This wise, compassionate book teaches proven cognitive-behavioral strategies for coping with infertility and pregnancy loss. You will learn about common grief experiences that occur with such losses, as well as ways to find perspective and meaning, identify and change unhelpful thoughts, gain acceptance, reconnect with others, and reengage in life. Pregnancy loss can be devastating, regardless of whether it is early or late in pregnancy or in the short period after a baby is born. In many instances, similar emotions are experienced when a couple learns that their fertility treatments were unsuccessful.
Here the well-known psychologist Amy Wenzel applies the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy—a thoroughly-researched approach for treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and stress-related disorders— to the experience of reproductive loss. She offers strategies for coping with loss and provides a step-by-step guide to reengaging i
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
- Normalizing Emotional Experiences
- Getting By in the First Weeks
- Getting Involved in Life in the Later Weeks
- Coping With Disturbing Thoughts and Images of the Loss
- Coping With Disturbing Thoughts and Images About the Future
- Interacting With Others
- Gradual Exposure to Avoided Situations
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Staying Mindful and Achieving Acceptance
- Creating a New Normal and Finding Meaning
Postscript
Appendix: Mindfulness Resources
Notes
Index
About the Author
