Dare to Dream?

Helping you navigate the challenges and uncertainties of IVF treatment

Listen to my recent interview on BBC Radio York

Is this you?

You’ve faced fertility challenges, whether it’s unexplained infertility, pregnancy loss, or undergoing fertility treatments.

You have a supportive partner, but you still feel like the weight of this journey is on your shoulders, leaving you feeling isolated or resentful. It feels like your issue to fix, and that sense of unfairness is hard to shake.

You’re stuck in a cycle of uncertainty and doubt about the future, even though you’re doing your best to stay outwardly positive.

You put on a brave face, even when your heart feels like it’s breaking.

Every pregnancy announcement on social media feels like a punch in the stomach, and all you want to do is hide under a duvet.

You’ve thrown everything at it – from fertility specialists and treatments to acupuncture, reflexology, and nutrition – yet the emotional toll is overwhelming.

You’re emotionally drained, feeling overwhelmed by it all.

I know IVF isn’t where you hoped to be

Why would anyone choose this path? It’s expensive, invasive, and demanding, with no guarantees. It takes a toll on your body, mind, and emotions, leaving you drained as you face one of the toughest challenges of your life.

Yet, here you are.

I’m here to help you navigate IVF in a way that feels aligned with who you are. Together, we’ll work on building a mindset that empowers you to take control of the things you can control, so you can approach this journey with resilience and clarity.

A bit about me

Gemma Antcliffe sitting in front of the piano

My fertility journey was not the picture-perfect experience I imagined. There were times when I felt like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. I had been swept away from the familiar world I knew and thrust into an unfamiliar and surreal place, where nothing made sense, and everything seemed beyond my control. I felt isolated, alone and like time was slipping away.

But then, something changed. I found a private gynaecologist who I think of as “Glinda, the Good Witch”. She listened, understood, and guided me through what would eventually become my IVF journey. She wasn’t the only one who helped. Along the way, I found a community of supportive professionals and friends who showed up at exactly the right moments.

I know firsthand how hard it is to balance hope and reality, to keep going when it feels like everything is out of your control.

“Working with Gemma has been an invaluable part of my IVF journey. 
When I went to Gemma I didn’t know where to start, how to approach the subject and what to do with my feelings.
Her compassionate guidance and deep understanding of the emotional complexities of IVF has helped me navigate the challenges with confidence. Each session offered a safe space to express my fears and hopes, allowing me to process my feelings and develop coping strategies.
I am deeply grateful for Gemma’s support and wisdom, which have helped me embrace this journey with a renewed sense of positivity and strength. I highly recommend her services to anyone facing similar challenges.”

My specialist support is here to give you…..

A Safe Space to Talk:

Whether you need to vent your frustration at the unfairness of infertility, share your feelings of jealousy when yet another one of your friends gets pregnant, express your fears about the treatment not working, or just be heard, I’m here to listen without judgment.

Emotional Guidance:

IVF can be an emotional whirlwind.

I can help you develop strategies to manage your feelings, cope with setbacks, and keep hope alive.

Support Through Every Stage:

No matter where you are in your journey, from making the decision to pursue IVF, end IVF or post-treatment support, I’ll be with you every step of the way.

How you can work with me

1:1 Counselling

A tailored approach to support you through the emotional complexities of your fertility journey, helping you navigate feelings of loss, overwhelm, and uncertainty.

This is for you if:

  • You’re struggling with the emotional toll of infertility or IVF, feeling like the “simple” act of getting pregnant has become a source of grief, frustration, and helplessness.
  • You’ve experienced setbacks like unsuccessful treatments, pregnancy loss, or months of trying without success.
  • You find yourself grappling with emotions like sadness, jealousy, shame, or even resentment as others around you build their families.
  • Past experiences or self-critical thoughts like “I’m not good enough” are resurfacing and adding to the weight of this journey.

This safe and supportive space is designed to help you:

  • Process and validate the complex emotions that come with fertility challenges.
  • Develop strategies to regain a sense of control, manage emotional triggers, and build resilience.
  • Reconnect with yourself, your partner, and your life outside of fertility treatments.

What’s included:

  • Weekly 1:1 counselling sessions (online or in-person).
  • A focus on your unique journey, helping you feel understood, supported, and empowered to face whatever comes next.

Investment: £60 per session.

CONFIDENCE Counselling and Mentoring Programme

A 3-month programme designed to help you move from feeling stuck in chaos, uncertainty, and heartbreak to feeling confident, calm, and empowered to navigate your fertility journey and everyday life.

This is for you if:

  • You’re overwhelmed by the emotional toll of infertility or IVF, struggling with grief, loss, or the devastation of unsuccessful treatments.
  • You feel isolated, even with a supportive partner, as you carry the weight of this journey alone.
  • Jealousy, shame, and resentment are creeping in, making it hard to celebrate others’ joy or find your own.
  • You’re drained from pouring all your energy into specialists, treatments, and self-care without seeing results.
  • You barely recognise yourself under the weight of this relentless cycle of hope and heartbreak.

This programme provides you with the tools, strategies, and support to:

  • Reclaim control over your emotional wellbeing and manage difficult feelings without guilt or shame.
  • Build resilience to handle triggers like pregnancy announcements, social media posts, or family gatherings.
  • Set boundaries and create space for self-care, protecting your emotional health while still pursuing your dream.
  • Reconnect with yourself, rediscovering moments of joy and hope even in the midst of uncertainty.

What’s included:

  • 3 one-to-one counselling sessions each month (online or in-person).
  • Text and voice note support, Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm, for those moments between sessions when emotions feel overwhelming.
  • Access to psychoeducational resources to help you understand and navigate the emotional impact of infertility.
  • Practical strategies to manage triggers, build resilience, and find balance.

Investment: £300 per month.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

I understand how deeply personal and emotional this experience is, and I want you to know you don’t have to face it by yourself. I’m here not only as a counsellor but as someone who genuinely understands the challenges and triumphs of infertility and IVF.

Let’s walk this journey together.

Get in Contact

Continue your reading with my blogs about the IVF journey…

Unpacking the past: How core beliefs shape your IVF journey

Unpacking the past: How core beliefs shape your IVF journey

Oct 30, 2024

We often hear the advice to live in the moment, to be present and free from what weighs us down. But, despite our best intentions, we all carry an invisible bag through life, filled with experiences and beliefs we’ve gathered along the way. We take this bag from one...

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Will Acupuncture Help You Get Pregnant During IVF?

Will Acupuncture Help You Get Pregnant During IVF?

Oct 3, 2024

Have you wondered if acupuncture will improve your chances of success in IVF? When you're going through IVF, it's completely natural to be curious about anything that might improve your chances of success. One of the most common questions I get asked is: "Will...

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