With more than five million U.S. citizens of childbearing age experiencing infertility problems, it is likely that you know someone battling the issue. It is also likely that you have heard of couples finally conceiving after they just "relaxed." According to RESOLVE (The National Fertility Association), this is why most infertility specialists will not treat a couple until they have tried to conceive for at least one full year.

"As anyone who has experienced infertility can attest, what happens to our bodies directly affects our sense of well-being, security and optimism," says Barbara Blitzer, LCSW-C, M.Ed., a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who developed a program for women using stress reduction, psychotherapy and mind/body techniques to relax. "It's also true that the last thing that an infertile couple wants to hear is 'Just relax.' There is often a medical problem and a personal crisis occurring that must be taken seriously."

Blitzer, who works with groups, individuals and couples in the Washington, D.C., area, combines fertility-focused psychotherapy and instruction in mind/body techniques including imagery, breathing techniques, meditative practices, drawing, journaling and energy therapies.

"We are working to alleviate emotional conflict, which not only causes discomfort, but can create additional physiological consequences," says Blitzer. "There are a variety of approaches, and part of the process is to identify what will work in any given individual's lifestyle."

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