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
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP #75 - May Series: The Invisible Load You’re Carrying
1w 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?
2w ago00:09:08Tap 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
3w ago00:49:04Tap 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
4w ago00:12:40Tap 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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EP #68 - Your IVF Reset Series: Reflection & Reset
Apr 100:11:21Tap to summarizeWhat if stepping into April wasn’t about pushing forward — but about pausing, reflecting, and beginning again with more compassion?In this episode, we open the IVF Reset Series — a gentle space designed to support you emotionally and mentally as you move through your fertility journey. Because this path is not just about treatments and timelines, but about the inner experience you carry with you each day.Together, we explore what it means to build emotional resilience in a season that can hold both hope and fear at the same time. You’ll be invited to reflect on the months behind you — not to judge or analyse, but to simply acknowledge what you’ve lived through, with honesty and care.We talk about how to separate your past experiences from your next step, allowing this moment to be its own beginning. And within that space, you’ll be guided to gently choose: one thing to carry forward, and one thing you’re ready to release.This episode is not about doing more.It’s about softening into where you are.Because your experience is allowed to be exactly as it is — complex, emotional, human. And through self-compassion, reflection, and small intentional shifts, you can create a steadier, more supportive space within yourself as you move ahead.As you step into this new chapter, may you remember: you don’t have to rush, you don’t have to have it all figured out. You only have to meet yourself here — with kindness, courage, and the willingness to begin again.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #67 - Anchored in Calm: How to Stay Steady When Life Gets Messy
Mar 2500:09:39Tap to summarizeWhat if calm wasn’t something you had to find — but something you could return to, even in the middle of life’s storms?In this episode, we explore what it means to access a sense of inner calm when everything around you feels uncertain — a feeling many know deeply on the fertility journey, where emotions can shift quickly between hope and overwhelm.Together, we talk about the idea of creating your own “internal blueprint” of calm — those quiet, grounding moments that remind your body what peace feels like. Whether it’s being in nature, taking a mindful breath, or pausing in stillness, these small experiences can become anchors you return to when things feel heavy.You’ll be guided through simple, practical ways to reconnect with that sense of tranquility in your everyday life — not by avoiding chaos, but by learning how to stay rooted within it. Because calm isn’t about controlling everything around you. It’s about nurturing what’s within you.We also explore the gentle truth that life will always hold moments of uncertainty. And rather than resisting them, there is power in learning how to meet them with steadiness, softness, and presence.This isn’t about escaping the storm. It’s about finding your ground within it.And as you move through your journey, may you remember: peace is not something distant. It’s something you can come home to — again and again.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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EP #66 - Happiness – Even When Life Feels Uncertain
Mar 1800:13:00Tap to summarizeWhat if happiness wasn’t something you had to chase — but something you could gently create, even in the middle of a difficult season?In this episode, we explore the science of happiness and what it really means for those navigating the emotional weight of a fertility journey. Because when life feels uncertain, the idea of “just being happy” can feel out of reach — and yet, there are small, meaningful ways to support your wellbeing from within.Together, we unpack how happiness is shaped — not just by circumstances, but by daily habits and intentional choices. You’ll discover how simple acts like connection, kindness, and gratitude can begin to shift your internal landscape, even when external situations remain the same.We also explore a powerful reframe: instead of chasing happiness itself, what if you focused on meaning, connection, and presence? Because often, it’s in these quiet, ordinary moments that something deeper begins to unfold.This conversation is a gentle reminder that even in challenging times, small moments of joy still matter. A warm drink, a kind word, a breath of fresh air — these are not insignificant. They are the building blocks of resilience.This isn’t about forcing positivity. It’s about noticing what’s still available to you.And as you move through your journey, may you remember: happiness doesn’t have to be loud to be real. Sometimes, it’s found in the smallest, softest moments — and you are allowed to hold onto them.CONNECT WITH US!Website: www.fertilityconnectz.comEmail: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.comSocial Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube
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