0684 - Intimacy Under Pressure: Supporting Couple Connection Through Infertility and Reproductive Loss

Course Description

Hours: 12

Infertility and reproductive loss are not only individual experiences, but deeply relational ones that can profoundly impact couple connection, communication and intimacy. While some couples report feeling strengthened by navigating fertility challenges together, many experience increased conflict, emotional disconnection, differences in coping styles and strain on both emotional and physical intimacy. The cumulative stress of treatment cycles, complex decisions, financial pressures and grief can leave couples feeling isolated from one another at the very time connection is most needed.

Mental health practitioners working with couples must be equipped to understand both the medical and psychosocial contexts of infertility and loss, as well as the unique ways these experiences manifest within relational dynamics.

This course focuses on strengthening clinicians’ ability to support individuals and couples in maintaining and rebuilding connection under the pressure of infertility and reproductive loss. Drawing on evidence-based approaches, participants will develop practical tools to help clients navigate emotional, relational and sexual challenges.

Throughout this two-day course participants will:

• Gain a foundational understanding of infertility, reproductive loss and assisted human reproductive technologies.
• Better understand how infertility, reproductive loss and fertility treatments impact couple dynamics, including communication patterns, emotional regulation and attachment needs.
• Explore common relational challenges, including mismatched coping styles, differences in treatment decision-making and experiences of blame, resentment and withdrawal.
• Develop skills to support couples in navigating difficult and emotionally charged conversations related to fertility, loss and family-building decisions.
• Learn strategies to address changes in sexual intimacy, including performance pressure, avoidance and the medicalization of sex.
• Apply evidence-based interventions to foster connection, empathy and mutual understanding between partners.
• Identify ways to support couples in rebuilding trust and connection following reproductive loss or unsuccessful treatment.
• Strengthen confidence in working with diverse couples, including 2SLGBTQ+ partners and those navigating third-party reproduction or complex family-building pathways.
• Explore the clinician’s role in balancing individual and relational needs within couple work in the context of fertility challenges.
• And more!

This course will be of interest to mental health professionals, nurses and other clinicians working with individuals and couples who are navigating infertility, reproductive loss and family-building. It is particularly relevant for those seeking to deepen their skills in couple therapy within a reproductive mental health context.

Although it is recommended that participants have already completed An Introduction to Counselling for Infertility, Loss and Assisted Reproductive Technologies prior to registering for this course, this course will include a brief overview of key concepts, terminology and treatment pathways to support learners who are newer to this area.

Note: This course provides specialized knowledge in supporting couples through infertility and reproductive loss but does not in itself qualify participants to work as fertility counselling specialists or to conduct third-party assessments for gamete donation or surrogacy.

Notes

Time Zone: All listed class times are held in ET (Ontario, Canada)

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Family and Couples Counselling : Family and Couples Counselling