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Intended Parent Consultation

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Emotional Readiness in Surrogacy
Studies show that intended parents who engage in pre-surrogacy counseling experience reduced stress and improved communication throughout their journey, leading to stronger relationships with their surrogate.

Preparation for your surrogacy journey

One-on-One Consultation

The Intended Parent Consultation is a one-on-one discussion focused on emotional preparedness, expectations, and best practices for a smooth surrogacy journey. Topics covered may include managing emotions, setting healthy boundaries with the surrogate, handling unexpected challenges, and communicating effectively with professionals involved in the process. This session equips intended parents with insights and strategies to create a positive and well-supported experience.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This consultation helps intended parents prepare emotionally and mentally for the journey ahead, offering guidance on managing expectations, communication, and potential challenges.

  • We cover emotional readiness, the intended parent-surrogate relationship, coping with uncertainty, setting boundaries, and preparing for different stages of the journey.

  • The session typically lasts 60 minutes, but additional time can be arranged if needed.

  • While not always required, many intended parents find it beneficial to gain clarity and confidence before beginning the process. Some agencies or professionals may recommend it as part of best practices.

  • Pre-surrogacy counseling at PECNA is specialized and goes beyond a typical counseling session. It focuses on the unique emotional, psychological, and logistical aspects of third-party reproduction. Unlike general counseling, which addresses broader emotional concerns, pre-surrogacy counseling prepares intended parents for the complexities of working with a gestational carrier. This includes exploring expectations around the surrogacy process, navigating the emotional impact of not carrying the child, managing relationships with the gestational carrier, and preparing for legal and ethical challenges. The session is designed to ensure intended parents are fully informed, emotionally prepared, and ready to engage in a collaborative and supportive relationship with their gestational carrier, while maintaining healthy boundaries throughout the journey.

  • Yes, all consultations are conducted via our secure telehealth platform, allowing intended parents to participate from anywhere.

  • PECNA's sessions are guided by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine's (ASRM) principles, which emphasize empathy, understanding, and emotional support. ASRM guidelines focus on ensuring the psychological well-being of all parties involved in third-party reproduction, including intended parents, gestational carriers, and donors. The guidelines recommend comprehensive evaluations that assess emotional preparedness, the ability to manage complex relationships, and the importance of informed consent. They also emphasize the need for ongoing psychological support throughout the reproductive journey to address emotional, ethical, and legal challenges that may arise.

  • Yes, the Intended Parents Session is an excellent opportunity to explore whether using a gestational carrier or egg donor is the right path for you. This session serves as a preliminary discussion where PECNA’s licensed psychologists will guide you through the emotional, psychological, and practical aspects of third-party reproduction. You’ll have the chance to talk about your motivations, expectations, and any concerns you may have regarding working with a gestational carrier or egg donor.

    The session is designed to prepare you for the next steps by helping you understand the unique dynamics involved in these arrangements, such as managing relationships with the carrier or donor, setting boundaries, and navigating the legal, medical, and emotional complexities of the process. It also offers you a space to discuss how these decisions may impact your family and future child.

    By the end of the session, you’ll gain a clearer sense of your emotional readiness, as well as insights into potential challenges and how to approach them, ensuring that you move forward with confidence and preparedness.

  • While the Intended Parent session provides a comprehensive initial consultation, we encourage an ongoing relationship, ensuring continued support throughout your journey.

  • Yes, it is highly recommended that both partners attend the intended parents session. This is essential for fostering a unified understanding and approach toward the surrogacy or egg donation process. By attending together, both partners can openly express their thoughts, concerns, and expectations, ensuring that they are aligned on important decisions. The session also provides an opportunity for both partners to ask questions, address emotional concerns, and ensure they are equally prepared for the journey ahead. Attending together also helps the psychologist assess the dynamics between the couple, offering personalized advice to strengthen emotional readiness and enhance communication throughout the process.

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FOUNDER

Dr. Irada Wattanavitukul, Ph.D., LPC., LMHC

Licensed mental health professional with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Dr. Irada Wattanavitukul received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (Los Angeles) and is a highly respected licensed mental health professional with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with specialized training in trauma-informed care, neurodevelopmental assessments, and immigration evaluations. She is deeply committed to supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma, abuse, and developmental challenges, offering evaluations and guidance tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Irada works extensively with survivors of violence, victims of crime, and individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Her compassionate approach helps people navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany these experiences. Additionally, she plays a critical role in helping families stay together by assisting those going through the immigration process. She understands the emotional toll of separation and provides evaluations and support that empower families to advocate for the protections and accommodations they deserve.

In addition to her work with trauma and immigration, Dr. Irada has completed specialized training in Psychological Evaluation for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). As a member of ASRM and its Mental Health Professionals Group (MHPG), she supports individuals and families on their family-building journeys. Her evaluations help identify emotional needs and provide guidance to ensure the well-being of all involved.

Dr. Irada’s expertise and dedication have earned her national recognition. She holds an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) status, a prestigious acknowledgment of her significant contributions to mental health in the United States. Her work with high-need populations—such as trauma survivors and individuals with developmental challenges—has had a meaningful impact, helping many achieve healing and personal growth.

By combining her expertise in forensic psychology, trauma-informed care, neurodevelopmental assessments, and family support, Dr. Irada has become a key figure in her field. Her compassionate and thorough approach not only benefits individuals and families but also strengthens communities by fostering resilience and well-being.