In the Season 3 finale of Unsaid, we close our deep dive into infertility with an honest, validating, and trauma-informed conversation about the grief that lives beneath the surface of trying to conceive—grief that often goes unseen, unnamed, and unsupported.

I’m joined by Katie Kirkenmeier, LPC, PMH-C, ATR ,a grief expert, licensed professional counselor, registered art therapist, and certified perinatal mental health specialist. Katie brings extensive expertise in infertility-related trauma, pregnancy loss, and the emotional complexities of IVF, offering insight that helps women feel understood, grounded, and never alone.

Together, we explore:
• the grief of trying to get pregnant
• the grief of staying pregnant
• partner grief and relational strain
• grief shaped by earlier trauma or sexual violence
• the emotional toll of “white-knuckling” through infertility
• why infertility increases the risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
• how grief truly works, and why no one should be rushed through it

This episode honors the full spectrum of loss, loss of expectations, loss of identity, loss of control, and the loss that happens long before IVF even begins. Katie offers trauma-informed, evidence-based guidance for healing, coping, and reclaiming hope.

This finale empowers women to know:
You have a voice.
You have options.
You have support.
And you do not have to walk this journey alone.

About Katie Kirkenmeier, LPC, PMH-C, ATR
Katie is a grief expert, licensed professional counselor, perinatal mental health–certified specialist, and registered art therapist. She specializes in infertility trauma, pregnancy loss, birth trauma prevention, and the intersection of trauma and reproductive mental health.

Connect with Katie:
• Instagram: @katiektherapy
• TikTok: @KatieKTherapy
• Website: www.katiekirkenmeiertherapy.com
• Email: katie@katiekirkenmeiertherapy.com

In this moving episode of Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C, we explore the emotional side of infertility and IVF with Kimberly Koll, LPC , NNC, grief therapist, infertility warrior, and founder of Crimson Cardinal Counseling.

Kimberly opens up about grieving the dream of motherhood after years of infertility and loss, and how she now helps others navigate the same storm. From the invisible weight of infertility to rediscovering hope and identity, this episode holds space for every woman walking through grief, loss, and healing.

Topics include:

• The grief of infertility and “what could have been”

• Navigating IVF and emotional burnout

• Reclaiming hope and identity after loss

• • Healing through compassion, therapy, and community
  • Grieving loss (beyond death)

• Whether you’re facing infertility, pregnancy loss, or the quiet ache of unmet dreams , this episode is for you. You are not alone.

  Learn more about Kimberly’s work:
  🌐 www.crimsoncardinalcounseling.com
  📸 Instagram: @kimberlykoll_lpc

  Resources Mentioned:

  • ASRM – American Society for Reproductive Medicine

  • Resolve: National Infertility Association

  • The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris

  • It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine

  Follow Unsaid with Catie Whiting for more real, honest conversations on fertility, mental health, and womanhood: www.catiewhiting.com

  #UnsaidPodcast #InfertilityJourney #FertilitySupport #GrievingTheDream #IVFStory #PregnancyLoss #PCOSAwareness #WomensHealth #MentalHealthMatters #HopeAfterLoss

In this episode of Unsaid with Catie Whiting, LCSW, PMH-C, we sit down with Shatiera Amankrah, LCSW, PMH-C, to explore infertility, IVF, and the mental health impact of reproductive challenges. Shatiera vulnerably shares both her professional expertise and her personal story, including her experience navigating infertility and IVF as a Black woman in a system that often overlooks the barriers faced by women of color.We discuss the intersections of mental health and reproductive care, while also addressing the emotional toll of limited resources and the lack of accessible, inclusive fertility support. Shatiera reminds us that no one should face this journey alone, and that seeking therapy and advocacy can be a vital step toward healing, empowerment, and hope.At Seeds of Hope, LLC, Shatiera provides “Infertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapy in Virginia, DC, Maryland & Georgia.” Their mission is:Finding Hope Through Infertility, Miscarriage, Pregnancy and Postpartum.Finding hope and healing on your path to and through parenthood. Becoming a parent hasn’t looked how you envisioned it. You are not alone.Learn more about Shatiera’s work: www.seedsofhopecc.comFollow Shatiera and Seeds of Hope for encouragement and resources:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/seedsofhopecc/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SeedsOfHopeInfertilityCounselingExplore more episodes with Catie: www.catiewhiting.com

Follow us on INSTAGRAM#UnsaidPodcast #ShatieraAmankrah #SeedsOfHope #InfertilitySupport #IVFJourney #PregnancyLossSupport #PostpartumHealing #MentalHealthAndMotherhood #BlackMaternalHealth #FertilityEquity