Object Relations View on the Role of Loss in Fertility Treatment and Adoption 5/24/08

Many infertility patients report similar symptoms, interpersonal dynamics and coping styles. Research has documented the stress and traumatic effects of infertility treatment on women. Stress management techniques and "mind body" treatment are popular ways of treating these patients. While these methods of treatment are effective, it is not the only option helpful with patients. In fact, the experience of the loss of fertility and the medical treatments that follow can present an opportunity to work through significant historical issues often reactivated while pursuing infertility treatment. The field of adoption is often clear about the role of loss for all parties involved and the importance of mourning, however, in practice, these issues can be easily overlooked, or quickly reconciled. Here, the issues of grief and loss can continue and often change shape from the initial feelings experienced in infertility treatment. Again, there are often opportunities to work through these feelings in a meaningful way as and possibly attend to reactivated losses. This two-part workshop will cover the basic loss issues that arise in infertility and adoption. Assessment of the patient's particular circumstance, transferrance and countertransferrance issues will be a focal point of the workshop.

Lisa Schuman, LCSW is a psychotherapist in private practice, staff therapist for Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York and founding Director of Adoption Cooperative Consultants. Ms. Schuman studied psychoanalytic psychotherapy at the Greenwich Institute, received her MSW at Yeshiva University and was certified in substance abuse and alcohol counseling. She is an active member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the Adoptive Parents Committee and the American Fertility Association. She lectures and writes articles on a variety of subjects.

Saturday, May 24, 2008
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
09:30 am Registration

220 West 71st Street
Suite 1B, NYC

Registration by
tel: 212.268.8638
fax: 646.349.1498
email: news@orinyc.org
workshop fee:
$75 non-students, $50 students

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