Podcast
Your Fertility Counsellor
Hosted by Tanja Faessler · EN
I’m Tanja Faessler, an accredited coach, counsellor, and the founder of Counsellingconnectz and Fertilityconnectz. In this episode, I’ll share our journey—from starting in 2012 to supporting over 15,000 clients, a milestone that still fills me with gratitude.
At Fertilityconnectz, we are dedicated to guiding you through every aspect of your fertility journey—whether you're trying naturally, going through IVF, or exploring options like egg freezing or donor programs. On this podcast, we will focus on all aspects of your well-being—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, on all levels—because we believe that balance in these areas is where the magic happens.
Fertility can be an isolating journey, but you are not alone. We've created this podcast to touch on topics we've gathered from our extensive client sessions. These topics are designed to resonate with your experiences or even those of someone you know. Plus, we'll be inviting a series of knowledgeable guests to share their expertise, making each episode both informative and engaging.
My goal is to make this podcast your supportive friend, offering understanding and guidance as you navigate your unique path to parenthood. Stay tuned for exciting episodes and let’s make your fertility journey one full of hope and fulfillment!
Links:
Website: https://www.fertilityconnectz.com/
Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com
Instagram: @fertilityconnectz
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP #78 - Why Does This Still Feel So Heavy? When Your Body Still Holds Stress
1w ago00:11:55Tap to summarizeWhat if the stress you feel during your fertility journey isn’t a sign that you’re failing — but your body’s way of trying to protect you?In this episode, we gently explore the connection between stress, emotional overwhelm, and the body — especially during seasons of uncertainty, waiting, disappointment, and hope that so often accompany fertility challenges.Together, we talk about how the nervous system responds when you’ve been carrying prolonged emotional pressure, and why your reactions make sense in the context of what you’ve experienced. Fertility journeys can place the body in a constant state of alertness — scanning for answers, bracing for outcomes, and holding emotions that don’t always have a place to go.We also explore the idea that the body remembers what the mind tries to move past. Certain appointments, conversations, waiting periods, or unexpected triggers can awaken emotional responses that feel bigger than the moment itself — not because you are “too sensitive,” but because your body has been holding so much for so long.You’ll hear gentle grounding practices and small tools for reconnecting with a sense of safety within yourself — not by forcing calm, but by creating moments of steadiness and compassion when overwhelm begins to rise.At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that healing is not always loud or dramatic. Often, it happens quietly — in the small moments where you pause, breathe, soften, and choose to care for yourself differently.This isn’t about “fixing” your emotions or controlling your body.It’s about understanding yourself with more kindness as you move through something deeply human.And if you’ve been feeling emotionally exhausted lately, may this conversation remind you: your body is not working against you. It is responding the best way it knows how. And healing can begin gently, one small moment at a time.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #77 - Halfway Through the Year… Where Am I, Really?
2w ago00:43:19Tap to summarizeHalfway Through the Year… Where Am I, Really?What if reaching the middle of the year wasn’t a moment to judge how far you’ve come — but an invitation to pause, breathe, and gently reconnect with yourself?In this episode, we take a reflective journey through the halfway point of the year — a space to slow down and honestly ask: Where am I, really? Not just in terms of goals or productivity, but emotionally, mentally, and personally.Together, we explore the importance of self-reflection and emotional check-ins, especially during seasons where life may have felt overwhelming, uncertain, or different from what you expected. So often, we keep moving without noticing how much we’ve been carrying. This conversation offers permission to pause long enough to truly listen to yourself again.We also reflect on the different pillars of life — your relationships, wellbeing, work, purpose, and emotional health — and whether they still feel aligned with the values and needs that matter most to you right now. Because growth is not only about pushing forward. Sometimes it’s about adjusting course with honesty and compassion.You’ll hear gentle reminders about resilience too — not the kind built through pressure or perfection, but the kind that grows through awareness, flexibility, and self-care. Even in the face of uncertainty or unexpected change, reflection can become a grounding place to begin again with more clarity and intention.At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful invitation: to stop measuring yourself only by achievements, and start reconnecting with the person you are becoming along the way.This isn’t about having the year perfectly figured out.It’s about meeting this moment with honesty, curiosity, and care.And as you step into the second half of the year, may this conversation remind you: it’s never too late to realign, reset, and move forward in a way that feels more true to you.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #76 - May Series: Learning to Hold Yourself
3w ago00:13:21Tap to summarizeMay Series: Holding It All Together (Even When It’s Heavy)Learning to Hold YourselfWhat if resilience wasn’t about pushing yourself harder — but about learning how to hold yourself more gently through difficult moments?In this episode of our May Series: Holding It All Together (Even When It’s Heavy), we explore the quiet but powerful practice of self-compassion — especially during seasons where life feels emotionally overwhelming, uncertain, or heavy.Together, we reflect on the way we speak to ourselves in hard moments, and how our inner dialogue can either deepen our suffering or soften it. So often, we respond to ourselves with criticism, pressure, or frustration in ways we would never speak to someone we love. This conversation invites you to begin noticing those patterns without judgment — not to shame yourself, but to create awareness and choice.We also talk about the importance of pausing before reacting — creating small moments of space that allow you to respond rather than emotionally spiral. Because even a single breath, a gentle pause, or a softer thought can begin to shift the way you move through difficult emotions.You’ll hear practical reflections on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and the small internal shifts that help build resilience over time — not through perfection, but through consistent kindness toward yourself.At the heart of this episode is a simple but important reminder: the way you hold yourself matters. Especially when things feel heavy.This isn’t about always staying calm or getting it “right.”It’s about learning to meet yourself with the same compassion you so freely offer others.And if you’ve been carrying a lot lately, may this conversation remind you: you deserve gentleness too. One small pause, one kinder thought, one compassionate moment at a time.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #75 - May Series: The Invisible Load You’re Carrying
4w ago00:10:06Tap to summarizeMay Series: Holding It All Together (Even When It’s Heavy)The Invisible Load You’re CarryingWhat if the hardest part of the fertility journey isn’t always what others can see — but the invisible weight you carry every single day?In this episode of our May Series: Holding It All Together (Even When It’s Heavy), we gently explore the emotional load so many people carry silently through fertility struggles — the constant thinking, planning, waiting, hoping, managing, and holding it all together while trying to keep moving forward.Together, we talk about the “emotional cocktail” that can quietly build beneath the surface: exhaustion, grief, anxiety, pressure, fear, and the invisible mental labor that often goes unnoticed by others. And yet, just because your pain isn’t always visible doesn’t mean it isn’t real.This conversation is a reminder that emotional exhaustion does not need proof to deserve care. You are not weak for feeling overwhelmed. You are carrying a lot.We also explore gentle, practical anchors that can help when your nervous system feels overloaded — small ways to create steadiness, soften internal pressure, and reconnect with yourself in moments that feel emotionally heavy. Because healing isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about meeting yourself with compassion, one moment at a time.At the heart of this episode is an invitation to stop minimizing what you’ve been carrying in silence. Your emotional load matters. Your experience matters. And your wellbeing deserves attention too.This isn’t about “holding it all together” flawlessly.It’s about learning that you don’t have to carry everything alone.And if things feel especially heavy right now, may this conversation remind you: progress — not perfection — is enough. You deserve support, gentleness, and space to breathe too.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #74 - May Series: After Mother’s Day… What Stayed With You?
May 1400:09:08Tap to summarizeMay Series: Holding It All Together (Even When It’s Heavy) After Mother’s Day… what stayed with you?What if Mother’s Day didn’t have to be something you simply survived — but a day you could move through with gentleness, honesty, and compassion for whatever arises within you?In this episode of our May Series: Holding It All Together (Even When It’s Heavy), we reflect on the question: After Mother’s Day… what stayed with you? Together, we make space for the complex emotional landscape that this season can bring — especially for those navigating fertility struggles, grief, longing, loss, or difficult relationships. Because for many, this day can hold more than celebration. It can also carry sadness, emptiness, anger, tenderness, hope, or all of these feelings at once.Together, we explore the importance of allowing every emotion to exist without judgment. There is no “right” way to experience Mother’s Day, and no expectation for you to force gratitude, positivity, or strength when your heart feels heavy. This conversation is an invitation to soften the pressure and honor your experience exactly as it is.We also talk about self-compassion — not as something abstract, but as a practice of caring for yourself in moments that feel emotionally tender. You’ll hear gentle reminders about creating space for rest, protecting your energy, and allowing yourself to receive support rather than carrying everything alone.At the heart of this episode is a quiet but powerful reflection: mothering is not only something we give to others — it is also something we can offer ourselves. Especially in moments of grief, uncertainty, or longing, you deserve the same tenderness and care you so often extend outward.This isn’t about pretending the day feels easy. It’s about meeting yourself with kindness in the midst of whatever this day brings.And if Mother’s Day feels complicated for you, may this conversation remind you: your feelings are valid, your heart deserves care, and you do not have to navigate this day alone.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #73 - Act pregnant now to get pregnant later with Gabriela Rosa
May 600:49:04Tap to summarizeWhat if your fertility journey wasn’t just about following protocols — but about truly understanding your body, your story, and what’s possible beyond the standard path?In this conversation, we explore a different perspective on fertility with Gabriela Rosa, a globally recognized fertility specialist known for her root-cause, personalized approach to reproductive health.Together, we dive into the idea that fertility is not one-size-fits-all — and why looking deeper into underlying causes can open new pathways that are often overlooked. Gabriela shares how her work challenges common misconceptions within the fertility space, including the belief that IVF is the only or inevitable next step, and highlights the importance of exploring the full picture before making decisions.We also talk about the role of both partners in the fertility journey — and why true support involves understanding that this is not just an individual experience, but a shared one. From realistic timelines to the influence of the healthcare system, this conversation invites you to step out of urgency and into a more informed, empowered way of navigating your options.At the heart of this episode is a reminder that you have more agency than you may think. That asking questions, seeking deeper answers, and understanding your unique biology can shift the way you move forward.This isn’t just about fertility treatment.It’s about reclaiming clarity, challenging assumptions, and finding a path that feels aligned with you.If you’re walking this journey, may this conversation remind you: there is no single roadmap — only the one that honors your body, your pace, and your truth.Learn more about Gabriela Rosa: 👇 Gabriela’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitybreakthrough/Gabriela’s Website: https://fertilitybreakthrough.com/CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #72 - Your IVF Reset Series: Fertilised Embryos – Holding Hope & Letting Be
Apr 2900:12:40Tap to summarizeWhat if embryo transfer wasn’t a moment you had to hold your breath through — but one you could meet with steadiness, care, and quiet hope?In this episode, we gently explore the emotional landscape of embryo transfer — a deeply tender phase of the IVF journey where hope, fear, and uncertainty often exist side by side.Together, we talk about what it means to hold hope while also protecting your heart — allowing both to coexist without needing to push one away. Because this moment isn’t about choosing between optimism or realism, but about finding a way to stay grounded within yourself.You’ll be guided back to the present moment — again and again — as a way to soften anxiety and create space from the “what ifs” that can quickly take over. We also explore how small, intentional moments of steadiness can support your emotional wellbeing during this time.This isn’t about controlling the outcome.It’s about caring for yourself within the waiting.Because even in this delicate phase, you are allowed to feel, to hope, and to move gently with whatever arises.As you step into this moment, may you remember: you don’t have to hold it all perfectly. You only have to stay connected to yourself — with softness, presence, and the quiet strength of being here, right now.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #71 - Your IVF Reset Series: Egg Retrieval – Trust, Surrender & The Waiting Space
Apr 2200:16:17Tap to summarizeWhat if egg retrieval wasn’t just a medical step — but a moment you could move through with more calm, trust, and self-support?In this episode, we gently explore the emotional and physical experience of egg retrieval — a significant milestone in the IVF journey that can bring both hope and anxiety at the same time.Together, we talk about how to prepare not just practically, but emotionally — allowing space for whatever you may be feeling without judgment. Because this part of the journey isn’t only about numbers or outcomes, but about how you care for yourself through the process.We explore how to focus on what is within your control, while learning to hold the numbers more lightly — without attaching them to your worth or your future. You’ll also be guided on how to prepare for the waiting period that follows, a time that can feel especially vulnerable and uncertain.This conversation invites you to soften into surrender — not as giving up, but as trusting the process while still staying grounded in yourself. And within that, we make space for gratitude — for your body, for the support around you, and for the team walking alongside you.This isn’t about getting through egg retrieval perfectly. It’s about moving through it with awareness, steadiness, and compassion.As you approach this step, may you remember: you are allowed to feel it all — the hope, the fear, the uncertainty. And even here, in this moment, you are supported, held, and not alone.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #70 - Your IVF Reset Series: Navigating Hormone Stimulation
Apr 1500:14:03Tap to summarizeWhat if navigating hormone stimulation wasn’t something you had to brace yourself for alone — but a phase you could move through with more awareness, support, and self-compassion?In this episode, we explore what it can feel like to go through hormone stimulation during fertility treatment — a time where both your body and emotions may feel heightened, unfamiliar, or even unpredictable. Rather than pushing through, we gently make space for what is actually happening within you.Together, we talk about the emotional shifts that can arise during IVF hormone stimulation, and why naming your feelings without judgment can be a grounding first step when things feel overwhelming. When emotions are acknowledged rather than suppressed, they become easier to understand and navigate.We also explore the importance of adjusting expectations and leaning into self-care during this phase — recognising that your energy, capacity, and needs may look different from day to day. This is a time to soften your inner pressure, not increase it.You’ll also hear how open communication with your partner can create a stronger sense of shared understanding and support, helping both of you move through this experience as a team rather than in silence.This isn’t about controlling every emotional or physical response.It’s about meeting yourself with patience as your body responds to change.Because even in the midst of hormonal shifts and uncertainty, you deserve care, clarity, and compassion. And you don’t have to navigate this stage of your fertility journey without support.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #69 - Your IVF Reset Series: Preparing for Your Doctor’s Appointment
Apr 800:12:21Tap to summarizeWhat if your fertility appointment wasn’t something to get through — but a space where you felt informed, supported, and empowered to take part in your own journey?In this episode, we explore how to approach fertility doctor appointments with greater clarity, confidence, and emotional steadiness. Because these moments aren’t just about receiving information — they’re about making decisions, asking questions, and advocating for what matters to you.Together, we talk about how to prepare both practically and emotionally before you walk into the room. From writing down your questions and priorities, to grounding yourself so you can stay present, even when conversations feel overwhelming.We also gently reframe the dynamic between patient and doctor — reminding you that your voice matters here. You are allowed to pause, to ask for clarification, and to take the time you need before making decisions.You’ll hear how involving your partner can bring a sense of shared support and understanding, and why open communication before and after appointments can ease the emotional load.This isn’t about getting everything “right.” It’s about showing up as yourself — informed, prepared, and supported.Because your fertility journey deserves more than rushed conversations and silent overwhelm. It deserves space, clarity, and compassion — from others, and from yourself.As you step into your next appointment, may you remember: you are not just a patient. You are an active part of this process. And your voice matters every step of the way.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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