IVF Implications Counselling in Toronto and Ontario (Own Gametes)
Required Counselling Before IVF Treatment
If your fertility clinic has referred you for IVF implications counselling, you’re probably wondering what exactly it is, why it’s required, and how long it takes.
You may also be wondering why counselling is necessary when you’re using your own gametes (i.e., eggs and sperm).
IVF implications counselling is typically a one-time session lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. The purpose is to explore the emotional, psychological, and practical aspects of fertility treatment before you begin. While your fertility clinic focuses on the medical side of IVF, this session focuses on the human side of the experience.
After the session, you may feel more prepared for the decisions, challenges, and uncertainties that can arise throughout the treatment.
A summary report is provided following the session.
Why Do Fertility Clinics Require IVF Implications Counselling?
If you’re preparing for IVF in Ontario, your clinic will likely require implications counselling before treatment begins.
The purpose is not to evaluate whether you are suitable candidates for treatment. Rather, it is designed to ensure that individuals and couples have an opportunity to discuss the emotional, relational, and practical implications of fertility treatment before moving forward.
IVF often involves difficult decisions that people don’t anticipate when they first begin treatment. Clinics want patients to have the opportunity to think through these issues beforehand rather than making important decisions while under significant emotional stress.
Implications counselling provides space to discuss:
- Expectations about treatment outcomes
- The emotional impact of fertility treatment
- Relationship and communication challenges
- Decisions regarding embryo disposition and storage
- Potential treatment setbacks
- Future family-building considerations
- Coping strategies for uncertainty and disappointment
After the session, you will feel more informed, prepared, and confident entering treatment.
What Happens During the Session?
The session is conversational and supportive. We explore some of the topics that commonly arise during fertility treatment so you can think through them before they become urgent decisions.
Your Expectations Going Into Treatment
What are you hoping for?
How are you thinking about the possibility that treatment may take more than one cycle?
Couples are often surprised to discover they have different expectations around timelines, treatment limits, finances, and what they would consider a successful outcome.
Starting these conversations early reduces the risk of misunderstandings down the road.
Decisions You May Need to Make During Treatment
IVF can involve decisions that many people have never considered before beginning treatment.
Some examples include:
- What happens to embryos that are not transferred?
- How many cycles are you willing to pursue?
- What are your emotional and financial limits?
- How will treatment decisions be made as a couple?
- What options would you consider if treatment is unsuccessful?
These questions may feel abstract before treatment starts, but they often become very real very quickly.
How You’ll Support Each Other Through Treatment
IVF places stress on even the strongest relationships.
Partners often cope differently with uncertainty, disappointment, grief, and hope.
Without understanding these differences, couples can sometimes interpret different coping styles as a lack of support when that isn’t actually the case.
The session provides an opportunity to discuss:
- Communication styles
- Emotional needs
- Coping differences
- Sources of support
- Potential areas of conflict
What Happens If Things Don’t Go as Planned
Nobody begins IVF expecting treatment to fail.
However, having conversations about possible outcomes beforehand can significantly reduce anxiety.
We explore how you might navigate difficult scenarios, where support would come from, and how you can maintain emotional wellbeing throughout the process regardless of the outcome.
Preparing for uncertainty isn’t pessimistic. It often helps people feel more grounded and resilient.
What Happens After the Session?
If your fertility clinic requires documentation, a summary report confirming completion of IVF implications counselling can be prepared following the appointment.
Reports are typically completed within one week.
If your clinic has specific requirements, these can be discussed when booking.
The session itself is usually a one-time appointment unless additional sessions are needed.
About Your Therapist
Delia Petrescu is a registered psychotherapist specializing in reproductive mental health.
She is a listed member of the CFAS Counselling Special Interest Group and has personal lived experience with fertility treatment.
Delia works with individuals and couples navigating infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, reproductive trauma, and family-building decisions.
All appointments are virtual and available throughout Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re preparing for IVF in Ontario, your clinic will likely require implications counselling before treatment begins. Requirements vary by clinic, so it’s always best to confirm directly with your clinic.
A typical session runs 60 to 90 minutes and is completed in one appointment.
Yes. If you are pursuing treatment as a couple, both partners typically attend. Individuals pursuing IVF independently attend on their own.
No. IVF implications counselling is not a psychological assessment. It is an opportunity to discuss the emotional, practical, and relational aspects of fertility treatment before beginning IVF.
If your clinic requires documentation, a summary letter can be prepared following your session. If documentation is not required, nothing is shared without your consent.
Yes. No referral is needed to book an appointment.
Ongoing fertility counselling is available separately for individuals and couples seeking support throughout fertility treatment.
Yes. All sessions are conducted virtually and are available throughout Ontario.
Book Your IVF Implications Counselling Session
If your fertility clinic has requested IVF implications counselling, we can help you complete the requirement while providing meaningful support and preparation for the fertility journey ahead.
Book your appointment today or schedule a free consultation to learn more.