Counselling and Therapy for Men Experiencing Infertility: Therapist Perspectives

My name is Ian Watts, and I am an MSc student in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Salford. As part of my dissertation research, I am conducting a study titled “Counselling and Therapy for Men Experiencing Infertility: Therapist Perspectives.”

I am seeking to recruit qualified therapists with at least two years of experience working with male clients facing infertility, either individually or as part of a couple. Participants must have experience addressing fertility-related issues and meet professional standards as members of an accredited organisation such as the BACP.

This study aims to explore the lived experiences of therapists who work with male clients struggling with infertility. Male infertility intersects with complex issues, including masculinity, identity, and emotional regulation, which present unique challenges in therapy. By focusing on therapists’ perspectives, this research seeks to identify key themes, challenges, and effective strategies in therapeutic work, aiming to expand understanding of male infertility within therapeutic settings.

Adopting a qualitative approach, this study employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to gain in-depth insights into the therapists’ experiences. This methodology is well-suited for capturing the nuances of their reflections and the meanings they assign to their professional roles. Through this, the study will explore how therapists navigate the complex dynamics of masculinity and emotional expression in the context of infertility counselling.

Eligibility Criteria
Participants must:
• Be qualified therapists or psychotherapists with at least two years of post-qualification experience.
• Have experience working with male clients on fertility-related issues either individually or as part of a couple.
• Be members of a professional body, ensuring adherence to ethical and professional standards.

What Participation Involves
Participants will engage in a single semi-structured interview lasting approximately 60–90 minutes. Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams, ensuring flexibility and convenience. The discussion will focus on your therapeutic approaches, the challenges encountered, and your perceptions of how male clients experience infertility-related issues.

To maintain confidentiality, all data will be anonymised at the transcription stage. Participants may skip questions, take breaks, or withdraw at any point without explanation or negative consequences. Following the interview, a debrief session will allow participants to raise further reflections or concerns.

Why This Research Matters
While awareness of the psychological impact of infertility is increasing, much of the existing research focuses on general or female-centred experiences. Men often feel marginalised in counselling settings, as highlighted by studies such as Hadley and Hanley (2011) and Culley et al. (2013). These studies suggest greater understanding of men’s emotional needs, particularly in the context of societal norms around masculinity and vulnerability.

By engaging therapists in this research, I aim to shed light on current practices and identify areas for improvement to support men more effectively. The findings will contribute to a growing body of knowledge and may inform future training for therapists.

If you have any questions or would like to participate, please contact me at I.W.Watts@edu.salford.ac.uk or my supervisor, Phil Eva, at P.K.Eva@salford.ac.uk. Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to an important and under-researched area of counselling and psychotherapy.

Please see flyer here.

Please see participant information sheet here.

Please see consent form here.

I look forward to hearing from you

Ian Watts