Client: “I’m devastated. I want to have a family. My husband and I tried every medical procedure possible. We’ve spent all our saving; plus, it seems like we’ve talked to every specialist in the state. We have reached the end. We agreed if I wasn’t pregnant by the time I turned 40, we would give up.”
a) Generalize the problem:
There are significant constraints related to getting pregnant at age 40. Anger and disappointment are normal feelings.
b) Most important pieces of information:
I. They have spent all their savings in an effort to have a baby
II. Time is also running out
III. Feelings (disappointed, frustrated, anxious)
c) Your information-giving responses:
It’s understandable that you feel angry, frustrated and disappointed after so many unsuccessful attempts at getting pregnant. Maybe looking into some other options, such as adoption, might be a next step.