Complementary Care
RMA
of New York understands the difficulties inherent in trying to build a
family through infertility treatment or pursuing fertility preservation.
Our staff understands that individuals and couples often face emotional,
family or personal challenges that can affect them in many ways. Led by
experienced and highly esteemed licensed therapists
Georgia Witkin,
PhD and
Lisa Schuman, LCSW, RMA of
New York offers a variety of services designed to assist
patients through their personal journey. Whether the goal is to manage
stress and treatment stressors, resolve conflicts with family and
friends about disclosure, cope with pregnancy loss, or confidently make
treatment decisions, RMA of New York
is here to help.
Individual/Couples and Group Support Programs are available both in
our New York City and
Westchester
locations.
INDIVIDUAL/COUPLES PROGRAMS
Focus on Infertility Treatment
While engaging in infertility treatment, individuals and couples can
be faced with questions and stressors. Counseling with our specially
trained clinicians can provide support, guidance and education. With
this assistance, patients are better able to make informed decisions and
are able to manage their emotional experiences and relationships more
productively.
Focus on Fertility Preservation
RMA of New York's team is very experienced in supporting patients who
are undergoing fertility preservation treatment.
Discussions
regarding fertility preservation may include education on the process of
fertility preservation and helping patients anticipate future needs, or
may focus on stress reduction techniques and general support during
treatment cycles. Family and group sessions focusing on fertility
preservation are also available.
RMA of New York is proud to have
Lisa Schuman, LCSW, involved in developing emotional support guidelines
for individuals considering egg freezing.
Lisa is Chair of the Oocyte Cryopreservation Task Force for the
Mental Health Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
(ASRM), which will be creating the fist counseling guidelines for egg
freezing in 2009.
Focus on Egg Donors and Recipients
RMA of New York provides a
thorough screening and assessment of donors that is in accordance with
the guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
RMA's donor egg
program provides an opportunity for recipients to carefully and
thoughtfully explore their feelings and ideas, receive education, and
discuss conflicts so they can approach their path to parenthood with
comfort and confidence. Georgia Witkin, PhD meets with all recipients
and donors.
GROUP PROGRAMS
General Group Support: Coping with the Stress of Infertility
For those dealing with fertility
complications, the journey to building a family is not an easy one. There is
the frustration of not being able to easily conceive as you hoped you could,
the difficulty in openly disclosing fertility issues to friends, family, and
work colleagues, and the feelings of isolation that may result. Holidays and
get-togethers that were once enjoyable, may actually contribute to feelings
of loneliness and stress.
RMA of New York's licensed psychotherapist
Lisa Schuman, LCSW invites individuals and couples experiencing infertility, as well as their support network, to join her in a general support group on the evening of Tuesday, April 28th. The objectives are to help individuals and couples feel less isolated by finding others going through similar experiences, to educate patients and supporters about the stresses inherent in infertility, to instill useful stress reduction techniques, and discuss ways to provide support to those during their infertility journey.
NEXT GROUP: TBA
Please
e-mail us if you wish to be notified when the next group is
scheduled.
Moving Forward: Transitions in Fertility Treatment
Transitions are often difficult. When they are unwanted they are more
difficult. When they are unwanted and involve our fertility they are
particularly difficult. How do we make the decision when to move on to
IVF, donor egg, adoption or stopping treatment? How do we balance what
is best for us with medical advice? These questions will be explored in
a confidential and supportive forum at our Manhattan office.
NEXT GROUP: TBA
Please
e-mail us if you wish to be notified when the next group is
scheduled.
General Support Friday Morning Drop-In Session
(Scheduled Fridays 8:30am-10:00am- Manhattan Office, 13th Floor
Conference Room)
Lisa Schuman, LCSW will be holding a general support meeting and invites
all patients to attend, whether they are coming from a monitoring
appointment or are able to break free from their daily routine for a
short period of time. This casual program is targeted to provide
stress-relief and to promote fellow patients to help and support one
another. No registration necessary.
Drop-In Session Dates:
7/24
8/7
8/21
Donor Egg/Sperm Moms and Mom-to-be Support Group
In this informal and supportive seminar, patients are given an overview
of many of the issues with which patients struggle in their journey to
have a child with donor gametes.
Session Dates:
8/14
8/28 Donor Egg/Sperm 4 Session Support Series
( * also available as an individual/couples
program)
This four-session program was created to help individuals and couples
explore the special use of either donor egg
or donor sperm to have a baby. Topics discussed include privacy versus
disclosure, speaking with family and friends, sibling relationships and
parenting issues.
If you are interested in any of these services, please call
(212) 756-5777. If you would like us to alert you via e-mail for future
support evening sessions, please e-mail
info@rmany.com.
|