Functional Medicine is very different from conventional medicine. According to the Institute for Functional Medicine, “Conventional medicine tends to look at the constellation of symptoms first, which usually results in a disease diagnosis. Often, this diagnosis is associated with a drug or drugs that can be prescribed to treat this constellation of symptoms, and that is the end of the story…. [Conventional medicine] treats all patients that present with similar symptoms the same and completely neglects both the inherent differences among patients as well as the myriad of possible causes that a ‘disease’ can have.

By contrast, the Functional Medicine approach looks at the details of a person’s story, and focuses on the foundational building blocks of health such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress reduction, healthy relationships and other lifestyle factors.

The Freedom Fertility Formula is a unique blend of coaching, counseling, and mind / body connection techniques. 

Coaching focuses specifically on what’s happening in the client’s life in the here and now. It provides the opportunity to explore the things that are creating barriers to a person being able to live their life in a positive way. It also gives them the tools and techniques to successfully navigate their fertility journey.

Counselling provides the opportunity to explore any emotional difficulties, fears and anxieties or distress that a person may be experiencing. It helps them to cope, make choices, and change aspects of their situation.

Mind / Body Connection Techniques look to remove any subconscious blocks and negative thought patterns that have the potential to hinder the body’s ability to conceive.

First introduced in the 1990s by Gary Craig, a Stanford graduate and certified master practitioner of neuro-linguistic programming, EFT (referred to as Emotional Freedom Technique or Tapping) combines the ancient practice of acupressure with modern psychology. It consists of physically tapping on certain acupressure points on your body while mentally focusing on the issue that is troubling you. The tapping sends a calming signal to your brain and helps rewire your reaction to that stressful thought or experience moving forward.
 
This practice can aid fertility issues by calming and lessening the emotions of fear, dread, anger, isolation, and sadness that commonly go along with the fertility journey. EFT allows the brain / body to get out of the “emergency state” and into a “safe state” in which the body can reduce the level of detrimental stress hormones and come back to a more relaxed neutral place. This also applies to any emotionally charged health challenges.
 

Family Constellations is based on the principal that families pass down certain beliefs, patterns, and unresolved trauma from generation to generation. We unconsciously take on these beliefs and they can positively or negatively impact our lives. Most of the time, we are not consciously aware of them. This work brings to life the inner workings of the family over generations. Family Constellations is a method that helps uncover what those beliefs are that may be keeping you stuck. It facilitates the release of these beliefs in order to live a more satisfying life.

The short answer is unfortunately, not right now. However, The National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), a nonprofit affiliate of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), announces the American Medical Association's (AMA) approval of new Category III Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Codes for health and well-being coaching effective January 1, 2020. 

So what does this mean? They’re working on it. The plan is to have coaching sessions fully or partially covered by insurance companies within the next 5 years for coaches who are nationally board certified. Stay tuned and fingers crossed. 

Sessions can be conducted in person at my office in Middlebury, CT or virtually over Zoom. I currently serve clients all over the country. A coaching session is always you focused. This means we talk about concerns and issues currently coming up in your life and how I can best support you. This may be finding ways to overcome barriers to better health and well-being or sometimes you may just need to be heard and validated in your experience. We work together in finding a solution that challenges you in becoming the best version of yourself in a way that resonates with you.

With the Enhancing Your Fertility program, each session is approximately 90 minutes. During this time, we look at what’s going on with your current physical and emotional health. We look at where we can make adjustments to improve how you’re feeling. We also go through a series of guided meditations, visualizations, journaling exercises, and practical mind-body techniques to help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster a fertility journey can be. Most clients find these exercises relaxing, insightful and very helpful.