0699 - Supporting Clients with Reproductive Health Diagnoses: Validation, Advocacy and Body Trust

Course Description

Hours: 12

Many individuals navigating reproductive health diagnoses (e.g. endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and autoimmune-related reproductive challenges), face not only complex and often debilitating physical symptoms, but also significant psychological and relational impacts. These experiences are frequently compounded by delayed diagnoses, fragmented care and encounters within healthcare systems where physical and psychosocial impacts are minimized, misunderstood or dismissed.

Over time, these dynamics can contribute to erosion of self-trust, internalized doubt, body disconnection and difficulty advocating for care. Individuals may begin to question their own experiences, feel alienated from their bodies and carry the cumulative emotional toll of navigating uncertainty, invalidation and repeated medical encounters.

For mental health practitioners, it is essential to understand both the clinical realities of these diagnoses and the broader psychosocial context in which clients are seeking support. This includes recognizing the impact of medical and social gaslighting, supporting clients in rebuilding trust in their bodies and helping them develop the language and skills needed to advocate for themselves within complex healthcare systems.

This workshop is designed to deepen clinicians’ capacity to provide informed, validating and trauma-aware care to individuals navigating reproductive health diagnoses. While a brief overview of relevant conditions, terminology and possible fertility impacts will be provided, the primary focus is on the lived experience of clients and the therapeutic approaches that best support resilience, self-trust and empowered decision-making. Drawing on evidence-based modalities and trauma-informed approaches, participants will gain practical tools that can be immediately integrated into clinical practice. Throughout this two-day workshop participants will:

• Gain a foundational understanding of common reproductive health diagnoses, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and autoimmune-related fertility challenges.
• Explore the psychological, relational and identity-based impacts of living with reproductive health diagnoses, including effects on body image, relationships and future family-building decisions.
• Develop an understanding of medical, social and internalized gaslighting, including how these experiences shape client narratives, self-perception and help-seeking behaviours.
• Learn and apply evidence-based therapeutic tools to support emotional regulation, cognitive reframing, self-compassion and values-based coping.
• Learn strategies to support clients in rebuilding body trust, reconnecting with internal cues and navigating complex relationships with their bodies.
• Strengthen skills in validation, meaning-making and trauma-informed care when working with clients whose symptoms and experiences have been minimized or dismissed.
• Support clients in developing self-advocacy skills within healthcare systems, including preparing for medical appointments, communicating concerns and navigating power dynamics.
• Increase confidence in working with diverse populations, including those disproportionately impacted by barriers to diagnosis and care.
• Identify ways to support clients managing uncertainty, ambiguous loss, and evolving diagnoses or treatment pathways.
• And more!

This workshop will be of interest to mental health professionals, nurses, and other clinicians supporting individuals navigating reproductive health conditions, associated fertility and mental health concerns, and related healthcare experiences.

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: 548-889-5128

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

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Women's Mental Health Certificate : Women's Mental Health