Infertility and Identity: New Strategies for Treatment [Hardcover]

"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

A new model for treating infertility

This new book offers a revolutionary clinical model for treating individuals and couples who are infertile. The authors reveal how infertility profoundly affects a sense of identity and colors the most intimate relationships with family and friAnds. Step by step, this vital resource, shows clinicians how they can learn to support clients in overcoming their inevitable sense of loss and help them to regain their power.

The authors′ advocacy of acceptance of infertility is a liberating approach for families who have been struggling to `resolve′ these life long issues. This original book . . . .Can change your life.


––Linda Perilstein, executive director, Cradle of Hope Adoption Center, Washington, DC

A revolutionary clinical model for infertility treatment.
INFERTILITY AND IDENTITY is a much-needed resource that can provide its readers with the valuable support and education they need. Here's a great endorsement we'd like to share-- "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

Once the fairy tale of "love, marriage, and children" is shattered with the discovery of infertility, couples experience a profound sense of grief that goes to the heart of what it means to be male and female.Infertility and Identity offers a revolutionary clinical model for treating individuals and couples who are experiencing infertility. In this much– needed resource, Lara Deveraux and Ann Hammerman challenge the traditionally held belief that the only successful outcome for clients experiencing infertility is parenthood. They reveal how infertility profoundly affects a sense of identity and colors the most intimate relationships with family and friAnds. And, while the long–range psychological consequences of infertility have been largely ignored by mental health professionals, this vital resource fills the gap by showing clinicians how to support clients in overcoming their inevitable sense of loss and helping them to regain their power.Step by step, Deveraux and Hammerman outline effective clinical techniques that can help clients enrich their lives by learning how to integrate the experience of infertility into their identities. Infertility and Identity contains a wealth of information and proven strategies including? Flexible methods that clearly demonstrate how to help clients integrate infertility into identity? A revealing discussion on the profound effect infertility has on sexuality? An understanding of the emotional implications of the alternatives to biological parenting? Techniques for helping clients understand the effect infertility has on relationships with family and friAnds? A discussion that shows how a child–free life can be a viable choice.? Helpful exercises that are beneficial both inside and outside therapeutic sessionsIn addition, this hands–on book is filled with illustrative case samples, beneficial homework assignments, a listing of helpful books and videos, and inspiring vignettes that will provide you and your

Once the fairy tale of "love, marriage, and children" is shattered with the discovery of infertility, couples experience a profound sense of grief that goes to the heart of what it means to be male and female.

Infertility and Identity offers a revolutionary clinical model for treating individuals and couples who are experiencing infertility. In this much– needed resource, Lara Deveraux and Ann Hammerman challenge the traditionally held belief that the only successful outcome for clients experiencing infertility is parenthood. They reveal how infertility profoundly affects a sense of identity and colors the most intimate relationships with family and friends. And, while the long–range psychological consequences of infertility have been largely ignored by mental health professionals, this vital resource fills the gap by showing clinicians how to support clients in overcoming their inevitable sense of loss and helping them to regain their power.

Step by step, Deveraux and Hammerman outline effective clinical techniques that can help clients enrich their lives by learning how to integrate the experience of infertility into their identities. Infertility and Identity contains a wealth of information and proven strategies including
⋅ Flexible methods that clearly demonstrate how to help clients integrate infertility into identity
⋅ A revealing discussion on the profound effect infertility has on sexuality
⋅ An understanding of the emotional implications of the alternatives to biological parenting
⋅ Techniques for helping clients understand the effect infertility has on relationships with family and friends
⋅ A discussion that shows how a child–free life can be a viable choice.
⋅ Helpful exercises that are beneficial both inside and outside therapeutic sessions
In addition, this hands–on book is filled with illustrative case samples, beneficial homework assignments, a listing of helpful books and videos, and inspiring vignettes that will provide you and your clients with valuable support and education.

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