Infertility, IVF & Mental Health with expert Shatiera Amankrah, LCSW, PMH-C

The Grief No One Talks About: Infertility, Trauma and hope with Katie Kirkenmeier, LPC, PMH-C, ATR

In the Season 3 finale of Unsaid, we close our deep dive into infertility with an honest, validating, and trauma-informed conversation about the grief that lives beneath the surface of trying to conceive—grief that often goes unseen, unnamed, and unsupported. I’m joined by Katie Kirkenmeier, LPC, PMH-C, ATR ,a grief expert, licensed professional counselor, registered art therapist, and certified perinatal mental health specialist. Katie brings extensive expertise in infertility-related trauma, pregnancy loss, and the emotional complexities of IVF, offering insight that helps women feel understood, grounded, and never alone. Together, we explore: • the grief of trying to get pregnant • the grief of staying pregnant • partner grief and relational strain • grief shaped by earlier trauma or sexual violence • the emotional toll of “white-knuckling” through infertility • why infertility increases the risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders • how grief truly works, and why no one should be rushed through it This episode honors the full spectrum of loss, loss of expectations, loss of identity, loss of control, and the loss that happens long before IVF even begins. Katie offers trauma-informed, evidence-based guidance for healing, coping, and reclaiming hope. This finale empowers women to know: You have a voice. You have options. You have support. And you do not have to walk this journey alone. About Katie Kirkenmeier, LPC, PMH-C, ATR Katie is a grief expert, licensed professional counselor, perinatal mental health–certified specialist, and registered art therapist. She specializes in infertility trauma, pregnancy loss, birth trauma prevention, and the intersection of trauma and reproductive mental health. Connect with Katie: • Instagram: @katiektherapy • TikTok: @KatieKTherapy • Website: www.katiekirkenmeiertherapy.com [http://www.katiekirkenmeiertherapy.com] • Email: katie@katiekirkenmeiertherapy.com

Grieving the Dream: Infertility, Loss, and Finding Hope with Kimberly Koll, LPC, NCC

In this moving episode of Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C, we explore the emotional side of infertility and IVF with Kimberly Koll, LPC , NNC, grief therapist, infertility warrior, and founder of Crimson Cardinal Counseling. Kimberly opens up about grieving the dream of motherhood after years of infertility and loss, and how she now helps others navigate the same storm. From the invisible weight of infertility to rediscovering hope and identity, this episode holds space for every woman walking through grief, loss, and healing. Topics include: * The grief of infertility and “what could have been” * Navigating IVF and emotional burnout * Reclaiming hope and identity after loss * Healing through compassion, therapy, and community * Grieving loss (beyond death) Whether you’re facing infertility, pregnancy loss, or the quiet ache of unmet dreams , this episode is for you. You are not alone. Learn more about Kimberly’s work: 🌐 www.crimsoncardinalcounseling.com [https://www.crimsoncardinalcounseling.com] 📸 Instagram: @kimberlykoll_lpc [https://www.instagram.com/kimberlykoll_lpc/] Resources Mentioned: * ASRM – American Society for Reproductive Medicine [https://www.asrm.org/] * Resolve: National Infertility Association * The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris * It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine Follow Unsaid with Catie Whiting for more real, honest conversations on fertility, mental health, and womanhood: www.catiewhiting.com [https://www.catiewhiting.com] #UnsaidPodcast #InfertilityJourney #FertilitySupport #GrievingTheDream #IVFStory #PregnancyLoss #PCOSAwareness #WomensHealth #MentalHealthMatters #HopeAfterLoss

Infertility, IVF & Mental Health with expert Shatiera Amankrah, LCSW, PMH-C

In this episode of Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C, we sit down with Shatiera Amankrah, LCSW, PMH-C, to explore infertility, IVF, and the mental health impact of reproductive challenges. Shatiera vulnerably shares both her professional expertise and her personal story, including her experience navigating infertility and IVF as a Black woman in a system that often overlooks the barriers faced by women of color.We discuss the intersections of mental health and reproductive care, while also addressing the emotional toll of limited resources and the lack of accessible, inclusive fertility support. Shatiera reminds us that no one should face this journey alone, and that seeking therapy and advocacy can be a vital step toward healing, empowerment, and hope.At Seeds of Hope, LLC, Shatiera provides “Infertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapy in Virginia, DC, Maryland & Georgia.” Their mission is:Finding Hope Through Infertility, Miscarriage, Pregnancy and Postpartum.Finding hope and healing on your path to and through parenthood. Becoming a parent hasn’t looked how you envisioned it. You are not alone.Learn more about Shatiera’s work: www.seedsofhopecc.com [www.seedsofhopecc.com]Follow Shatiera and Seeds of Hope for encouragement and resources: IG: https://www.instagram.com/seedsofhopecc/ [https://www.instagram.com/seedsofhopecc/] FB: https://www.facebook.com/SeedsOfHopeInfertilityCounseling [https://www.facebook.com/SeedsOfHopeInfertilityCounseling]Explore more episodes with Catie: www.catiewhiting.com [www.catiewhiting.com] Follow us on INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/unsaid.with.catie/]#UnsaidPodcast #ShatieraAmankrah #SeedsOfHope #InfertilitySupport #IVFJourney #PregnancyLossSupport #PostpartumHealing #MentalHealthAndMotherhood #BlackMaternalHealth #FertilityEquity

Fertility vs. Infertility: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Katy Poole

In this episode of Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C, we sit down with Dr. Katy Poole, DNP, fertility consultant and founder of Katy Poole Wellness. Together, we explore fertility vs. infertility, how to prepare for pregnancy, what women need to know before trying to conceive, and how IVF and advocacy play a role in today’s fertility journey.Dr. Poole’s work is rooted in her belief that every woman deserves to understand her body before the struggle. At Katy Poole Wellness, she offers:Expert fertility consulting that gets you pregnant faster.You’ve waited. You’ve hoped. You’ve done everything “right.”Now it’s time to do what’s right for you and your family.With her guidance, you’ll finally understand what your body is really telling you, so you can take the next steps with confidence.Dr. Poole can help women anywhere. Follow her to learn more and begin your journey with clarity and support.Learn more about her work: https://www.katypoole.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGFMMEdQOGJFWV8ybE5IdW8yMzVVczBWeHJHUXxBQ3Jtc0tsSWloU1N2eUJjS2tMUlV1RHJPRVlRNkhxOW9RN3EtQVAxaWttM1JPU3R1ZDdaUkJXSC1pX1FaWmp0bW45U0dEMDkzc1JCM29NQWdFcHRfU3RRSzdNNjhpb0hMbzVieVdKRFp0VS0zcU1mRGJBZTVtYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.katypoole.com%2F&v=M4kPbR3-dfM]Follow Dr. Poole on Instagram: @katypoolewellnessExplore more episodes with Catie: www.catiewhiting.comFollow Unsaid on Instagram & Facebook for new episodes and behind-the-scenes conversations, and visit www.catiewhiting.com to learn more.#UnsaidPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/unsaidpodcast] #WomensHealth [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/womenshealth] #FertilityJourney [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/fertilityjourney] #PregnancyPrep [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/pregnancyprep] #IVFSupport [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/ivfsupport] #KatyPooleWellness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/katypoolewellness]

PCOS, Fertility & The Nutrition Connection with Madison Templeton, RD, IFNCP

In this episode of Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C, we’re joined by Madison Templeton, RD, a registered dietitian specializing in women’s health, fertility, and PCOS. Madison helps us unpack what it really means to manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), support fertility, and prepare the body for pregnancy through nutrition, lifestyle, and education. Together, we explore the complexities of PCOS including its symptoms, common misconceptions around treatment, and the emotional toll it can take on women. Madison emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment plans, comprehensive assessments, and the role of nutrition, gut health, minerals, and lifestyle changes in managing PCOS. We also dive into: * The impact of birth control on hormones (and why it doesn’t “regulate” them) * The importance of egg quality, mineral balance, and environmental toxins * Gut health and insulin resistance in PCOS management * How protein, sleep, and stress reduction support hormonal balance * Why emotional well-being matters when navigating fertility and PCOS * The importance of advocating for yourself and exploring options beyond conventional medicine At Madison Templeton Nutrition, she takes “a holistic approach to balancing your hormones, healing your cycle, and helping you get pregnant.” Through 1:1 work and accessible resources, Madison empowers women to move past confusion and find clarity in their fertility journey. ✨ Key Takeaways: * PCOS is more than a hormonal condition—it affects the whole body. * Birth control can mask symptoms but doesn’t address root causes. * Every woman’s PCOS journey is unique and requires personalized care. * Nutrition and lifestyle shifts (protein, minerals, gut health, sleep) are essential. * Mental health and self-advocacy are just as important as physical care. 💬 Sound Bites from the Episode: * “Every woman with PCOS is different.” * “Your period is a sign of health.” * “You don’t have to fit in a box.” 🌿 Learn more about Madison’s work: www.madisontempletonnutrition.com [https://www.madisontempletonnutrition.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 📲 Follow Madison on Instagram: @madison.templeton.nutrition [https://www.instagram.com/madison.templeton.nutrition/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🎧 Explore more episodes with Catie: www.catiewhiting.com [http://www.catiewhiting.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 👉 Follow Unsaid on Instagram & Facebook for new episodes and behind-the-scenes conversations, and visit www.catiewhiting.com [http://www.catiewhiting.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to learn more. #UnsaidPodcast #PCOSAwareness #MadisonTempletonNutrition #FertilityJourney #HormoneHealth #GutHealth #WomensHealthPodcast #PregnancyPrep #IVFSupport #HolisticNutrition