Miscarriage
While statistics vary, it is believed that generally 15-20% of all confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage with over 80% of these occurring before 12 weeks. This staggering fact is rarely considered when a new pregnancy, planned and happily anticipated, is celebrated by couples, their families and friends. Many women, following a miscarriage, experience a sense of isolation and feelings of having somehow failed in their responsibility to carry their pregnancy to term. Surrounded by others without any apparent obstetrical difficulties, they avoid social situations and find returning to work extremely difficult. Encouraged to try again, many report comments from even close friends and relatives that minimize their loss and deep emotional attachment in the pregnancy. Counselling following a miscarriage can help women understand the wide range of normal feelings many experience and develop coping strategies for challenging situations that involve interacting with pregnant women and infants.
Stillbirth
The risk of pregnancy loss after 12 weeks is 3-4% while a loss after 20 weeks gestation, considered a stillbirth rather than a miscarriage, occurs around 1 in every 160 pregnancies. While a first trimester miscarriage can remain a private experience if women and their partners have not shared their good news, a pregnancy loss after twenty weeks involves more public disclosure and awareness of others. When this late term loss involves a prenatal diagnosis and difficult decision-making, couples struggle to find a way to explain their baby’s passing without jeopardizing their right to privacy. Common curiosity, often loosely disguised as concern, can cause women and their partners to feel vulnerable to judgment and scrutiny.
Counselling following a stillbirth, regarding of the underlying cause, can assist families in dealing with the intense emotional aftermath of losing a baby they have held and known as well as find meaningful rituals to remember this important member of their family. Sadly, there is a natural reluctance to talk about stillbirths, leaving women and their partners to grieve alone as they attempt to resume a former lifestyle that will never be the same. Therapy focused on working through the pain of this loss can involve young siblings, and grandparents as well.
Infant Loss
The unexpected passing of a newborn is a shattering experience that undoubtedly shapes the emotional health of the mother, father, and surviving siblings for many years. While there is some recognition of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in the community, there are other, many more complex medical issues leading to the death of a baby. The sense of shock that surrounds infant loss leaves bereaved families struggling to find a new normal, a life that honours the memory of their baby when those around them really have no idea how to provide emotional support. Compounding this lack of understanding is the belief that parents can somehow ‘get over’ this loss and resume family functioning in an unrealistically short period of time. Counselling can provide a safe, unhurried component in a family’s healing process, responding to the individual needs of each member.
Counselling Fees
My counselling fees are not covered by OHIP although many have coverage through extended health benefits plans provided by their employers. As a therapist with designation as a Registered Social Worker (RSW), many clients are reimbursed for fees. Benefits packages through companies such as Sun Life, Blue Cross, Great West Life Insurance and Greenshield Canada can provide coverage for counselling services. Please check your employee benefits package to determine your individual coverage.
Any counselling expenses not covered by third party insurance benefits can be claimed as medical expense tax deductions when you file your annual income tax return. As a Registered Social Worker, I am considered an authorized ‘medical practitioner’, allowing you to claim counselling fees as a medical expense.
Clients are not charged for telephone consultations prior to initial counselling sessions. The fee for a 60-75 minute counselling session is $125.00. Payments are made by cash, cheque or credit card at the end of each session. Formal receipts are provided.