Infertility Counseling in Chicago, IL

You’re Tired of Facing This Pain Alone

If you’re navigating infertility, you already know the emotional toll it takes. You’ve tried to stay strong, keep hope alive, and move forward, yet the grief, anxiety, and loneliness linger. Many women and couples struggle with fertility challenges, dealing with the ongoing process of managing these difficult feelings.

• You’re overwhelmed by the heartbreak of a negative pregnancy test, again.

• You’ve felt invisible in a world that doesn’t understand your pain.

• You’ve experienced loss; miscarriage, a failed IVF cycle, or the dream of becoming a parent slipping away.

• You and your partner feel distant, exhausted by decisions and disappointments, and may experience conflict during this time.

• You’re trying to stay hopeful, but your mental health is unraveling quietly.

You’re not alone. At Nurture Therapy, we understand how emotionally complex the fertility journey can be, we’re here to help and provide a space where clients can feel safe while working through these challenges.

You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone Anymore

Infertility counseling can be a powerful source of healing, strength, and support, whether you’re just beginning fertility treatments or have been coping with reproductive struggles for years.

Imagine if you could:

• Feel seen and validated in a space free of judgment or pressure.

• Develop coping strategies to manage grief, stress, and anxiety, which can be extremely helpful in reducing feelings of overwhelm and supporting your emotional well-being.

• Strengthen your relationship with your partner through open, guided communication; couples therapy can be particularly beneficial for addressing relationship challenges during infertility.

• Rebuild trust in your body and your journey, whatever path it takes.

• Make decisions about IVF, donor options, adoption, or when to pause—with clarity and confidence.

With the right therapist by your side, you can reclaim peace of mind, emotional resilience, and a sense of agency in your fertility journey. The benefits of infertility counseling include improved emotional well-being, stronger relationship dynamics, and better coping with the unique challenges of fertility struggles.

Symptoms of Infertility-Related Emotional Distress

You may be searching for answers like “signs infertility is affecting my mental health” or “how to cope with failed IVF.” The truth is, the emotional toll of infertility is very real, and struggling with infertility issues can manifest in both emotional and physical symptoms. Common experiences include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or grief

• Heightened anxiety or panic, especially around medical appointments or social events

• Mood swings or irritability

• Trouble sleeping or concentrating

• Feelings of inadequacy or failure

• Strained communication with your partner or family

• Avoidance of baby showers, social media, or conversations about children

• Experiencing physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or changes in appetite as part of the emotional toll of struggling with infertility

You don’t have to reach a breaking point before seeking help. Therapy can provide the emotional scaffolding you need, right now.

Our Therapists Are Here to Support You

At Nurture Therapy, we’ve helped hundreds of clients move through the emotional landscape of infertility with compassion and clarity. Our infertility therapists and family therapists are dedicated to supporting clients through every stage of their journey. Our team brings deep clinical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and a trauma-informed lens to every session.

Whether you’re undergoing IVF, facing reproductive trauma, or grappling with pregnancy loss, we offer tailored support to help you feel grounded and empowered. In our welcoming and private therapy office, we understand this is one of the most vulnerable times in your life—and we’re honored to walk with you through it.

Our Approach to Infertility Counseling

You deserve therapy that meets you exactly where you are. At Nurture Therapy, we take a personalized, evidence-based approach to infertility counseling for individuals and couples in Chicago and beyond.

Our work often includes:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping you challenge unhelpful thoughts, reduce self-blame, and develop healthier emotional responses.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Supporting you in making space for painful feelings while moving toward values-based decisions.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaching mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance to help you cope with fertility-related stress.

• Mindfulness Practices: Guiding you to stay grounded in the present moment and cultivate emotional resilience.

• Exploring treatment options: Assisting you in evaluating and understanding various treatment options such as IVF, IUI, or donor conception, so you can make informed decisions that align with your values and circumstances.

We tailor our approach based on your story, your needs, and your goals.

Types of Services We Offer

At Nurture Therapy, we recognize that every fertility journey is unique, and so are the emotional challenges that come with it. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of infertility counseling services designed to support individuals and couples at every stage. Our team of mental health professionals—including experienced marriage and family therapists—creates a safe space where you can openly explore your feelings, concerns, and hopes for the future.

Whether you’re just beginning fertility treatments or have been experiencing infertility for some time, we provide individual counseling to help you process complex emotions and find clarity. For couples, our couples counseling sessions focus on strengthening your relationship and navigating the journey together. We also offer online therapy, making it easier to access support from the comfort of your home.

Specialized Support Areas:

• Reproductive Trauma & Ambiguous Loss: We help clients process the complex, often invisible grief of infertility and failed treatments.

• Grief Counseling for Pregnancy Loss: Whether recent or years ago, we hold space for the depth of this pain and guide you through healing.

• Fertility Preservation Counseling: If you’re considering egg freezing, we help you process this deeply personal decision, including support for those who are not yet pregnant but exploring their options.

• Guidance through Treatment Recovery: Support after failed IVF or IUI, when you’re left with heartbreak and hard decisions ahead.

We are committed to supporting diverse families, including LGBTQ+ families, as they navigate infertility, reproductive, and mental health challenges.

We also offer teletherapy to residents of Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Minnesota, Texas, and Tennessee, so you can access care wherever you are.

What to Expect from Infertility Counseling

When you begin infertility counseling with us, you’ll find a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where your experiences and emotions are honored. Our infertility therapists take the time to understand your unique needs, concerns, and goals, working collaboratively with you to develop a personalized plan for support.

We use evidence-based practices to help you manage the emotional challenges of infertility, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Our approach is tailored to help you cope with the ups and downs of the fertility journey, providing practical tools and emotional support to help you feel more grounded and resilient. For couples, we focus on strengthening relationships and improving communication, so you and your partner can face challenges together with greater understanding and connection.

Throughout your counseling journey, you’ll be supported by therapists who are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of infertility, empowering you to move forward with confidence and hope.

Building a Support Network

Navigating infertility can feel isolating, but building a strong support network can make a world of difference. Through our fertility counseling services, we help you connect with others who truly understand the emotional challenges of the fertility journey. Whether it’s joining a support group, reaching out to friends and family, or working with our therapists, having a network of support can provide comfort, guidance, and a sense of community.

Our family therapists are here to help you manage the complex emotions and potential conflict that can arise in relationships during this challenging time. By fostering open communication and understanding, we help you and your loved ones navigate the emotional landscape of infertility together. With a solid support network, you’ll feel more empowered to cope with the challenges ahead and make informed decisions about your fertility journey.

Moving Forward: Hope and Healing Beyond Infertility Counseling

Infertility counseling is a powerful step toward healing, but it’s also about looking ahead with hope. Our therapists are committed to helping you explore your personal goals and create a plan for the future—whether that includes fertility treatments, adoption, or other family-building options. We provide ongoing support as you process the emotional challenges of infertility, including grief, guilt, and shame, helping you rebuild your sense of emotional well-being.

By focusing on hope and healing, you can begin to move forward with renewed confidence and a healthier outlook. Our counseling services are designed to help you cope with the stress and anxiety of infertility, and to find a positive, healthy way to navigate your fertility journey. With compassionate support and guidance, you can rediscover a sense of purpose and possibility, no matter where your path leads.

Reach out to us for support

At Nurture Therapy, we believe you shouldn’t have to face infertility alone. If you’re ready for compassionate, expert care, we’re here to help.

Call us today. We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to answer any questions or concerns you may have before scheduling an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility Counseling

What is infertility counseling?

Infertility counseling is a specialized form of therapy that helps individuals and couples cope with the emotional, psychological, and relational challenges associated with fertility struggles, including infertility issues. An infertility therapist is trained to help clients address infertility issues and related emotional challenges, providing support for grief, decision-making, and managing the stress of treatments like IVF, IUI, or egg/sperm preservation.

Who can benefit from infertility therapy?

Anyone facing challenges related to fertility—including individuals, couples, families of all types (including LGBTQ+ families), and those experiencing pregnancy loss or reproductive trauma can benefit from our services. Whether you’re actively undergoing treatment or processing years of unresolved grief, infertility counseling offers compassionate, expert support.

How is infertility counseling different from general therapy?

While general therapy can address a wide range of mental health issues, infertility counseling is focused on the unique emotional landscape of reproductive health. Our therapists have specialized training in grief, trauma, reproductive loss, and the psychological impact of medical procedures related to fertility. Infertility counseling also addresses both the emotional and physical aspects of fertility challenges, recognizing the important connection between physical health and mental well-being.

Can counseling help my partner and I cope better, together?

Yes. Couples counseling for infertility helps partners communicate openly, manage emotional stress, and stay connected through what can be an incredibly isolating experience. Couples therapy is designed to address relationship dynamics and improve communication, especially when partners experience conflict related to infertility. We help you build a team mindset—so you can support each other with compassion and clarity.

What if I’m not sure I want kids, but still feel grief around infertility?

That’s completely valid. Many people feel grief, confusion, or guilt—even if their path to parenthood is uncertain. Therapy gives you space to explore your values, identity, and future with support and without pressure.

Is virtual infertility counseling effective?

Absolutely. Many of our clients find teletherapy to be just as effective as in-person sessions, with the added convenience of accessing support from home. We provide secure, HIPAA-compliant online sessions for clients across several states.

How long does infertility counseling usually last?

The length of therapy varies based on your needs. Some clients seek short-term support during a treatment cycle; others engage in longer-term therapy to process grief or relational strain. We’ll work with you to determine the best pace and goals.

Is infertility counseling covered by insurance?

Nurture Therapy of Illinois is an in-network provider for Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield Choice, United Healthcare, UMR, and University of Chicago Plans: UCHP and USHIP. If you plan to use your insurance, information regarding your coverage plan will need to be obtained at the time of scheduling your initial intake appointment. 

For all other insurance plans, Nurture Therapy is an out-of-network provider. What this means for you is if your insurance has out-of-network benefits for mental health services you can submit a reimbursement form at the end of each session. Many clients are able to obtain some reimbursement from their insurance provider.  Reimbursement forms are provided at the end of each month.