Events

Penny Donnelly, RN LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for infertility, third party reproduction (donor egg, donor sperm, use of gestational carrier), and weight loss. Her programs reflect genuine caring, support and guidance. We have also recently implemented a designated group for single women exploring fertility preservation or parenting.

This group is for women (or couples) that would like support as they negotiate the "ups and downs" of fertility treatments.  We will share strategies for improved coping including some mind/body modalities. Sharing, restructuring negative or distorted thinking patterns, improving communication skills, and learning the gift of forgiveness and resilience are some sample agendas. The spirit of this on-going and open group is to provide the attendees with a sense of optimism and emotional stability as they undergo treatments and make decisions about fertility options. 

8/12/14 Stress Reduction Strategies    

• Eliciting the Relaxation Response
• Twenty things that bring you joy
• Being "in the flow"
• Mindfulness – focusing on the present and the foundations of a mindfulness practice
• Taping into your "inner" wisdom

9/9/14 Making the Most of Your Fertility Treatments

• Lifestyle Guidelines
• Staying connected
• Life Balance
• Positive thinking and optimism
• Finding the best in your partner

For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please email IVFnurse@stanfordmed.org.

Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.