Counseling & Psychological Support

The process of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical and social situation that is often experienced as a stressful ordeal, which is distressing for both partners, perhaps in different ways. The staff of the HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Clinic recognize the emotional needs of women and couples and provide sessions with a psychologist throughout the procedure, under strict confidentiality and security, at no extra charge.

Psychological Support Groups for Infertility

For individuals and couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction

Infertility is a multidimensional experience that can significantly affect the emotional, psychological and social functioning of those experiencing it. Changes in mood, heightened levels of anxiety, uncertainty about outcomes and the ongoing management of expectations can make systematic psychological support an important part of the overall treatment journey.

The Psychological Support Groups of HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit are designed to provide a structured, safe and therapeutically oriented setting in which participants can process the psychosocial impact of infertility and strengthen their psychological resilience and coping mechanisms.

 

Who is the group for?

The group is open to women, men and couples at any stage of the assisted reproduction process.

It provides a safe space where participants can:

  • express their concerns, thoughts and feelings openly and safely,
  • process the challenges arising from the treatment cycle,
  • recognise shared experiences and
  • draw on interaction with others as a source of understanding and support.

Participation is voluntary and respects each individual’s personal pace and level of comfort.

 

Group Framework and Structure

The group is facilitated by Maria Souropani, a specialised psychologist with expertise in the psychological aspects of infertility.

Sessions are held monthly and last approximately 1.5 hours, in a dedicated setting at HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit, designed to ensure privacy and confidentiality.

The group operates with therapeutic objectives, using the group process and dynamics as a means of fostering psychological empowerment and self-awareness.

 

Group Objectives

Psychological empowerment and the development of skills for managing anxiety and emotional fluctuations.

Exploration and processing of thoughts, internal conflicts and emotional responses associated with infertility.

Strengthening interpersonal connection through sharing experiences, decisions and challenges throughout the treatment journey.

Greater understanding of oneself and one’s relationships, as well as the impact of infertility on intimate relationships and social functioning.

Utilisation of group dynamics—including projections, identifications and reflections—as therapeutic tools that support personal processing and self-awareness.

 

Why participate?

Group therapeutic interventions are an evidence-based form of psychological support that can:

• promote experiential learning,
• reduce anxiety and feelings of emotional isolation,
• facilitate greater understanding of personal patterns and responses and
• create a therapeutically active environment through interaction and the sharing of experiences.

The group provides a therapeutic setting for self-awareness and connection, offering participants the opportunity to meaningfully process the challenges associated with infertility.

 

Registration & Information

For registration or further information about the Psychological Support Groups for Infertility, please contact our team:

HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Unit
Telephone: +30 211 750 0510
Email: [email protected]

 

 

Registration Form

    The personal data you provide in this form will be used solely for the purpose of registering your participation and for related communication. It will not be shared with third parties or used for any other purpose, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

    Counseling focuses on informing and managing the emotions and thoughts that develop during the process. Couples are not left alone in this process. Our goal is to inspire a pleasant and optimistic mood in the couples, so there is balance and optimism through every step of the process.  Research shows that providing counseling prior to treatment significantly improves infertility-related stress in both women and couples, and promotes their emotional well-being.Specifically, counseling may help by:
    • Giving the opportunity to explore thoughts and emotions.
    • Acknowledging fears, anxieties and emotions.
    • Exploring different coping strategies.
    • Increasing your ability to communicate your needs and emotions.
    • Addressing successfully external pressures (e.g. family, social circle) that may intensify the stress.
    • All couples who come to the HYGEIA IVF Embryogenesis Assisted Reproduction Unit at any stage of the procedure (before starting, during the egg retrieval/embryo transfer procedures, after the results).
    • Before starting the procedure/during the first visit: The role of the psychologist at this stage is mainly informative and advisory and the goal is to inform and mentally prepare for the following stages.
    • In cases when couples or women proceed with donor eggs or sperm: The role of the psychologist is informative and advisory related to the questions/anxiety/fears that many couples or women express and think about when they need to take the decision to become parents.
    • In cases when the couple uses surrogacy. 

    Counseling can be a continuous process or performed for the first time before or after the course of treatment.

    • The service is free-of-charge and to schedule an appointment with the psychologist of the Unit you can contact the Center’s reception on +30 2117500510.
    • Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is possible to receive counseling support online.
    • The sessions are either individual or couple therapy.
    • The sessions last for as long as the woman or couple need the help of a specialist.
    We are standing by you every step of the way to remind you that you are not alone in this dream, we are in this together.