Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)?

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a medical condition that can sometimes occur as a reaction to fertility treatment, particularly during IVF. It happens when the ovaries respond too strongly to hormone medications used to encourage the development of eggs.

This can lead to the ovaries becoming swollen and painful, and fluid may leak into the abdomen and other parts of the body. In mild cases, OHSS causes bloating and discomfort, but in more severe cases, it can be extremely painful and distressing — sometimes requiring medical monitoring or hospital care.

The emotional impact

For some, OHSS is not only physically intense — it can also be emotionally shocking. The sudden onset of severe pain, the sense of the body reacting unpredictably, and the vulnerability that can arise in the midst of fertility treatment may leave deep impressions, sometimes hard to put into words.

This is where therapeutic approaches like Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) can be helpful — offering a gentle, structured way to process the shock, fear, and overwhelm that may have become imprinted in the nervous system during or after the experience.

 Shared with permission

This is a testimonial from a client who developed OHSS after IVF treatment. She kindly agreed to share her experience of how DBR helped her process the trauma and find relief.

From Pain and Shock to Relief: Processing OHSS with DBR

I had an IVF treatment and unfortunately, I developed moderate OHSS. It felt horrendous and it was very upsetting. It was such a shock. I contacted Sarah because I was struggling with the ongoing physical pains, which resulted in me feeling depressed and lost.

Sarah used a therapy called Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR). It helped me process the trauma. After a couple of processing sessions, the pain just went. DBR helped release some trapped feelings held at a deep level that I had not been aware of before.

(Female, aged 39, online)

If you have been affected by OHSS or another physical health trauma and would like to explore whether Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) might help, you are very welcome to get in touch.

CBT for depression and stress

My progress is remarkable in such a short time because when I came to see Sarah, I felt so low and there I felt there was no way out. An event had triggered historical experiences. CBT with Sarah has been a really good fit for me.

I am now better than my ‘normal’ before I started, because I have lots of little tools and I have learnt things about myself that I didn’t realise. I feel more compassion towards myself as I was quite hard on myself before.

(Female, aged 58, in person, July 2024)

CBT and EMDR following a relationship break-up

I came across Sarah on the counselling directory and chose to contact her because she looked warm and friendly which is exactly what you want when you are feeling a bit low. I had experienced a break up which was unexpected and caused me a lot of hurt and left me feeling confused and wanting to know answers.

Sarah used a combination of CBT and EMDR. After the first session of EMDR I no longer felt the pain and hurt that I was originally feeling and during the following week between our sessions the whole situation no longer felt as bad. I never imagined that I would feel OK again so quickly and I can't thank Sarah enough for this. I now feel that I would be ready to face another relationship without the fear of hurt or rejection. Thank you Sarah!

(Female, age 26)

CBT for OCD - Sexual Content and Fear of Contamination

After having mild OCD for 6 years, which I thought I was managing properly, it suddenly got a lot worse, when the sexual intrusive thoughts became more frequent and distressing. They were causing me a great deal of anxiety and impacting my life to a great degree. 

I began Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) with Sarah. I noticed a great improvement and reduction in intrusive sexual thoughts after 5 sessions. In my following appointments we worked on contamination OCD, which has hugely improved. I have gained the tools and skills to prevent a relapse. I have also developed greater insight about what maintains OCD. I realised that I had not been managing my intrusions effectively or helpfully over the past 6 years which allowed them to increase.

I was very glad that I didn’t have to go into detail about my intrusive thoughts and I have felt very comfortable throughout my time with Sarah.  I was surprised how quickly I improved because I was initially concerned that it may take many sessions.  All of our sessions have been virtual as I don’t drive and I live some distance away. I have been pleased how accessible and easy it has been working this way. 

(Male, aged 18, September 2020, virtual sessions)

CBT for work related stress

In 2017/18, the Health and Safety Executive estimated that nearly 600,000 employees suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety. This figure accounted for the greatest individual number of lost working days in the UK.

At some time in your working life, you have probably felt one or more of these common symptoms:

• You feel like you have no resilience, can’t cope with work and are reacting badly to situations at work

• You’re experiencing anxiety and/or depression

• You’re taking lots of days off, or not working effectively

• You are not as productive as usual

• You’re having problems sleeping

If so, did you know that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the primary treatment for work-related stress as well as all forms of anxiety?

If you have been looking for help with your work-related stress, give me a call on 07817 223669 to discuss if we can work together using CBT.

Donation to the Jack Leslie Campaign.

I am very pleased today to make a donation from my business to the Jack Leslie Campaign.

Jack Leslie was a black football player in the 1920s and early 1930s and he was the first black footballer to be selected to play for England. When the Football Association realised that he was not white, he was quietly dropped.

The campaign is raising funds to have a statue erected at Home Park where Jack spent the vast majority of his footballing career. You can read more about the campaign at https://jackleslie.co.uk and, if you were inclined to make a donation, there are links on that page that will take you to the Crowdfunder website.

Dream Completion and Flash Training

On 3rd July Sarah attended an online webinar. It was an introduction to the techniques of “Dream Completion“ and “Flash“ and how to integrate them into EMDR therapy. It was presented by Dr Justin Havens PhD. 

Dream Completion is a technique to deal with unresolved nightmares and disturbing dreams.

The Flash Technique (FT) is a recently developed therapeutic intervention for reducing the disturbance associated with traumatic or other distressing memories. Unlike many conventional trauma therapy interventions, FT is a minimally intrusive option that does not require the client to consciously engage with the traumatic memory. This allows the client to process traumatic memories without feeling distress.

Justin is a psychological therapist accredited by BACP and EMDR Europe. He has worked within the NHS, the charitable sector and in private practice, and has a special interest in treating combat trauma and veterans. He completed his PhD in 2019, which was about developing and evaluating the Dream Completion Technique at the Veterans and Families Institute (Anglia Ruskin University).

Sarah found the webinar most inspiring and Justin is an excellent presenter. She is looking forward to further training in these areas. She can imagine the benefits of helping people who are affected by bad dreams and nightmares to practice the Dream Completion technique.