On day two we review your understanding of day one and your homework and lead you in another relaxation exercise. Then we address ways to handle difficult emotions. We provide information on the impact of lifestyle behaviors (diet, exercise, alcohol etc.) on infertility before lunch. The afternoon includes a self nurturance exercise, the introduction of humor to reduce stress and maintain balance, and ends with a brief Q & A period and good-byes.

You will get experiential training throughout the weekend, but the interventions are most effective when you commit to keeping up with them in the ensuing weeks. We provide you with a manual which includes instructions on everything we teach, plus readings, and resource info, as well as a relaxation CD. You are also encouraged to stay in touch by email so we may answer questions and hear about your progress.  

2. Should I come alone or with my partner?
One of the benefits of this weekend is that, unlike our weekly program, partners are fully integrated into the curriculum. They are able to learn the relaxation response-based exercises and the strategies to cope with the ups and downs of infertility. They often find they can better understand their reactions to this challenge and make progress in regaining closeness with their partner.  

3. What are the benefits of the retreat?
Over the many years we have offered these retreats, we have found that participants:

• Feel physically better after practicing relaxation response techniques
• Understand the effects of infertility related stress and regain a feeling of control
• Start the process of reconnecting as a loving couple
• Emerge better prepared to face whatever they decide is the next step in their family-building
• Form bonds with other participants that continue beyond the weekend

4. How is payment handled?
We do require full payment to secure your registration for the retreat. Reservations should be submitted as soon as possible. Enrollment is limited and will be determined as registrations are received.

You can make your payment by check or by charge. We accept both MC and Visa. You can mail your payment to Weekend Retreat at the Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at MGH- 824 Boylston Street Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Cancellations must be made a minimum of seven days prior to the retreat to receive a full refund less a $50 administrative fee.  

5. How can I find affordable lodgings in the area?
Contact Donna or Linda at 866.221.6097 or bostonreservations@bostonreservations.com or www.bostonreservations.com. They can offer a variety of discounted lodgings in the Boston/Brookline/Newton area.

6. Who will lead the program that weekend?
Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine Staff will lead the Weekend Retreat.

Our MIND/BODY INFERTILITY SPECIALISTS:

Leslee Kagan, MS, NP, is Director of the Mind/Body Program for Infertility, Director of the Mind Over Menopause Program, and Co-director of the Medical Symptom Reduction Program. She is a nurse practitioner and an Associate in Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Ms. Kagan has been with BHI since 1998 and is the first author of Mind Over Menopause and contributing author to Our Bodies Ourselves: Menopause 2006.

Janet K. Fronk, RN, MEd, CS, is a Clinical Nurse Specialist and co-director of the Mind/Body Program for Infertility. She completed her graduate studies in Nursing and Education at the University of Michigan and Antioch University. She has held executive positions in nursing management and education at several large Boston-area institutions and has special expertise in treating mood and anxiety disorders and issues of sexuality, infertility and perimenopause/menopause.  

7. What do past participants have to say about the program?
Words from graduates of the Mind/Body Program for Infertility Weekend Retreat:

“I attended the retreat. After two years of trying to conceive, we were successful– the very next month after your program! After the weekend, my frame of mind was so much better; I think I could have gone on even if we hadn’t had a baby. I believe the program played a big role.”

“This was the most important thing I’ve done in the last three years. My infertility is much more bearable, and I’m a different person...or maybe the same pre-infertility person!”

“Before this program, I was really living on a 28 day cycle. Now I feel I am more in control and realize I don’t have to do things I don’t feel comfortable with, like attending a baby shower.”