An empathy-supporting approach to the treatment of infertile women

This article applies recent theoretical writings OPE women's psychological development to the psychotherapy of infertile women, The healthy on-going development of these women may be threatened in two ways. infertility-related anxiety may cause a recapitulation of earlier modes of functioning, marked by a diminishment of both, ''voice'' and ''self-empathy.'' And, infertility-related affects, such as depression, shame, and low self-esteem, may promote isolation and contribute to a loss of growth-supporting empathic relationships. Infertility is a major life crisis requiring stressful medical treatment and difficult decisions regarding complex issues, A psychotherapy relationship which supports the re-establishment of empathic connections with self and others can help these women regain self-affirmative processes and coping mechanisms which they need to sustain themselves during infertility treatment. Clinical material and treatment models are presented.