Episode 45 - Infertility: The Power of Self Advocacy

Today's special guest is Kristen Delventhal. In my chat with Kristen, we discussed Infertility and The Power of Self Advocacy. Kristen shared her experience with infertility from a professional and personal standpoint. I was encouraged by her vulnerability in what she shared, including the recommendations and support for others going through this journey. We discussed everything from mental health and maternal health to navigating emotions, the power in advocating for yourself within this journey, and the ever changing and challenging conversation of insurance barriers as well the lack of accessibility for support and services in certain areas. We also discussed one of the top challenging parts of infertility: Communications. Whether its someone asking when you don't want to share. Or how to communicate what you're feeling, emotionally and physically. SPECIAL GUEST SECTION Who is Kristen Delventhal? Kristen Delventhal, LCSW, PMH-C is the Assistant Clinical Director of A Work of Heart Counseling and Wellness. The office has brick and mortar locations in Bergen County NJ and offers tele-therapy in PA, FL, SC and growing! The team has 13 therapists to support families navigating a myriad of needs. Kristen's clinical work has focused on supporting families navigating anxiety/mood disorders, and until the last few years had a primary focus on children and adolescents. Her background has largely focused on evidence based treatments including DBT, CBT and Structural Family Therapy. This work created a deep sense of awareness regarding the importance of maternal mental health and the challenging road of infertility, and parenthood as a whole. Currently, Kristen is focusing on maternal mental health and supporting primary and secondary infertility patients who may be navigating a myriad of emotions regarding this process, as well as their partners who are also at risk of mental health complications while navigating fertility, pregnancy and the postpartum periods. Connect with Kristen and Mention The Podcast https://www.instagram.com/kdelventhal_lcsw/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristendelventhal/ https://www.instagram.com/aworkofheart_counseling/ https://www.instagram.com/aworkofheart_counseling/ ------------------------------------------------------------ The⁠ https://www.inspiredbyjacqueline.compodcast is meant to focus on creating a refreshing place for women who are struggling with entrepreneurship, faith, or infertility. Stay tuned for Heart-to-Heart conversations in which you will hear the transparencies and transformations of my guests and I.  Some stories you may be able to relate personally, and other stories will enlighten you on how to support a family member, friend, or colleague. Click the follow, save or subscribe button, to tune in first every two weeks. You will find a story that  will click the light switch on, and help guide you in moving ahead. If you feel this podcast can help someone you know, share the link. Love, Hugs, and Kisses. J. xoxo Be Inspired, To Believe, and Proceed