Counseling and couple therapy for infertile couples.
The article describes a two-tier, interdisciplinary design for the psychological counseling and therapy of childless couples. It is solution- and resource-oriented and avoids psychopathological ascriptions. Couples are supported in coming to terms with the crisis of a physical disorder and its emotional consequences; they are also aided in developing prospects and options for a future without a biological child. The procedure is explained in detail and provides a model suitable for application at reproduction medicine centers and gynecological and andrological practices. Sample interventions illustrate the therapeutic attitude advocated.
Stammer
Heike
H
Department of Medical Psychology, Psychsomatic Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Germany. Heike_Stammer@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Wischmann
Tewes
T
Verres
Rolf
R
D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D019546:Couples Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D014481:United States