In this episode Jennifer talks with Jessica Katz, LICSW, PMH-C, CCFP, about the intersection of sexual trauma and infertility, exploring how survivors can navigate fertility treatment with greater safety, agency and self-compassion. Jessica is a clinical social worker, certified perinatal mental health specialist and clinical supervisor specializing in infertility and reproductive mental health. She is the founder of Empress Counseling, a private practice dedicated to supporting individuals and couples navigating IVF and other family-building pathways. Jessica has worked with trauma survivors and individuals with complex infertility histories for over a decade, and is a committed advocate for reproductive justice.

Content Warning: This episode includes a discussion of sexual assault and trauma. Some content may bring up difficult feelings, so please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or skip this episode at any time. Resources are listed below, and support is always available if you need it.

Key topics discussed: 

• How Jessica's background in trauma and sexual violence work, combined with her own infertility journey, led her into reproductive mental health
• The significant overlap between infertility and sexual trauma, and why the two are so rarely discussed together
• Why fertility treatment can cause previously healed trauma symptoms to resurface unexpectedly
• How the invasive, exposing nature of IVF procedures and exams can feel especially difficult for trauma survivors
• Practical ways to reclaim a sense of safety, choice and consent during treatment, including asking questions and setting boundaries around disclosure
• What "trauma-informed" care actually means, and how patients can find and vet trauma-informed providers and clinics
• The role of therapy in this work, including modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR and Internal Family Systems
• Why self-blame and shame are common during infertility, and how naming vulnerable feelings can interrupt that cycle
• Grief as a through-line connecting trauma and infertility, including loss of timeline, community and the life once imagined
• Reclaiming agency and rebuilding trust with your body, and how partners and couples counseling can support the journey

Resources Mentioned:

• AllPaths Family Building. Directory that can help connect patients with trauma-informed reproductive providers,
• Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. Support resources and trauma training
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). National sexual assault hotline and resources 
• Maternal Trauma Support. An emerging directory of trauma-informed perinatal care providers 
• RESOLVE: The National Infertility and Family Building Association. Therapist and provider directory
• Trauma therapy modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, and Cognitive Processing Therapy

Connect with Jessica Katz:

• www.empresscounseling.com
• Instagram: @EmpressCounseling

Connect with Jennifer Redmond:

• Schedule a free Fertility Support Session
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram for more tips and insights: @jennredmondinhc

I would be so grateful if you would subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with women in your life who can benefit from this information.

Disclaimer: The Cycles and Seasons podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding any symptoms or medical problems you are experiencing.