At the Northwest Center for Reproductive Sciences, we encourage patients to enroll in our mind-body wellness program as an adjunct to achieving successful pregnancy.
Carol Knoph, M. Ed., a licensed mental health counselor, teaches the Mind-Body Wellness Program at NCRS. Since 1996, Knoph has been actively involved with the Seattle fertility community. She trained at the Harvard Medical School’s Mind/Body Medical Institute.
Research shows that the stress of being infertile is comparable to a diagnosis of cancer or another devastating illness. The diagnosis and treatment of infertility can raise feelings of disappointment and uncertainty. We designed a mind-body wellness program to help our patients cope more effectively emotionally and also to provide healthy techniques to alleviate symptoms such as sadness, anger, anxiety, insomnia, and physical pain.
The NCRS Mind-Body Wellness program can help patients struggling with infertility by studying:
Lifestyle behaviors that affect fertility
Relaxation methods that can help reduce stress
Positive techniques to counter unsettling thoughts and emotions
Ways to decrease feelings of isolation surrounding infertility
Yoga's benefits of increased relaxation and potential fertility boosts
Healthy ways to interact with your partner to minimize conflict and stress
New problem solving and decision making skills
Improved communications with friends and family
After a failed cycle or a pregnancy loss, it's common to feel confused and unsure about treatment decisions. Anyone currently in IVF, IUI, donor cycles, or other fertility therapies may benefit considerably from the extra support available in the NCRS Mind-Body Wellness Program.
The program consists of ten weekly classes with other women and their partners and also includes an individual visit with Carol Knoph, a yoga session, and educational materials. Contact Carol at (206) 604-6107 to register for classes.
