I then qualified as a Counsellor working in oncology and palliative care before joining Professor Lord Robert Winston’s IVF Unit at the Hammersmith Hospital where I worked for 18 years as an infertility counsellor.
“I have worked for over 20 years with Jacqui Feld, an amazing professional counsellor. We were first colleagues at the world-renowned Fertility Clinic at London’s Hammersmith Hospital. I was then an IVF Co-ordinating Doctor and she was a Fertility Counsellor. Jacqui has a wealth of experience in every aspect of the emotional and psychological issues affecting men, women and couples who start the path of ‘assisted conception’. She provides an exceptional insight into the comprehension of the process and its effects on individuals, couples and their lives.
People facing the challenges of infertility often have deep underlying fears and apprehension. Working their issues through with a skilled, professional counsellor, such as Jacqui, can assist them in their aim to be more empowered. Jacqui offers counselling for patients having egg/sperm donation and surrogacy. This is a legal requirement in the UK however patients invariably value and gain from the process.
I know that my patients, as do I, appreciate the support, understanding and guidance they experience about themselves; the process and its effects. My patients have benefitted immeasurably from discovering pragmatic coping mechanisms; undertaking relationship counselling and, as is sometime necessary, the support offered when grieving and trying to move forward with life.
I value Jacqui’s judgement and I do not hesitate to refer my private patients to her, knowing them to be in a good and safe pair of hands.”
Miss Sara J Matthews MD MB BCh BaO MRCOG
Consultant Gynaecologist
RCOG Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine & Surgery
Appointments can be booked by telephone. If you leave a voicemail leave your name, telephone number and a brief message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Some people prefer to speak before making a first appointment however appointments can also be made by email.
Appointments are daytime, evenings and occasionally on a weekend. In special circumstances appointments can be made for home visits.
The majority of my appointments are face-to-face however I also offer telephone or on-line appointments by Skype.
I offer face-to-face appointments in Highgate which is easily accessible by public transport Northern Line Highgate Tube Station (Barnet Branch). There are also limited parking facilities which can be booked in advance. There is unrestricted parking in local side streets.
I usually send detailed directions by email once an appointment has been made.
Appointments are for 60 minutes.
Please contact to discuss. Payment is expected either in cheque or cash at the time of the appointment. Online banking payment is also accepted.
There is no charge for a missed appointment if I have notice. Any cancelation with less than 24 hours notice will be charged for unless due to unexpected ill health or exceptional circumstances when the appointment can be rearranged.
Access is by a flight of 13 stairs.
In addition to working as a Infertility Counsellor at London’s Hammersmith Hospital from 1991-2007 and starting my private counselling practice in 2003, I have lectured and run workshops for the NHS, voluntary sector and British Infertility Counselling Association on issues of loss and bereavement and on the psychological aspects of infertility.
In my private practice I work with people who have experienced ectopic pregnancy; miscarriage; early menopause; termination; bereavement; loss; relationship issues and cancer.
I have published on the subject of the emotional impact of infertility and co-authored a research project at the Royal Free Hospital, London where I worked as a Counsellor on a study looking at the efficacy of counselling.
I also have extensive experience in bereavement work and with patients receiving palliative care. I have worked at a large London Hospice for 18 years and currently run several different supervision groups for hospice doctors at various levels of seniority. I published an evaluation of the work I did here, demonstrating how junior doctors benefitted from external supervision and support. I have also facilitated supervision groups in other palliative care settings, including the Royal Marsden Hospital, The Queen’s Hospital, Romford, and with the Redbridge Specialist Community Palliative Care Team, Essex. Most recently I ran a series of workshops in a large City institution for staff seeking support after a sudden unexpected bereavement in their team.
In addition to the above, I mentor counsellors for BACP and BICA accreditation.
BA (Hons) – Leeds University
MSc – Surrey University
CQSW (Certificate of Qualification in Social Worker)
Diploma in Advanced Counselling – London
Senior Accreditation British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy – MBACP (Snr Accred)
Accredited Member – British Infertility Counsellors Association (AMBICA)
For those with fertility problems, painful feelings of loss, grief and bereavement are often compounded by a sense of isolation, whether from one’s partner, family, colleagues or friends.
Trying to deal with these feelings and the issues they give rise to, can be overwhelming. Watching others achieve a pregnancy or even seeing a baby can bring out feelings of anger, jealousy and helplessness. For some, being listened to and supported outside the normal circle of family or friends can help gain insights and find resolutions.
Despite medical interventions and the associated hope attached to treatment, the fact that there is no guarantee of a successful outcome can bring unbearable pain. For many this is compounded by the challenge of a lack of control. Undergoing repeated unsuccessful cycles of treatment can be distressing and a person’s equilibrium can be hugely tested.
Counselling is sometimes feared. Rather it can provide a safe space to talk, to be listened to and to explore feelings. I believe counselling can help support you through painful struggles. As well as listening to and supporting you, the aim of counselling is to help you talk and discover a way forward that is right for you.
I have experience of working with people considering sperm, egg or embryo donation or surrogacy treatment, as well as adoption. Each of these options can feel difficult to manage. It can take time to explore the emotional repercussions as well as understand the legal framework of these treatments in the UK and the implications of considering treatment options abroad. Often when people are considering these options, counselling can provide an important part of ongoing support, not only through the decision making process, but beyond.
After an initial session we would decide whether to arrange a series of appointments over a short period of time, which can be reviewed. Many clients choose longer term counselling to explore feelings. This can be particularly helpful when considering the implications of using a donor. Others value counselling for support throughout the process. Some clients find counselling beneficial on an open ended basis until they are ready to move forward with life.
In my experience people considering adoption frequently value ongoing counselling, viewing it as an important support even before the first enquiry and then whilst progressing through the Social Work home study, the Adoption Panel and beyond.
By working together we will find ways to reduce the impact that infertility is having on your life and develop strategies to use as you begin to consider your future.
