Does BRIA offer couples therapy?

During major life stresses or transition times, people often find that their relationship with their partner takes a hit. This can happen when couples experience the immense burdens of fertility treatments, pregnancy loss, pregnancy itself, becoming new parents, or when grown children leave home. These are stressful times and even the best relationships can suffer. Plus, if a relationship was strained before these circumstances, it can often get worse under stress. People often think that couples therapy signifies the end of a relationship so they are afraid to take part. In reality, it is a helpful way for members of a couple to communicate openly, in a private and confidential setting, and in the presence of a neutral third party. Couples can effectively delve into their concerns, their anger, and their feelings when in couples counseling. Couples therapy can lead to a much better relationship and set the stage for improved communication and happiness as a couple, at any life stage.

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Related Questions

Have more questions? We have more answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out to contact us anytime.

What is Implications Counselling?

Assessments and written reports are often required for select fertility treatments, such as IVF or “third party reproduction/conception”, the term used when an individual or couple uses donor eggs, sperm, embryos or a gestational carrier to grow their family. These BRIA services include a counselling session and one report. Patients will receive the report to share with their fertility clinic. (Extra time and fees may be necessary at times).  Pricing and session type will be confirmed via email in advance of any session. 

 

  • IVF– Intended Parent(s) (IP) using own egg/sperm, with report (1 hour): $250
  • Egg Freezing, with report (1 hour): $250.00
  • Intended Parent(s)  Implications Counselling for anonymous sperm/egg donor, with report (75 minutes): $320.00
  • Intended Parent(s) Implications Counselling for known donor egg/sperm, with report (3 hours):: $750
    • Meet with Intended Parents (IP) (1 hour)
    • Meet with Egg Donor and partner (1 hour)
    • Meet with IP and Egg Donor and partner  (1 hour for meeting and final report writing)       
  • Intended Parent(s) Implications Counselling for Gestational Carrier or Surrogate Cycle with report (3 hours):  $750
    • Meet with Intended Parents (1 hour)
    • Meet with Gestational Carrier and partner (1 hour)
    • Meet with IP and Gestational and partner  (1 hour for meeting and final report writing)      
  • Additional counselling sessions–as required–$250 per hour, will be discussed with your health care provider prior to scheduling

 

Please reach out to clarify which service will meet your specific needs. 

What is a MEDI Assessment?

The MEDI Assessment is a thorough hormone assessment that will address your concerns and symptoms during the menopause transition (“perimenopause”). The MEDI can also assess other hormonal concerns, such as those related to contraception methods that may affect mood or anxiety, or severe premenstrual symptoms.

The MEDI Health Assessment is done by a Nurse Practitioner who reviews your current concerns and medical history.  At the end of the MEDI, you will be provided with comprehensive treatment recommendations related to lifestyle and medication options, including menopause hormone therapy. You will then be offered brief follow-up with the Nurse Practitioner to ensure you are on the right track. We will share the assessment and management plan with your primary care provider.

To access the MEDI, start with a MINI Assessment with our Care Coordinator to see if this is right for you.

If you have any questions please reach out to care@betterbria.com.

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What is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are certified and trained healthcare providers who are authorized to provide a wide range of services to patients. In Ontario, NPs have completed a master’s degree in Advanced Practice Nursing, then they have passed a certification exam and are registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). They also must have extensive clinical practice experience before they can register with the CNO as an NP. Once registered, they can provide a range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating common illnesses and injuries, prescribing medications, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and providing health education and counselling.

Nurse practitioners in Ontario have an important role in improving access to medical care for patients, particularly in underserved areas of healthcare and remote areas. They are also important members of a healthcare team and help to promote better health outcomes for patients and to reduce the burden on the health care system.

At BRIA, our Nurse Practitioners do our MEDI and ADHD Assessments and also offer other mental health assessments and follow-up services. 

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What are examples of difficult reproductive health decisions that may be aided by a bioethicist?

  • situations that elicit differing values and beliefs of family members
  • conflict pertaining to healthcare planning
  • pregnancy planning and fertility treatments (for example, decisions pertaining to third-party reproduction; what to do with genetic testing; management, disposal, and donation of embryos)
  • pregnancy termination
  • healthcare decisions pertaining to your fetus or newborn
  • the role of culture and religion in health care treatments
  • How to proceed with reproductive treatments that may impact your health

What is an ethical issue in need of decision-making support ?

An ethical issue can arise when people are making complex choices for themselves, or on behalf of others. In such situations, an individual’s own set of values may conflict, or they may conflict with those of others, leading to uncertainty about how to proceed. Ethical decision-making involves deciding what to do, why to do it, and how to implement a decision.

Does online therapy work as well as in person?

Even though telehealth and virtual therapy only became popular and widely available during the COVID pandemic, they have been around for many years. Medical research has shown that virtual care for mental health issues is as effective as in-person care in many situations, including for the treatment of anxiety and depression, and other mental health concerns. The data show that people who use virtual care feel connected to their online therapists and that they actually get better at the same rates as they would if they saw their therapist in person. For many, the use of virtual care reduces some of the burdens associated with in-person care, such as scheduling time off work or arranging childcare, and the cost and time required for travel. The increased availability of online therapists and telepsychiatry also allow people to connect with expert care providers without the same geographical limitations.

If you are in an acute crisis situation, feeling suicidal, or are unable to keep yourself safe, you will need to seek immediate care. In these circumstances, an in-person assessment in a local hospital Emergency Department is usually necessary. Your BRIA care provider will talk to you about the limitations of online therapy or telepsychiatry for your particular circumstances, as well as when to seek in-person care if online therapy is not suitable.

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