Counseling couples in conflict about infertility: Issues and treatment

Abstract

This article focuses on a set of disagreements that a couple experienced while pursuing infertility treatment. Aspects of conflict that are unique to this case and others that are common to most cases involving infertility are discussed. The thrust of the article is that conflict is an inevitable aspect of infertility, rather than the symptom of a troubled marriage. A therapist must understand the situational factors contributing to the conflict and help the couple learn to resolve it. Intervention procedures are noted that can help ameliorate infertility-related conflict. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.