Infertility and Identity

ANN JACKOWAY HAMMERMAN are clinical social workers in private practice with Clayton Counseling Associates in St. Louis, Missouri.

• Part One: Preparing the Therapist1. Pioneering a New Model of Treatment2. Learning the Essential Skills of Infertility CounselingPart Two: Understanding the Client Experience with Infertility3. Recognizing the Impact of Infertility4. Identifying Specific Responses to InfertilityPart Three: Strategies for Treatment5. Coping with Reproductive Loss6. Dealing with Sexuality and Infertility7. Considering Alternatives to Biological Parenting8. Coping with Recurring Grief and Doubt9. Regaining a Healthy IdentityPart Four: Session PlansAssessment, Grief, Decision-Making, Special Concerns, Infertility and Identity, Self-Advocacy, Financial Planning, Alternatives to Biological Parenting, TerminationAppAndices: A: ExercisesB: Suggested Reading and Viewing ListsC: ResourcesD: Alternatives to Biological Parenting: Practical Considerations

"A liberating approach for families who have been struggling to `resolve' these lifelong issues. This original book should be read by therapists, adoption professionals, clients, and anyone touched by infertility. It can change your life." --Linda Perilstein, executive director, Cradle of Hope Adoption Center, Washington, DC "Finally, there is an explanation and hope given to all clients who are suffering needlessly. I highly recommAnd this book for all professionals anxious to see their clients get off the sidelines and onto the court of their lives." --Teri Clemens, Adoptive mother of six and head volleyball coach of the Washington University National Championship Bears "The authors' new treatment strategy is the best approach to infertility counseling there is. This book is both pragmatic and compassionate. Finally, there is an explanation and hop given to all clients who are suffering needlessly. I highly recommAnd this book for all professionals anxious to see their clients get off the sidelines and onto the count of their lives." --Teri Clemens, Adoptive mother of 6 and Head Volleyball Coach of the Washington University National Championship Bears "The book provides an interesting and helpful analysis for attorneys, agency workers, court personnel, and other professionals involved in the adoption process. We recommAnd it highly as a key to better understanding on the part of all such concerned professionals." --Dudley C. Dunlop, attorney at law, St. Louis (Clayton), Missouri "This book covers a difficult aspect of infertility treatment! It is oriented toward learning how to live despite grief and loss. It is the type of book that I hope all professionals will read because when professionals read it, patients will benefit from its wisdom." --Sherman J. Silber, M.D., director, Infertility Center of St. Louis