EP #1 - Why You're Not Alone In This Journey
Tanja Faessler 0:00
Welcome to the very first episode of Your Fertility Counsellor Podcast! After much anticipation, it’s finally, finally happening! And I’m so, so excited to begin this journey with you.
Tanja Faessler 0:03
First of all, a wonderful Happy New Year! I hope that you had a beautiful festive season and started well into your new year 2025. In today's episode, we are going to talk about what many of you might be feeling right now as you navigate your fertility journey - the mental and emotional ups and downs that come with it.
Tanja Faessler 0:45
So let me ask you - do you ever feel like you're alone navigating your parenthood dream? The truth is, the journey can be incredibly overwhelming and isolating, because we often feel ashamed being on this journey and not knowing what's wrong with our body, really. So, I can definitely, definitely tell you that this is very normal to feel that way. It can leave us feeling uncertain at times. Some days, you may feel hopeful and excited, and other days it might feel like the weight of it - all is too much to bear.
Tanja Faessler 1:31
But I want you to know that you don't have to face this alone, and your feelings are absolutely valid. It's okay not to have all the answers right away. Life is such. There are many other examples in other areas of life where we don't have all these answers and we can find an okay place for it. Whether you are just starting out or have been on this journey for a while, support is always available to you. I totally understand that it's not easy to share your thoughts and emotions, but I want to emphasise how reaching out for support can make such a meaningful difference as you move forward on your journey. And we can reach out to people near us - being family, or being best friends, close friends, siblings, maybe. But talking to a person that is maybe not related to you can be as helpful as for others.
Tanja Faessler 2:42
Our team of accredited counsellors at Fertilityconnectz have supported dances of individuals and couples on their fertility journeys for over 12 years now. I can't believe how all this started, because it was really a very, very big dream for me to found Fertilityconnectz in 2012. When I started off, I was on my own, and I really didn't have any idea whether this will fly off and in which direction at all. All I knew is that I felt very, very passionate about helping others on their journey. And so, our team has now grown to 10 counsellors - fertility counsellors, actually - all certified, all specialised in fertility. Our team of counsellors at Fertilityconnectz have supported thousands of individuals and couples on their fertility journeys for over 12 years. With more than 15,000 client sessions, we have gained the experience and knowledge to guide you through this complex process with compassion and expertise. As proud members also of ANZICA - the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors' Association - we uphold the highest standards of care, combining research-based methods with heart-centered and personalised support.
Tanja Faessler 4:52
We understand that every journey is unique, and we are here for you at every stage of it. As such, we don't just offer you a solution from the shelf because we want to hear your story that is unique to you, and we want to support you in exactly the area that you need most help. Whether you are trying naturally or are undergoing any medically assisted processes, such as the IUI, IVF, any donor programs, or are considering egg freezing, we are truly here to provide you personalised and compassionate support tailored to your needs. Our goal is to help you move forward with clarity, strength, and confidence.
Tanja Faessler 6:16
And that's it for today's episode. I hope you feel encouraged to reach out for support if you need it - whether that's through a counsellor, a support group, or even just opening up to someone you trust. Always remember, seeking help and support is never a sign of weakness. It's what helps you find the strength to keep going. Thank you so much for listening. And if you need someone to talk to, we are here for you. Please send us your topics, and we will answer them in our podcast series - Letters from the Heart. Stay tuned and take care!