Your Fertility Counsellor
I’m Tanja Faessler, an accredited coach, counsellor, and the founder of Counsellingconnectz and Fertilityconnectz. In this episode, I’ll share our journey—from starting in 2012 to supporting over 15,000 clients, a milestone that still fills me with gratitude. At Fertilityconnectz, we are dedicated to guiding you through every aspect of your fertility journey—whether you're trying naturally, going through IVF, or exploring options like egg freezing or donor programs. On this podcast, we will focus on all aspects of your well-being—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, on all levels—because we believe that balance in these areas is where the magic happens. Fertility ca...
EP #20 - Finding Your Silver Lining On 'So-So' Days

In this episode, I open up about a deeply personal and emotional experience—a challenging day marked by injury, sadness, and the difficult decision to miss an important fertility conference. I share the wave of emotions that followed, from vulnerability and disappointment to unexpected moments of gratitude, and reflect on the lessons that surfaced through it all.
This conversation explores the importance of slowing down, reassessing our priorities, and nurturing the relationships that sustain us, especially during life’s tougher moments. I also dive into how hardship can reveal hidden silver linings and why embracing gratitude, even in t...
EP #19 - The Doula Difference: Transforming your Birth Experience

In this episode, I sit down for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation with Johanna Wagner, a birth and postpartum doula, to hear about her journey into this deeply compassionate work and the profound impact doulas have in guiding families through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Johanna explains how doulas differ from midwives and how they work alongside medical teams to create a more empowering birthing experience.
This episode explores the emotional challenges of childbirth, including navigating birth plans, managing trauma, and the importance of letting go of control in a highly medicalised environment. Johanna also highlights...
EP #18 - Patient-Centric Fertility Care: Giving Our Patients The Best Help

In this episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Liow, the Scientific Director at Virtus Fertility Centre, for an inspiring conversation about his remarkable journey from veterinary medicine to becoming a leading figure in reproductive biology. Together, we delve into the fascinating world of embryology, exploring the latest advancements in technology, groundbreaking methodologies, and the crucial role of personalised treatment plans in fertility care.
Dr. Liow offers a heartfelt perspective on the emotional side of fertility, emphasising the importance of compassion, support, and individualised attention throughout each patient’s unique journey. We also discuss th...
EP #17 - Finding Your Footing When Plans Change

In this episode, I explore how to navigate life's inevitable changes and find your footing when plans take unexpected turns. Change is an inherent part of life, but when it comes suddenly or deeply impacts us emotionally, it can be overwhelming. Whether it's a small adjustment or a major life shift, understanding how to manage the emotional highs and lows can make the process smoother.
I walk through the change curve, explaining how individuals typically respond to unexpected changes and the emotions that follow. I also highlight the importance of understanding yourself and your partner during these...
EP #16 - Your Fertility Expert Team - Meet Helen Yii

In this episode, we introduce you to Helen Yii, a leading expert in fertility counselling and a valued member of our team. Helen shares her inspiring journey, from how she embarked on fertility counselling to her experiences and key insights into her role. She discusses how she helps individuals, couples, and families navigate their fertility journey, offering guidance, support, and expert advice.
We also explore her career path, favorite projects, and the challenges she has overcome along the way. Whether you're interested in the field of fertility counselling or simply want to learn more about the incredible...
EP #15 - IVF Timeline: Sharing is Caring

In this episode of Your Fertility Counsellor, I walk you through the IVF process step by step—from the initial timeline to egg retrieval and frozen embryo transfer. Beyond the medical aspects, I share insights on the emotional highs and lows of IVF, along with practical strategies to manage stress and prioritise your well-being.
Whether you're navigating IVF yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode offers guidance, encouragement, and a reminder that you’re not alone.
💛 Sharing is Caring! If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who might benefit. Together, we can cre...
EP #14 - IVF: Balancing Science with Compassionate Support by Dr. Roland Chieng

In this insightful episode, we sit down with renowned fertility specialist Dr. Roland Chieng, the Medical Director of Virtus Fertility Centre Singapore, a fertility specialist, OBGYNE, and reproductive surgeon, to explore the intricacies of IVF, the emotional challenges couples face, and the role of counselling in fertility treatment.
Dr. Chieng shares his journey from obstetrics to becoming a leading expert in IVF, his approach to patient care, and the importance of emotional well-being in the success of fertility treatments. Whether you're considering IVF or simply want to learn more about the science and heart behind fertility medicine, t...
EP #13 - Top 3 Tips To Navigate Stress On Your Fertility Journey

In this episode, I dive into the significant emotional burden of infertility and the stress that comes with it. I highlight how the psychological distress can be just as intense as that of serious medical conditions, and explore how men and women respond to stress differently.
I also talk about the physiological effects of stress on hormonal balance and share some practical techniques—such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, and movement—that can help alleviate stress. My goal in this episode is to encourage you to prioritise your well-being and take actionable steps toward managing stress more effectively.
Re...
EP #12 - Dealing with Setbacks

In this episode, I dive into the real challenges of staying committed to your goals, especially when life throws you curveballs. I also share 5 key strategies that helped me get back on track. Whether you’ve fallen off your habit streak or are feeling discouraged, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you bounce back stronger.
Don’t let setbacks keep you down! Tune in to discover how to transform frustration into fuel and make 2025 your best year yet!
CONNECT WITH US!
Website: www.fertilityconnectz.com
Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com<...
EP #11 - Your Fertility Expert Team - Meet Sharon Lim

Welcome to a very special episode of the Your Fertility Counsellor podcast! We are thrilled to have a remarkable guest with us today, Sharon Lim, who brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table.
Sharon is not just a counsellor; her journey spans across medicine, pharmaceuticals, and counselling, offering a truly unique perspective. From studying medicine in the UK to working in pharmaceuticals in both the US and Australia, Sharon has seen it all. But her story doesn’t stop there—her transition into fertility counselling is both inspiring and heartfelt.
In this epis...