346: Psychotherapy and Professional Training for Treating Infertility with Shatiera Amankrah, LCSW, LICSW, PMH-C
Infertility affects many people all around us, and discussions about this topic are not happening enough. Whether a long path or a short one, every infertility journey is different with a million factors at play. I’m grateful that my guest today is sharing her story! Shatiera Amankrah is a licensed therapist specializing in infertility counseling, and she is certified in perinatal mental health. She is sharing her infertility journey and what she and her husband have been through, along with how she’s helping other professionals learn more about supporting families affected by infertility. Her private practice, Seeds of Hope LLC, provides a range of services, such as individual therapy, surrogacy screenings, donor egg and sperm screenings/consultations, workshops/training for professionals, clinical supervision, and consultation. Shatiera is licensed to practice in VA, GA, and Washington, DC, and has upcoming training sessions, both in-person (in the DC area on July 28) and virtual (on August 9 and September 8). Find out more at Seeds of Hope. Show Highlights: Shatiera’s story: grad school, marriage, and no progress in trying to conceive Multiple unsuccessful IUIs, an issue with her husband, and decreasing sperm counts–all pointing toward IVF as the only option Ups and downs in the IVF process: two unsuccessful attempts and then—Shatiera’s first-ever pregnancy with her daughter, now 8 The dilemma Shateira and her husband faced with their one remaining embryo Another IVF transfer, and—their son, now 5, was the happy result The emotional side of infertility from Shatiera’s struggle to become a parent and her current work as an advocate for others Blaming yourself and listening to the “outside noise” just adds to the pain of infertility The stigma men feel about male factor infertility The importance of setting boundaries to guard against others’ advice and opinions Infertility—--silent suffering Shatiera’s experience of pregnancy and postpartum after infertility–and the anxiety and emotional pain that came Shatiera’s path to a career in perinatal mental health What training to pursue to become a perinatal therapist Shatiera’s advice to anyone on the infertility journey Resources: Connect with Shatiera Amankrah and Seeds of Hope LLC: Website, Instagram, and TikTok Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to better support people for whom they provide services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course. Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!