Mindful Fertility Counseling
Jacqueline Shea Vance, LICSW, LCSW
Serving clients in Washington State and California
As a licensed psychotherapist with over 15 years in private practice, and a mother by embryo donation,
I offer expertise that is as personal and unique as the path you will embark upon. I specialize in women and couples seeking to create a family through reproductive medicine. I recognize the dedication required of individuals to commit to this uncertain journey. The potential for great success and risk of sudden loss is constant. I also recognize the tenacity and resilience it takes to complete the journey. From a mindfulness orientation, I offer a place to process the experience, regardless of the outcome. Mindfulness offers a physical and emotional resting place. I offer techniques to cultivate self-compassion, build resilience, reduce stress and manage the whole process with the understanding that you are not alone.
"Mindfulness is a way of befriending
ourselves and our experience. "
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Services
Mindfulness Infertility Support
I support women seeking motherhood through infertility treatments-in particular older women-by offering tools for mindful self-compassion, stress-reduction and managing catastrophic thoughts. For example, I teach skills to recognize and manage mood fluctuations resulting from hormone injections and the uncertainty of the two-week wait for the outcome of an IVF cycle. Mindfulness' emphasis on bringing awareness to the moment is a freeing experience from regrets and losses along the way and preoccupation with the crucial outcome.
Perinatal and Postpartum Support
Infertility is a risk factor for mood disorders during and after pregnancy, such as major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and postpartum depression. We will mindfully transition to your pregnancy with attention to healing from the residual stress on your body, psyche and spirit from IVF treatments. This process will allow you to be fully present to the joy and wonder of your pregnancy. Practicing mindful meditation and relaxation techniques throughout pregnancy will prepare you for the birth and enhance attachment to your newborn.
Alternative Family Building
I empower clients to make educated and informed choices every step of the way on their journey to parenthood. We explore and discuss current research on ART (Artificial Reproductive Treatment), which includes IUI (Artificial Insemination), IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), and Third-Party or Donor-Assisted Reproduction (donated eggs or embryos), surrogacy, adoption and the world of parenting non-genetic children.
"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops - at all."
Emily Dickinson
Contact Me
I know first hand how challenging this journey can be. I am here to be your ally and to offer my support and skills to navigate through it all.
Jacqueline Shea Vance
Telehealth available by appointment.
253-409-8803
Mindful Fertility Counseling
Jacqueline Shea Vance, LICSW, LCSW
Serving clients in Washington State and California.