What to Expect During Your First Infertility Counseling Session

Reaching out for infertility counseling? First of all, brave move. It’s not easy to say, “Hey, I might need to talk to someone about all this” especially when “all this” feels like a full-time job with zero vacation days and too many opinions from strangers on the internet.

Whether you’re just starting your fertility journey or you’ve got enough acronyms under your belt to start your own clinic (IYKYK), therapy can be a place to let your guard down, cry if you need to, vent about your well meaning best friend, or just sit in silence with someone who gets it.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Perinatal Mental Health professional (PMH-C) based in Baton Rouge, and I work with people navigating the wild, emotional rollercoaster of infertility.

If you’re thinking about booking your first session, here’s a little peek at what it’s actually like so you don’t have to walk in wondering what the hell you just signed up for.

1. A Chill, No- Judgement Zone

That first session? It’s really just about getting comfortable. No pressure, no expectations, and definitely no “So tell me your entire life story in 50 minutes.” You don’t need to have anything figured out.

This is your space to show up exactly as you are: messy emotions, numbness, awkward silences and all. Whether you feel like crying, venting, or just sitting quietly, we go at your pace. You get to call the shots on what you’re comfortable sharing.

2. Getting to Know You (Not in a Weird Way)

In our first convo, I’ll ask gentle questions…nothing too intense, just enough to get a sense of your story so far. We’ll chat about things like:

• What your fertility journey has looked like (and any current treatments you’re dealing with)

• How you’ve been feeling emotionally: burnt out, hopeful, totally over it, or somewhere in between

• Who’s in your corner (partners, family, pets who silently judge the meds on the counter)

• Any past experiences with mental health stuff like anxiety, depression, or trauma

There are zero right answers. This is just about me getting a feel for what you’ve been carrying so I can support you in a way that actually makes sense for you.

3. What Do You Want Out of This?

We’ll also talk about what you’re hoping to get from therapy. No pressure to have a perfectly worded answer. Some people come in wanting help with anxiety or decision fatigue, but most people just need a space to cry without someone trying to fix it.

We might explore things like:

• Surviving the dreaded two-week wait without spiraling

• Figuring out how to talk to your partner (or literally anyone) without snapping

• What to do when your friend’s baby shower feels like emotional landmines

• Thinking through next steps in building your family even if everything feels uncertain right now

Whatever you need, we’ll figure it out together. This is your space, your pace.

4. Laying the Groundwork

Toward the end of the session, we’ll chat about what’s next. Things like:

• What future sessions might look like

• How often we’ll meet: weekly, every other week, before or after RE appointments, whatever feels doable for you

• Any lingering questions or “Is this normal?” thoughts you’ve got about therapy

You’ll leave with a clearer idea of what to expect moving forward and ideally, a little weight off your shoulders knowing you’ve found a space where you don’t have to do this alone.

5. What You Don’t Need to Bring

Just to clarify: you do not need to show up with…

• A detailed fertility timeline (even though we both know you could recite specific dates from memory)

• A binder of medical records (unless color-coding soothes your soul, then by all means)

• “Proof” that you’re struggling

• A five-year plan with bullet points and backup options

Seriously, please just bring yourself. However you’re feeling, whatever state you’re in, that’s more than enough. Come as you are. Pajamas and messy bun welcome.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re in Baton Rouge, or anywhere in Louisiana, I offer both in-person and virtual sessions for individuals and couples navigating infertility and all the complex, messy emotions that come with it.

Your feelings are valid. Your pain is real. And you don’t have to go through this alone. When you’re ready, I’m here.

Elizabeth “Beth Anne” Vivian, LPC, PMH-C
Infertility & Perinatal Mental Health Counselor
Baton Rouge, LA | Licensed in Louisiana