friday, June 30th at 12noon EST

 Location: Zoom link: 

https://uhhospitals.zoom.us/j/93975046485?pwd=VHh1WEx5cHlaRjRmOENhOWo2VmRSZz09

Meeting ID: 939 7504 6485

Password: 168680

One tap mobile

+16465189805,,93975046485#,,,,0#,,168680# US (New York)

+13126266799,,93975046485#,,,,0#,,168680# US (Chicago)

 

As a reminder of these meetings: All MHPG members who have an interest in research are invited to attend. Each session will focus on either: a) an informational presentation and discussion of a specific research process or –related activity; or b) a speaker will discuss a current project they are working on, to elicit feedback and for problem solving around a particular issue they would like assistance with (e.g., brainstorming recruitment strategies for that particular study). We ask that you respect the confidentiality of the information presented in these meetings.

 

Future dates for Research Process and Development Meetings (these are each the 'final Fridays' of the respective months):

              Friday, August 25th at 12noon EST

         

If you are interested in presenting on a specific topic or on your works in progress at a future meeting, or if you have any topics you would like to suggest for the group to discuss at one of the meetings, please contact Erika Kelley (Erika.Kelley@UHhospitals.org).

 

We hope to see many of you on June 30th!

 

Sincerely,

Your MHPG Scientific Development Committee

Erika Kelley

Amelia Swanson

Sarah Holley

Fertility Counseling PostGraduate Course led by Kristy Koser, PhD, LPCC, LPC & Laura Covington, PhD,

Fertility Counseling PostGraduate Course led by Kristy Koser, PhD, LPCC, LPC & Laura Covington, PhD, LICSW

 We are excited to open registration for the 2023-2024 Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course (FCPC). The FCPC is a foundational step in learning the key aspects of fertility counseling. This course has been taught since 2010 with trusted colleagues Sharon Covington, MSW, Linda Applegarth, EdD, and Nancy Hafkin, PhD, training over 300 mental health professionals across the globe in this work.  Until this course, few clinicians have had access to an intensive, live, learning experience in this field. We are excited to announce that next year’s course will be taught by two recognized leaders in the field, Kristy Koser, PhD, LPCC, LPC and Laura Covington, PhD, LICSW who will continue the quality, integrity and legacy of this program, based upon the new 2nd Edition of Fertility Counseling, of which both are contributors.

 

The FCPC course will continue in the same model -- a formal, live, closed cohort, monthly, three-hour interactive class. It is a 10-month long teleconference-based program that provides 30 CEs, running from September to June.  Please see attached flyer. If you are interested in attending or receiving more information, please fill out the application by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Drs. Koser and Covington at FertilityCounselingCourse@gmail.com.  This event is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.

Click here for more information

Enriching Relationships Following Pregnancy Loss: Interactive Workshop for Bereaved Couples

Enriching Relationships Following Pregnancy Loss: Interactive Workshop for Bereaved Couples facilitated by Deb Rich, PhD, LP, PMH-C

 

This unique workshop is for couples who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss and are seeking guidance for how to stay connected during the stresses of life and throughout their individual grief and recovery journeys.

 

May 11th, 2023, 4:30-6:30 pm PST

 

https://rtzhope.org/register

 

This workshop is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.

Pregnancy Loss and Newborn Death for Psychtherapists:

Pregnancy Loss and Newborn Death for Psychotherapists: 

Best practice, clinical impact, theoretical underpinnings and psychotherapy process with Deb Rich, PhD, LP, PMH-C

 

Intensive workshop provides a foundation of essential medical knowledge to build specialty psychotherapy skills in clinical evaluation and intervention. 

 

June 12-June 13th, 2023 over Zoom; Course approved for 14 CE credit hours (by the APA and PSI)

 

https://touchstone-training.thinkific.com/courses/copy-of-pregnancy-loss-and-newborn-death-for-psychotherapists-june-2023

 

This workshop is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.

The Nuts and Bolts of Donor and Gestational Carrier Screenings: From Initial Referral to the Final R

The Nuts and Bolts of Donor and Gestational Carrier Screenings: From Initial Referral to the Final Report

Course presented by: Dr. Carrie Eichberg via Zoom 

Learn how to conduct gamete donation and surrogate evaluation/screening. This course will walk you through each step of the process beginning with the initial referral through report writing and providing feedback. Ethical binds and how to avoid them will also be discussed. A focus will be on integrating data from the PAI with clinical interview to provide a detailed assessment of the candidate. Prerequisite is completion of Dr. John Kurtz’s PAI for Reproductive Medicine course. Register for one session. 

  • Winter Session: Fridays-10:00 AM to 12:00 PM MST January 19, 26, February 2, 9 
  • Spring Session: Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun-10:00 AM to 12:00 PM MST, May 16,17,18,19 
  • Fall Session: Fridays-10:00 AM to 12:00 PM MST September 13, 20, 27 and October 4 

• Cost: $275 - 8 CE Units from APA are offered per session
• Sign up: email Carrie@dreichberg.com or call 208-343-0570
FLYER• This event is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.

Further information included in the attached FLYER

 

A Tale of Two Stories: Perspectives on Infertility

A Tale of Two Stories: Perspectives on Infertility 

 

Steven Miller and Ebonie Freeman, an MSW student from Baylor University are presenting on Infertility, Mental Health, and Racial Equity issues within infertility. Please join them on March 23rd at 6:30pm (CST) for this free presentation. CEUs are being offered as well. Please use this LINK to register. Flyer with additional details attached. Please note this training is not endorsed or sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.
Attachment below:
A_Tale_of_Two_Stories_Perspectives_on_Infertility.pdf

Reproductive Trauma: Psychotherapy With Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Clients (First Edition)

 Reproductive Trauma: Psychotherapy With Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Clients (First Edition)

By Janet Jaffe, Ph.D.

I am delighted to announce that Reproductive Trauma is now available as an e-book! Reproductive Trauma aims to help clinicians understand and treat the unique needs of clients who have experienced adverse reproductive events, including infertility, miscarriage, perinatal or newborn loss, and premature or other complicated births. Through the lens of the reproductive story, therapists will learn how to help clients identify the trauma they have experienced, grieve their losses, and guide them in making complicated decisions about family building, including the use of oocyte, sperm, or embryo donation. Illustrated with numerous clinical examples, the first edition will help mental health professionals gain both insight and clinical skill in working with this population.

Stay tuned for publication of the second edition sometime in 2024!

Training for Mental Health Professionals with Melanie Mikkelsen, LICSW

Professional Training Group
Thursdays: February 9th to March 9th @ 
training is from 11am-12pm Pacific / 2 pm-3pm Eastern. 
Training Group for Mental Health Professionals with Melanie Mikkelsen, LICSW
Melanie


EM•POWER with Moxi is hosting a 4-session professional training group session facilitated by their Director of Professional Training, Melanie Mikkelsen. Cost is $150 for the series and is geared towards mental health professionals who want to gain hands-on knowledge on how to work with embryo donors, recipients and the clinics that serve them, and will cover topics such as: ASRM guidelines for embryo donation, terminology, key components of embryo donation counseling and report writing, understanding the voices and needs of the various stakeholders in an embryo donation arrangement, case studies, and much more. Space is limited, so sign up soon! Please contact Melanie Mikkelsen with any questions (melanie.mikkelsen@seattlefertility.com). Please note this training is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.


Session dates are as follows:

Thursday, February 9th at 11 am-12 pm PST 

Thursday, February 23rd at 11 am-12 pm PST 

Thursday, March 2nd at 11 am-12 pm PST 

Thursday, March 9th at 11 am-12 pm PST

*On Thursday, February 16th, you are invited to join EM•POWER's professional event series featuring Sharon Covington who will be discussing the latest edition of the Fertility Counseling and Fertility Case Studies textbooks.



Fertility Counseling PostGraduate Course led by Kristy Koser, PhD, LPCC, LPC & Laura Covington, PhD,

Fertility Counseling PostGraduate Course led by Kristy Koser, PhD, LPCC, LPC & Laura Covington, PhD, LICSW

 We are excited to open registration for the 2023-2024 Fertility Counseling Postgraduate Course (FCPC). The FCPC is a foundational step in learning the key aspects of fertility counseling. This course has been taught since 2010 with trusted colleagues Sharon Covington, MSW, Linda Applegarth, EdD, and Nancy Hafkin, PhD, training over 300 mental health professionals across the globe in this work.  Until this course, few clinicians have had access to an intensive, live, learning experience in this field. We are excited to announce that next year’s course will be taught by two recognized leaders in the field, Kristy Koser, PhD, LPCC, LPC and Laura Covington, PhD, LICSW who will continue the quality, integrity and legacy of this program, based upon the new 2nd Edition of Fertility Counseling, of which both are contributors.

 

The FCPC course will continue in the same model -- a formal, live, closed cohort, monthly, three-hour interactive class. It is a 10-month long teleconference-based program that provides 30 CEs, running from September to June.  Please see attached flyer. If you are interested in attending or receiving more information, please fill out the application by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Drs. Koser and Covington at FertilityCounselingCourse@gmail.com.  This event is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.

Click here for more information

Podcast with Steven Miller

Podcast with Steven Miller

 

Steven J. Miller speaks with NASW Social Works Talks about infertility and mental health. He holds a master's in psychology and is earning his MSW at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

EP77: Infertility and Mental Health (socialworkers.org)

EM•POWER Webinars on Embryo Donation

EM•POWER donation is an organization dedicated to empowering choice and fostering understanding for all stakeholders involved in embryo donation.  Founded by Maya Grobel, LCSW, Jen Vesbit, NCC, and genetic counselor, Gina Davis, EM•POWER provides educational webinars and support services free of charge to the community.  EM•POWER is funded by the department of Health and Human Services. 

Save the date for our next live webinar, Talking to Kids About Embryo Donation.  In this 90-minute informational session, the EM•POWER team will explore different ways to talk with children about embryo donation.  We will share our family experiences and discuss tools and tips to support children as they develop their own unique narratives.  Maya will start by talking about how embryo recipients can talk to their children about their unique beginnings, and Jen and Gina will cover talking to children of embryo donors.  While this webinar is specific to families connected to embryo donation, it could also be a good support for any family created through donor conception.  One note: Our webinars are designed to keep participant names and questions anonymous to other viewers. 

This webinar is the third in a series of five.  If you missed our first two webinars and are interested in checking them out, you can watch them here.

Additionally, please mark your calendars for our next two webinars!

Becoming a Parent Via Embryo Donation
Saturday March 13th • 10am PST / 1pm EST
This webinar will focus on the recipient's experience and will explore family building and parenting through embryo donation.

The Experience of Having Frozen Embryos
Saturday April 10th • 10am PST / 1pm EST
This webinar will cover the various choices one has for remaining embryos and will dive into the decision making process and experiences for embryo donors.

Continuing education credits are not provided.  EM•POWER webinars are not endorsed or sponsored by the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.  

Second season of SART Fertility Experts podcast to be released featuring MHPG members

The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), is pleased to announce the release of the second season of the SART Fertility Experts Podcast, which will feature eight podcasts from a variety of dedicated professionals who make IVF and infertility treatment possible, provide invaluable counseling and education to our patients, and advocate to make treatment accessible to all. The first episode will be available on Tuesday April 20th, with episodes releasing every other week. 

Season Two Schedule 

Episode One: RESOLVE and Infertility with Barbara Collura, RESOLVE Executive Director and William Petok, PhD 

Release date: 4/20 Listen Now

Episode Two: IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak with Julia Woodward, PhD and Vickie Schafer, PhD

Release date: 5/4

Mind Body Fertility by Rescripted. and Alice Domar, Ph.D.

The Nuts and Bolts of Donor and Gestational Carrier Screenings: From Initial Referral to the Final R

The Nuts and Bolts of Donor and Gestational Carrier Screenings: From Initial Referral to the Final Report


Course presented by: Dr. Carrie Eichberg via Zoom

 

Learn how to conduct gamete donation and surrogate evaluations. This course will walk you through each step of the process beginning with the initial
referral through report writing and providing feedback. Ethical binds and how to avoid them will also be discussed. A focus will be on integrating data from the PAI with clinical interview to provide full assessment of the candidate. Prerequisite is completion of Dr. John Kurtz’s PAI for Reproductive Medicine course. Register for one session, as the Fall is a repeat of the Spring session. 

 

• Spring Session: Fridays-10:00 AM to 12:00 PM MST 

May 5, 12, 19 and June 2 2023
• Fall Session: Fridays-10:00 AM to 12:00 PM MST 

September 12, 22, 29 and October 2nd 2023
• Cost: $250 - 8 CE Units from APA are offered per session
• Sign up: email Carrie@dreichberg.com or call 208-343-0570
• This event is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.

 

Further information included in the attached flyer. 

Click on link for additional information

A Tale of Two Stories: Perspectives on Infertility

A Tale of Two Stories: Perspectives on Infertility 

 

Steven Miller and Ebonie Freeman, an MSW student from Baylor University are presenting on Infertility, Mental Health, and Racial Equity issues within infertility. Please join them on March 23rd at 6:30pm (CST) for this free presentation. CEUs are being offered as well. Please use this LINK to register. Flyer with additional details attached. Please note this training is not endorsed or sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.
Attachment below:
A_Tale_of_Two_Stories_Perspectives_on_Infertility.pdf

Reproductive Trauma: Psychotherapy With Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Clients (First Edition)

 Reproductive Trauma: Psychotherapy With Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Clients (First Edition)

By Janet Jaffe, Ph.D.

I am delighted to announce that Reproductive Trauma is now available as an e-book! Reproductive Trauma aims to help clinicians understand and treat the unique needs of clients who have experienced adverse reproductive events, including infertility, miscarriage, perinatal or newborn loss, and premature or other complicated births. Through the lens of the reproductive story, therapists will learn how to help clients identify the trauma they have experienced, grieve their losses, and guide them in making complicated decisions about family building, including the use of oocyte, sperm, or embryo donation. Illustrated with numerous clinical examples, the first edition will help mental health professionals gain both insight and clinical skill in working with this population.

Stay tuned for publication of the second edition sometime in 2024!

Training for Mental Health Professionals with Melanie Mikkelsen, LICSW

Professional Training Group
Thursdays: February 9th to March 9th @ 
training is from 11am-12pm Pacific / 2 pm-3pm Eastern. 
Training Group for Mental Health Professionals with Melanie Mikkelsen, LICSW
Melanie


EM•POWER with Moxi is hosting a 4-session professional training group session facilitated by their Director of Professional Training, Melanie Mikkelsen. Cost is $150 for the series and is geared towards mental health professionals who want to gain hands-on knowledge on how to work with embryo donors, recipients and the clinics that serve them, and will cover topics such as: ASRM guidelines for embryo donation, terminology, key components of embryo donation counseling and report writing, understanding the voices and needs of the various stakeholders in an embryo donation arrangement, case studies, and much more. Space is limited, so sign up soon! Please contact Melanie Mikkelsen with any questions (melanie.mikkelsen@seattlefertility.com). Please note this training is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.


Session dates are as follows:

Thursday, February 9th at 11 am-12 pm PST 

Thursday, February 23rd at 11 am-12 pm PST 

Thursday, March 2nd at 11 am-12 pm PST 

Thursday, March 9th at 11 am-12 pm PST

*On Thursday, February 16th, you are invited to join EM•POWER's professional event series featuring Sharon Covington who will be discussing the latest edition of the Fertility Counseling and Fertility Case Studies textbooks.



The Nuts and Bolts of Donor and Gestational Carrier Screenings: From Initial Referral to the Final R

The Nuts and Bolts of Donor and Gestational Carrier Screenings: From Initial Referral to the Final Report


Course presented by: Dr. Carrie Eichberg via Zoom

 

Learn how to conduct gamete donation and surrogate evaluations. This course will walk you through each step of the process beginning with the initial
referral through report writing and providing feedback. Ethical binds and how to avoid them will also be discussed. A focus will be on integrating data from the PAI with clinical interview to provide full assessment of the candidate. Prerequisite is completion of Dr. John Kurtz’s PAI for Reproductive Medicine course. Register for one session, as the Fall is a repeat of the Spring session. 

 

• Spring Session: Fridays-10:00 AM to 12:00 PM MST 

May 5, 12, 19 and June 2 2023
• Fall Session: Fridays-10:00 AM to 12:00 PM MST 

September 12, 22, 29 and October 2nd 2023
• Cost: $250 - 8 CE Units from APA are offered per session
• Sign up: email Carrie@dreichberg.com or call 208-343-0570
• This event is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.

 

Further information included in the attached flyer. 

Click on link for additional information

A Tale of Two Stories: Perspectives on Infertility

A Tale of Two Stories: Perspectives on Infertility 

 

Steven Miller and Ebonie Freeman, an MSW student from Baylor University are presenting on Infertility, Mental Health, and Racial Equity issues within infertility. Please join them on March 23rd at 6:30pm (CST) for this free presentation. CEUs are being offered as well. Please use this LINK to register. Flyer with additional details attached. Please note this training is not endorsed or sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.
Attachment below:
A_Tale_of_Two_Stories_Perspectives_on_Infertility.pdf

Reproductive Trauma: Psychotherapy With Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Clients (First Edition)

 Reproductive Trauma: Psychotherapy With Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Clients (First Edition)

By Janet Jaffe, Ph.D.

I am delighted to announce that Reproductive Trauma is now available as an e-book! Reproductive Trauma aims to help clinicians understand and treat the unique needs of clients who have experienced adverse reproductive events, including infertility, miscarriage, perinatal or newborn loss, and premature or other complicated births. Through the lens of the reproductive story, therapists will learn how to help clients identify the trauma they have experienced, grieve their losses, and guide them in making complicated decisions about family building, including the use of oocyte, sperm, or embryo donation. Illustrated with numerous clinical examples, the first edition will help mental health professionals gain both insight and clinical skill in working with this population.

Stay tuned for publication of the second edition sometime in 2024!

Training for Mental Health Professionals with Melanie Mikkelsen, LICSW

Professional Training Group
Thursdays: February 9th to March 9th @ 
training is from 11am-12pm Pacific / 2 pm-3pm Eastern. 
Training Group for Mental Health Professionals with Melanie Mikkelsen, LICSW
Melanie


EM•POWER with Moxi is hosting a 4-session professional training group session facilitated by their Director of Professional Training, Melanie Mikkelsen. Cost is $150 for the series and is geared towards mental health professionals who want to gain hands-on knowledge on how to work with embryo donors, recipients and the clinics that serve them, and will cover topics such as: ASRM guidelines for embryo donation, terminology, key components of embryo donation counseling and report writing, understanding the voices and needs of the various stakeholders in an embryo donation arrangement, case studies, and much more. Space is limited, so sign up soon! Please contact Melanie Mikkelsen with any questions (melanie.mikkelsen@seattlefertility.com). Please note this training is not sponsored by MHPG or ASRM.


Session dates are as follows:

Thursday, February 9th at 11 am-12 pm PST 

Thursday, February 23rd at 11 am-12 pm PST 

Thursday, March 2nd at 11 am-12 pm PST 

Thursday, March 9th at 11 am-12 pm PST

*On Thursday, February 16th, you are invited to join EM•POWER's professional event series featuring Sharon Covington who will be discussing the latest edition of the Fertility Counseling and Fertility Case Studies textbooks.