We are aware that up to one in six couples have difficulty in conceiving and the state of impaired fertility itself together with the accompanying investigations and treatment, challenges emotional equilibrium, frequently evoking anxiety, stress and depression. Counselling is a process through which individuals and couples are given the opportunity to explore themselves, their thoughts, feelings and beliefs in order to come to a greater understanding of their present situation.

BICA Referral List

You can find a list of infertility counsellors who accept BICA referrals by clicking on your local area on our counselling requests list. Details of most of the counsellors who accept referrals are listed, but not all of them. There are more counsellors available in some areas than others and for some areas none of our members have registered on the list. If there are no suitable counsellors available in your local area or if you prefer this approach, you can make a telephone counselling arrangement.


All the BICA members who are registered on our referral list meet the requirements set out in the HFEA (Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority) Code of Practice Section 1.9 (6th edition), have at least 150 hours experience of infertility counselling, have professional liability insurance and attend regular supervision. Please note, however, that BICA is not an accrediting body and you will need to satisfy yourself as to the standard and relevance of the qualifications offered by any counsellor whom you contact.


Our recommendation is that you start by contacting the counsellor for an informal discussion. If you decide to go ahead, the times you meet, the number of sessions and the fees should be decided between the counsellor and yourself. The leaflet Ten Rules for Choosing a Counsellor provides further advice and information.

Alternatives

All licensed fertility treatment centres must offer you access to counselling in line with the HFEA Code of Practice. If you are receiving treatment and have not already done so, it is worth finding out whether they have a counsellor at your clinic and also whether there is a local support group where you can meet other people in a similar situation.


The Infertility Network UK and More To Life (INUK) Tel: 08701-188088 or website www.infertilitynetworkuk.com offer both written information and contact with others who are experiencing fertility problems. Two of the services offered are the "Daytime Advice Line". This is run by a qualified nurse with many years of experience, including infertility. This operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00hrs - 16.00hrs and is fully confidential.

"Helpliners" are also available. These are members of 'INUK' who have experience of certain types of infertility and are happy to talk of their experiences and offer information. Other services are described and accessed by the website.

BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) - Tel 0870 443 5252, Website www.bacp.co.uk

UKCP (UK Council of Psychotherapy) - www.psychotherapy.org.uk/

BCP (British Confederation of Psychotherapists) - www.bcp.org.uk

Many GP practices now offer a counselling service or will be able to refer you on to a qualified therapist.

Contact Us
For further information and advice, please contact Sandra Hewett, The BICA Information Officer -

Tel 01372 451626, e-mail info@bica.net.