When you are missing connection with a piece of 'you' it can feel like you're not fully living.

This is because “Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body," to quote Dr. Janina Fisher, a renowned trauma specialist and psychologist, who I’ve studied with. There’s an imprint, mark, or scar from trauma if it’s left untreated. It doesn’t just “go away” and when the brain connects current stressors to prior unresolved traumas, that’s called “retraumatization.”

As someone deeply committed to providing ethical and effective support for clients addressing intimacy and relationship challenges, I see surrogate partner therapy as a valuable tool in the right context. However, it’s critical to approach this work with an understanding of the legal and cultural landscape. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and adherence to ethical guidelines, practitioners can help ensure that this practice remains a viable and beneficial option for those who need it most.

In addition to my clinical practice, I also offer clinical consultation for clinicians who are part of a tripartite team on a surrogacy case. Having a consultation can be especially helpful if you are early in your career offering this type of work clinically. Complex cases and ethical dilemmas can feel overwhelming without support, and consultation provides clarity, fresh perspectives, and the confidence to grow as a practitioner.