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Coping with infertility: a body-mind group intervention programme for infertile couples.

G M D Lemmens·M Vervaeke·P Enzlin·E Bakelants·D Vanderschueren·T D'Hooghe·K Demyttenaere
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The recognition of the distressing character of infertility diagnosis and treatment has led to the development of several psychosocial interventions for infertile couples. At the Leuven University Fertility Centre, a body-mind marital group intervention was developed to help infertile couples cope with the distress related to infertility. METHODS AND RESULTS: This treatment programme was originally adapted from a mind-body approach, but integrated concepts and techniques from body-oriented therapy, art therapy and multi-family group therapy. In this paper, the therapeutic foundations, treatment goals and practical implications of the mind-body marital group intervention are outlined. Further, the treatment procedure is explained in detail and illustrated by clinical vignettes. CONCLUSIONS: Although the first clinical impressions about the usefulness of the body-mind group programme in fertility clinics seem promising, further research is needed to assess its effectiveness.

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Adaptation, PsychologicalArt TherapyEmotionsFemaleHumansInfertilityMalePsychophysicsPsychophysiologyPsychotherapy, GroupJournal Article

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G M D Lemmens, M Vervaeke, P Enzlin, E Bakelants, D Vanderschueren, T D'Hooghe, K Demyttenaere. 2004-05-20. Coping with infertility: a body-mind group intervention programme for infertile couples.. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep%2Fdeh323

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