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The American Fertility Association’s Monthly Newsletter

April 28 , 2008

FREE GROUP TELEPHONE COACHING SESSIONS

Phone-based coaching groups provide a convenient way for you to take part in a supportive and educational group experience from the comfort of your home or work place. These groups meet for one hour via a phone bridgeline. A bridgeline allows all participants to hear and speak with each other via the telephone. No special phone is required. All groups are led by licensed mental health professionals with an expertise, and often personal experience, in infertility treatment and/or adoption.

TOPIC: After Your Loss: Healing and Getting Back on Track

Your IVF was not successful, the IUI didn’t work, A Miscarriage, Another Miscarriage, a Necessary Termination…

This telecoaching session is an opportunity to share your loss with others who are also hurting from similar circumstances. You’ll receive feedback, support, suggestions, and most importantly, tools and strategies to assist you in decision-making and resuming control in your life after a pregnancy loss.

WHEN:	Wednesday, June 11, 2008
TIME:	9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, EST
FACILITATED BY:	Emily Laitmon LCSW

For further information, please contact:
Emily Laitmon, LCSW 212 988-2054 or 914 633-4224
Email: laitmon@aol.com

Emily Laitmon, LCSW, is a coach and psychotherapist with individuals, couples and families in areas of Infertility, Loss, Relationships and Women’s Issues. She has offices in NYC and Westchester, and is an insurance provider. She is associated with AFA as a workshop leader, coach and facilitator for support groups.

TOPIC: Considering Adoption

This telephone coaching support group is for couples and individuals who are exploring the possibility and “how to’s” of building a family via adoption. During this 1 hour conference call, you will have the opportunity to receive clear information regarding adoption practices and domestic/international adoption options, explore the myths and challenges of domestic and international adoption, consider which options may be right for you, and learn about the role of birthparents in the adoption process. You will receive professional and peer support as you consider and learn about the adoption option.

WHEN:	Tuesday May 13, 2008
TIME:	9:00 PM to 10:00 PM, EST
FACILITATED BY:	Bob Bamman, LCSW and Sara Barris, PsyD

For further information, please contact:
Bob Bamman, LCSW - Email: BobBmmn@aol.com
Sara Barris, PsyD – Email: SaraBarris@aol.com

Sara Barris

Sara Barris is a clinical psychologist. Since 1988, she has been highly active in the field of reproductive health issues with an expertise in infertility and adoption. Dr. Barris has written and lectured extensively about the psychological and emotional variables surrounding these issues. She has conducted many workshops in these areas as well. Dr. Barris serves as the co - director of Support Services for The American Fertility Association. In that capacity she has created and co-developed their national telephone coaching support groups. This involves leading groups, and training and supervising mental health professionals. Dr. Barris is a part of Dr. Martin Seligman’s team at the University of Pennsylvania, helping to facilitate the Penn Resilience Prevention Program for children and adolescents. Sara Barris has a full time private practice in Forest Hills, New York. She is a mother through birth and adoption.

Bob Bamman

An active professional member of the American Fertility Association, Bob Bamman facilitates workshops and coaching groups addressing the emotional aspects of infertility, men’s infertility issues, and adoption. Specialized clinical training includes infertility/adoption training at the Karen Horney Institute, the Center for Family Connections (Cambridge), and the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy. A veteran of the infertility experience and an adoptive parent, Bob maintains a private practice located in mid-Manhattan (34th St.) working with men, women, and couples. Bob also provides adoption consultation services and New York State mandated pre-adoption homestudy services.
Phone: (646) 872-9032

NEW YORK CITY WOMEN'S OVER FORTY IN-PERSON SUPPORT GROUP FORMING NOW

Do you feel alone? Are you stuck in feeling anxious or depressed? Does the majority of your life focus on starting a family? Are you confused or unsure about what your next step will be? This Support Group will help you with these issues and move you toward resolution of your fertility struggle.

Facilitated by Joan Winograd, LCSW, American Fertility Association Support Group Leader.

Space is Limited. You may contact Joan at (212)362-4003 or e-mail at Joanwino@aol.com.

NEW YORK CITY WOMEN’S MIND/BODY IN- PERSON FERTILITY SUPPORT GROUPS

We offer two groups to meet varied needs of our members.

Group I: For those who are planning, or have completed at least one IVF cycle.

Group II: For women who are in the early stages of fertility treatment, or who are in the process of evaluation.

Connect with other women who are going through a similar journey.
Experience Mind/Body techniques that increase resilience, optimism and a sense of wellness.
Discover the power and benefits of mutual support.

Groups meet at 85 Fifth Ave. (near Union Square)

Facilitated by Izetta Siegal Stern, LCSW, BCD, AFA Support Group Leader. Call Izetta at 212-691-1266 or e-mail ISiegalStern@aol.com

Groups are low-cost, and can be considered a medical deduction. You may be able to receive some insurance reimbursement.

Izetta Siegal Stern has counseled women and couples facing fertility challenges since l986. She has been a support group facilitator in the reproductive field for many years. As a speaker at national fertility conferences, she has presented on topics, including a Mind/Body approach to supporting fertility, resolving partner differences in family building and dealing with pregnancy loss.

WEST COAST PROGRAMS

Four Seminars Offered

EGG DONATION: WORKING WITH A THIRD PARTY
CHOOSING SINGLE PARENTING
CREATING A SUCCESSFUL SURROGATE ARRANGEMENT
GAY AND LESBIAN PARENTING

The American Fertility Association is sponsoring separate discussion groups for patients considering alternative family building options. The emotional, medical and practical aspects of each of these arrangements will be explored, so that prospective parents can make an informed decision about whether these plans are the “right” choice for them.

Elaine R. Gordon	Elaine R. Gordon, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialty in reproductive medicine. She has worked in the field for twenty years, helping individuals and couples build families through non-traditional options. She is the author of “Mommy, Did I Grow in Your Tummy? Where Some Babies Come From”.
	Ellen Speyer, M.A., M.S., MFT. is a psychotherapist with twenty years experience working with assisted reproduction, pregnancy loss, surrogacy, and adoption. She is a retired Chair of the Education Committee for the Mental Health Professional Group of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Location: Groups will be offered both in Orange County and Los Angeles
Dates: Call for meeting dates	Phone: (310) 454-0502 or (949) 252-1525
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m	Fee: $30 individual; $40 per couple
*Group Size Limited, Reservations Required*

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The American Fertility Association, 305 Madison Avenue Suite 449, New York NY 10165.
Support Line: 888-917-3777. Fax: 718-601-7722. www.theafa.org