Episode 44 - Exploring Psychotherapy to Support Mental Health for Fertility & Gynecological Issues with Alejandra Lozada Andrade

In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, I had the honor of speaking with Alejandra Lozada Andrade, a UK-based integrative psychotherapist and founder of Fertility Support London. Alejandra specializes in mental health care for those navigating fertility challenges, gynecological issues, and the emotional complexities of pregnancy, loss, and reproductive decision-making.

This episode is an important reminder that fertility isn’t just a physical journey—it’s also deeply emotional and psychological. Alejandra’s compassionate work sheds light on the mental health struggles that so often go unseen and unspoken in the fertility space. From high-risk pregnancies to exploring a child-free life, she helps clients navigate the difficult emotions that arise, while honoring their unique stories and experiences.

💛 Trigger warning: This episode discusses fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, and mental health topics including depression and suicidal ideation.

Topics Covered

In this important conversation, we explore:

• The overlooked mental health impacts of fertility challenges
• Why so many people feel like “just a number” in the medical system
• How psychotherapy supports emotional processing and resilience
• The physical and emotional stressors of fertility treatments
• Understanding grief, identity, and isolation on the fertility path
• Why the “just relax and you’ll get pregnant” myth is harmful
• Practical tools for grounding yourself in the present moment
• How to find trustworthy psychotherapists based on your location and needs
• The importance of holistic care—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual
  

About Alejandra Lozada Andrade

Alejandra is an integrative psychotherapist with training in relational psychoanalysis, working with clients across a wide range of reproductive health experiences. She specializes in supporting people through infertility, pregnancy loss, high-risk pregnancies, birth trauma, and the decision-making process around fertility treatments like IVF, surrogacy, donor conception, and adoption.

She also offers support to individuals exploring life without children, managing diagnoses like PCOS, endometriosis, and adenomyosis, or navigating reproductive transitions. Alejandra believes deeply in the healing power of therapeutic relationships and the importance of compassionate, culturally informed care.

Through Fertility Support London, Alejandra and her team provide both individual and couples therapy, as well as group retreats and community-based support offerings.

Key Takeaways

Fertility journeys are emotionally complex – Many people experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even suicidal ideation during fertility challenges. These mental health effects are real and deserve support.

Grief goes beyond pregnancy loss – People grieve lost dreams, missed experiences, and the disconnection from peers who conceive more easily.

The system can feel cold and clinical – Many fertility patients feel like just a number, which adds to their emotional distress and erodes trust in care providers.

Stress isn’t always the cause—but it still matters – Telling people to “just relax” is invalidating. Instead, clients need tools to manage stress compassionately, not suppress it.

Therapy offers multi-layered support – From practical tools and emotional insight to the deep healing power of being witnessed and supported, psychotherapy is a vital layer of fertility care.

Mindfulness helps regulate overwhelming emotions – Alejandra shares a simple 5-senses grounding technique to bring yourself back into the present moment during spiraling thoughts.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Content warning and introduction to the episode on fertility and mental health
[00:00:30] Introduction to Alejandra Lozada Andrade and her background in psychotherapy
[00:01:52] Overview of Alejandra’s work and the foundation of Fertility Support London
[00:04:02] Why the mental health aspect of fertility is often overlooked
[00:05:17] Shocking statistics on depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in fertility clients
[00:07:16] Exploring why fertility has such a deep impact on mental health
[00:08:26] The emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments
[00:09:24] The grief of infertility and loss of imagined futures
[00:10:42] Impact on self-esteem and body trust during fertility struggles
[00:11:24] Feeling like a number in the medical system
[00:12:33] How lack of compassionate care erodes trust in providers
[00:13:40] The complex and controversial relationship between stress and fertility
[00:14:34] Why “just relax” is an unhelpful message for those TTC
[00:15:57] Disproving the idea that relaxing guarantees conception
[00:16:48] The multi-layered support offered by psychotherapy
[00:18:23] The difference between tools, talking therapy, and relationship-based healing
[00:21:00] Individual vs. couples psychotherapy during fertility journeys
[00:23:04] Should emotional support be standard in fertility clinics?
[00:24:50] The value of reflection and intention in living an examined life
[00:26:33] Practical tools and self-care tips for navigating fertility challenges
[00:27:45] A simple 5-senses mindfulness exercise for grounding
[00:29:25] Why this exercise is powerful and accessible for anyone
[00:30:20] Where to find Alejandra and connect with Fertility Support London
[00:31:12] Upcoming retreats and group therapy offerings
[00:31:56] Final reflections on holistic support and collaboration
[00:33:12] Episode wrap-up and where to find and support Iris online

About the Host

I’m Iris Josephina—functional hormone specialist, orthomolecular hormone coach, and entrepreneur. Through Cycle Seeds and The Inner Rhythms Podcast, I support people in reconnecting with their cyclical nature, deepening body literacy, and reclaiming hormonal harmony from a place of sovereignty and embodied knowledge. Most people know me from Instagram, where I share stories, tools, and inspiration on cyclical living, menstrual cycles, fertility, hormones and more. 

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