Fertility Therapist SF

Madeleine Katz, PsyD

I am a clinical psychologist with specialized experience and training in the areas of reproductive health and family building. In particular, I specialize in (in)fertility, assisted reproductive technology, and third party arrangements. I work extensively with individuals and couples pursuing treatment using donated gametes, embryos and/or gestational carriers.

I am a relational therapist, which means I will be a real human in the room with you. I will bear witness to your pain and growth, and support you in unearthing insights, self-awareness and fulfillment. I take care to recognize the diversity of experience and the intersectionality of identities that we all have.

I am an active member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), present at their conferences, and Chair of the Bylaws Committee of their Mental Health Professional Group. 

My particular interests are supporting choice parents and consulting with other professionals. 

 
Couples counseling SF

Sarah Varady, AMFT

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, supervised by Dr. Madeleine Katz.  I specialize in both (in)fertility counseling and general couples counseling.

My goal is to help clients cope with the emotional roller-coaster of infertility and find meaning in their experience. I support clients in the exploration of topics such as grief and loss, tolerating uncertainty, anxiety and depression, stress management, decision-making, relationships, and identity formation. I also have an interest in working with clients pursuing third-party reproduction, such as gamete donation or gestational surrogacy. Previously, I led a RESOLVE infertility support group for five years, in which I helped support hundreds of people across all stages of the infertility journey.

In couples counseling, I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples identify the core emotions underlying behavioral patterns. Couples therapy provides a safe space to have much-needed vulnerable and intimate conversations.  By exploring each person's role in the overall couple's dynamic, I will help bring new insight into your behavioral patterns and offer suggestions for opportunities for change.  Benefits of this work include improved communication and conflict management, deeper feelings of connection, and greater awareness about both partner and oneself. 

Former clients have described my style as empathetic, direct, and compassionate. I also strive to be flexible in my approach and tailor my interventions to each unique client's needs, interests, and culture.

 
fertility counselor San Francisco

Karen Arias, Administrative Assistant

I am a Doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hartford. I’m excited to enter the field to continue learning  how the intersection between cognitive function and risk factors impact individual wellness. My goal is to work towards health equality in the mental health sector.