Values of New England Fertility Counseling, PLLC:
your autonomy and voice
I understand that as someone facing infertility or the loss of baby, you are a survivor of reproductive trauma. In addition, many infertility and loss patients also feel hurt, not listened to, and disempowered by medical providers and other “well-meaning” people in their lives. It is important for you, as a survivor of reproductive trauma, to be heard and have a sense of autonomy and control in the therapy space. Together, we will prioritize your goals based on what you think is most important to work on first. I will encourage you to align your actions with your values and priorities.
the quality of the therapeutic relationship
I value building a trusting therapeutic relationship and holding space for you in a validating and nonjudgmental way that allows you to let your guard down, be yourself, and dig deep. I approach sessions with warmth, compassion, openness, and curiosity. I want you to feel understood and “seen”. You are the expert in your own life, and I am just here to support you through it. I will listen, empathize, and help you figure out how you want to move forward.
flexibility
We will go at your pace. I am understanding that it can sometimes take a little while to open up, especially for people who are new to therapy, have experienced a lot of turnover with past therapists, have had negative past life experiences, and/or have difficulty trusting people due to trauma.
acceptance and respect
I consider myself a culturally sensitive, LGBTQ-affirming, and neurodivergent-affirming practitioner. Regardless of disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or ethnicity, religion or faith, everyone is welcome at New England Fertility Counseling, PLLC and will be treated with the utmost respect.
Meet the owner of New England Fertility Counseling, PLLC: Katie Aguayo Zweifel
Katie launched New England Fertility Counseling, PLLC to provide specialized counseling to individuals and couples facing difficulty growing their families. Katie is passionate about the work she does to support women, individuals of all genders, and couples facing reproductive trauma and loss, as well as supporting individuals and couples adjust to their lives after infertility and loss (sometimes as parents and sometimes childless not by choice). Additionally, Katie’s passion for the work she does is influenced by her own reproductive story, which has involved severe endometriosis, infertility, and IVF.
Education: Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and bachelor’s degree from Boston College
Training in Fertility Counseling: Katie completed Sharon Covington and Linda Applegarth’s 30-hour postgraduate course in fertility counseling. Katie also completed three online training modules, totaling 18.5 hours, through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Mental Health Professional Group (“Basic Infertility”, “Ethics, Treatment Interventions, Fertility Preservation, and Research”, and “Counseling for Contemporary Family Building”).
Training in Perinatal Mental Health: Katie completed 38.5 hours of training through Postpartum Support International, including “Components of Care”, “Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy”, “Perinatal Loss: Clinical and Supportive Care”, and “Foundations in Paternal Perinatal Mental Health”.
Training in Gottman Method: Katie’s primary way of working with couples is utilizing Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Katie completed Level 1 and 2 training in the Gottman Method. Katie plans to complete Level 3 training in late 2024.
Certification: Katie is a certified Perinatal Mental Health professional (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.
Professional Memberships
Online sessions in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont
Katie Aguayo Zweifel works with clients who are physically located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts. License #123132
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in New Hampshire. License #3759
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Vermont. License #089.0134650
