Reproductive Trauma: Psychotherapy With Infertility and Pregnancy Loss Clients

This is a terrific book that identifies the multiple, devastating repercussions of reproductive trauma by examining the disruptions to one's own personalized reproductive story. Grounded in developmental theory and richly illustrated with clinical examples, it is a welcome, much-needed guide for all therapists working with this overlooked population. Beyond its stated purpose of teaching mental health professionals, its accessibility, sensitivity, and comprehensive scope make it a volume that will be useful to obstetric health providers, medical social workers, and bereavement specialists as well as the couples who experience these losses.uIrving G. Leon, PhD, Adjunct Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor; author of When a Baby Dies: Psychotherapy for Pregnancy and Newborn Loss

Jaffe and Diamond have done it again! Their concept of the "reproductive story" simultaneously validates a patient's experience and provides guidelines for processing reproductive events. It is an extremely valuable technique for therapists confronting increasingly complex medical technology and the psychological fallout. A much-needed contribution!uLeslie Westlund Tam, MD, Reproductive Psychiatrist, San Diego, CA

A comprehensive guide for the clinical practitioner. The authors draw from a wealth of empirical research as well as numerous case studies to provide a deep understanding of the experience of infertility and how to help guide patients through the process.uMary P. Riddle, PhD, The Pennsylvania State University, World Campus

Since the birth of the first in vitro fertilization baby 30 years ago, assisted reproductive technology continues to advance exponentially. But despite this progress in medical technology, our psychological understanding of the related emotional, ethical, and moral dilemmas has yet to be advanced.

Written by specialists in the field of reproductive counseling, this volume aims to help clinicians understand and treat the unique needs of clients who have experienced adverse reproductive events, including infertility, miscarriage, perinatal or newborn loss, and premature or other complicated births. Therapists will learn the importance of their clients' reproductive story, how to help them identify and grieve losses, and how to guide them in making complicated decisions about family building. Illustrated with numerous clinical examples, this volume will help mental health professionals gain both insight and clinical skill in working with this complex and growing clinical population.

Janet Jaffe, PhD, a clinical psychologist in San Diego, California, is cofounder and codirector of the Center for Reproductive Psychology. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and has presented at conferences across the country on the psychology of the reproductive process, both to professional organizations and to the general public. Dr. Jaffe is coauthor of Unsung Lullabies, Understanding and Coping With Infertility (2005). Currently in private practice, Dr. Jaffe specializes in the issues of loss and bereavement related to miscarriage, infertility, and other reproductive trauma.
Martha O. Diamond, PhD, received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Stanford University and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. She is cofounder and codirector of the Center for Reproductive Psychology in San Diego, California. Dr. Diamond is coauthor of Unsung Lullabies, Understanding and Coping With Infertility (2005). In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Diamond has lectured nationally and internationally on reproductive issues, including the psychological trauma of infertility, miscarriage, and premature or complicated births. She also conducts in-service training for medical professionals on the psychological impact of adverse reproductive events and the emotional needs of their reproductive patients.