There are few medical conditions as stressful as infertility. Research has shown that the stress of infertility is comparable to that of cancer, HIV/AIDS and other devastating illnesses. Fortunately, you can learn ways to alleviate symptoms such as sadness, anger, anxiety, insomnia and physical pain.

A study conducted by Alice Domar, Ph.D., and her colleagues at Beth Israel/Deaconess Hospital in Boston found that participants in a mind/body medicine program for infertility experienced significant improvements in depression, anxiety and anger following completion of the program. Dr. Domar also found that within one year of completing the program 55% of the participants achieved an ongoing pregnancy. The Mind/Body Fertility Program is modeled after this successful class and past groups taught by Carol Knoph enjoyed similar success.

Program Goals

• Reduce stress through a variety of relaxation methods
• Decrease isolation surrounding infertility
• Experience yoga for fertility
• Learn techniques to reduce negative, harmful thoughts
• Examine lifestyle behaviors that effect fertility
• Optimize partner support and minimize stress and conflict in this relationship
• Learn the art of self-nurturance and coping with negative emotions

Who Could Benefit?

Women who are having difficulty conceiving, including those being treated with IUI, IVF and donor cycles or complementary therapies may benefit from this program. We encourage partner participation in four of the ten sessions. The Mind/Body Fertility Program is open to patients of all fertility clinics and practitioners.

What is Included?

• Participant manual, Healing Mind/Healthy Woman by Alice Domar, Ph.D. and Henry Dreher, and The Wellness Book by Herbert Benson, M.D. and Eileen Stuart, R.N., C., M.S.
• Initial individual visit with Carol Knoph, M.Ed.
• Ten weekly group sessions for women, with or without partners
• Four sessions for partners, including two sessions with Peter Hunsberger, Ed.D.
• One yoga session with Lynn Jensen, M.B.A., R.Y.T.
• Individual summary session with Carol Knoph, M.Ed.

About The Instructor

Carol Knoph, M.Ed. is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience working with adults, children and families. She received training in mind/body medicine from Harvard Medical School’s Mind/Body Medical Institute, followed up with additional training from Alice Domar, Ph.D. in mind/body medicine for infertility. Carol has been involved in the Seattle area fertility community since 1996 and has taught mind/body medicine for fertility in a variety of settings.

What Participants Say About Carol Knoph's Mind / Body Classes

“I really appreciate the space Carol has created for women struggling with fertility. I was at a point where I could have spiraled into a deep depression if not for this class. It has been an empowering experience and I am grateful for the coping techniques that I now carry in my arsenal of life tools! I was terrified about entering into an IVF cycle, but as I enter the stimulation phase of the cycle, I feel both relaxed and optimistic about the process and feel confident that I can manage the outcome. I will certainly recommend this program/class to others that I know struggling to build families. The infertility experience can be a lonely journey. So support is absolutely critical to getting through the process and coming out whole. Thanks again Carol for taking your own experience, talent and compassion to create an invaluable gift for the rest of us.”

“What we learned in the Mind/Body class is not just about infertility, it’s about the quality of your life. It was worth every penny!”

“As an instructor Carol was very caring and understanding, very easy to open up to and very responsive to the needs of the group (re: research, questions, materials, resources).”

“Thank you again for all your help and support. I know that part of the reason we’re where we are now (pregnant) is from the mind/body class and your help.”

Registration Information

We are currently recruiting participants for the Mind/Body Fertility Program. For the next starting date and course details, contact Carol Knoph at 206-604-6107.

To learn more about our services you contact us at info@pnwfertility.com or leave us a message on our contact us page.