Your Fertility Counsellor

Tanja Faessler

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 can be an isolating journey, but you are not alone. We've created this podcast to touch on topics we've gathered from our extensive client sessions. These topics are designed to resonate with your experiences or even those of someone you know. Plus, we'll be inviting a series of knowledgeable guests to share their expertise, making each episode both informative and engaging. My goal is to make this podcast your supportive friend, offering understanding and guidance as you navigate your unique path to parenthood. Stay tuned for exciting episodes and let’s make your fertility journey one full of hope and fulfillment! Links: Website: https://www.fertilityconnectz.com/ Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Instagram: @fertilityconnectz

  1. EP #62 - The Fire Horse Year: Transformation Through Release and Renewal

    3D AGO

    EP #62 - The Fire Horse Year: Transformation Through Release and Renewal

    What if stepping into a new year wasn’t about rushing forward — but about arriving with intention, softness, and the courage to begin again? In this episode, we reflect on the transition into a new chapter through the lens of the fertility journey — a season that can hold both hope and heaviness at once. Together, we explore what it means to enter a new year with presence, especially when life hasn’t unfolded the way you imagined. We lean into the symbolism of the Year of the Fire Horse — a powerful reminder of movement, transformation, and the kind of change that asks us to release what no longer serves us. Fire doesn’t only destroy — it refines. It clears space for something new. You’ll be guided through a gentle reflective practice: writing a letter to yourself. A space to acknowledge what you’ve carried, to meet your past struggles with compassion, and to name what you’re ready to let go of — limiting beliefs, self-blame, or the quiet stories that have kept you stuck. This episode invites you to focus not on outcomes, but on the qualities you want to embody this year — courage, tenderness, steadiness, hope. Because your worth is not defined by fertility results, and fragility is not failure — it is part of being human. This isn’t about starting the year perfectly. It’s about starting honestly. With compassion. With intention. With the quiet bravery of beginning again. As you step into this new season, may you remember: transformation doesn’t require speed — only willingness. And you don’t have to walk into this year alone. CONNECT WITH US! Website: www.fertilityconnectz.com Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Social Media: InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube

    10 min
  2. EP #61 - Mindfulness and Compassion in Fertility Counselling with Sussana Wong

    FEB 11

    EP #61 - Mindfulness and Compassion in Fertility Counselling with Sussana Wong

    What if the fertility journey wasn’t only about outcomes — but about learning how to stay present with everything you feel along the way? In this episode, I sit down with Susanna Wong, a fertility counsellor and mindfulness specialist, to explore how mindfulness and compassion can become powerful anchors through the emotional complexity of trying to conceive. Susanna shares her personal path from the fast-paced media world into counseling, and how that transition deepened her understanding of emotional awareness, self-care, and the healing power of simply being with what is. Together, we talk about the hidden layers of fertility grief — the kind that is often abstract, ongoing, and difficult to name — and why anxiety and sadness can coexist even in moments of hope. We explore how mindfulness supports emotional regulation, helping individuals and couples create space for their feelings rather than becoming overwhelmed by them. Susanna introduces the idea of balancing our emotional systems — nurturing the soothing, compassionate part of ourselves alongside the drive and fear that fertility challenges can activate. You’ll also hear gentle, practical guidance for navigating societal pressure during celebrations and family gatherings, and why preparation, boundaries, and focusing on what you can control can bring relief. At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that fulfillment can still be rooted in your core values — even when the path feels uncertain. This isn’t just an episode about mindfulness. It’s about compassion, emotional safety, and learning to meet yourself with tenderness in the midst of the unknown. If you’re walking through fertility challenges right now, may this conversation remind you: you don’t have to do it perfectly. You only have to do it with presence. Support is here, and you are not alone. Learn more about Sussana Wong: 👇 Sussana’s Instagram: @susanna_wong_mcconomy CONNECT WITH US! Website: www.fertilityconnectz.com Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Social Media: InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube

    44 min
  3. EP #60 - Infertility & Chinese New Year: Navigating Family, Face & Fertility

    FEB 4

    EP #60 - Infertility & Chinese New Year: Navigating Family, Face & Fertility

    What if Chinese New Year didn’t have to feel like something you had to endure — but something you could move through with more care and protection for your heart? In this episode, we gently explore how festive seasons like Chinese New Year can intensify pressure, expectations, and quiet grief for those navigating infertility — and why you are not alone in feeling this way. Together, we talk about the emotional weight that family gatherings can carry, and how preparation can make a real difference. You’ll hear practical ways to set boundaries without guilt, from pre-agreeing on responses to intrusive questions with your partner, to choosing a trusted family member who can help redirect conversations when things feel overwhelming. We also explore the power of lowering expectations, shortening visits, or even opting out altogether when needed — not as avoidance, but as self-respect. This episode is a reminder that protecting your mental health is not selfish, and that your fertility journey deserves privacy, compassion, and choice. And when the celebrations are over, we make space for what comes after — the emotional comedown, the need to rest, and the permission to feel whatever surfaces. This isn’t about “being strong” through the festivities. It’s about moving gently, honoring your limits, and remembering: you get to decide what feels safe for you. You don’t have to carry this season alone. CONNECT WITH US! Website: www.fertilityconnectz.com Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Social Media: InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube

    12 min
  4. EP #59 - Understanding Vaginismus and Pelvic Floor Health

    JAN 28

    EP #59 - Understanding Vaginismus and Pelvic Floor Health

    What if conversations about sexual health didn’t feel uncomfortable or isolating — but safe, informed, and deeply human? In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Barratt, a physiotherapist specializing in sexual health and fertility, to open up an honest and much-needed dialogue around topics so often left unspoken. Together, we explore conditions like vaginismus, sexual pain, erectile dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance — not as isolated problems, but as experiences deeply connected to stress, emotional wellbeing, and the body’s nervous system. Danielle shares both her professional insights and personal journey, highlighting how the mind and body are constantly in conversation, especially during fertility challenges. We talk about why pelvic floor health matters for both women and men, how chronic stress can quietly disrupt hormonal balance, and why collaborative, whole-person care can transform the healing journey. You’ll also hear practical reflections on daily habits, self-awareness, and the importance of finding practitioners who truly listen and support you. This isn’t just a conversation about symptoms or diagnoses. It’s about breaking shame, normalizing experiences that are far more common than we think, and reminding you that your journey — however it looks — is valid. If you’ve ever felt alone, confused, or hesitant to ask for help around sexual health or fertility, this episode is a gentle reminder: support exists, healing is possible, and you don’t have to navigate this in silence. Learn more about Danielle Barratt: 👇 Danielle’s Instagram: @physiomatterssg Danielle’s website: www.physiomatters.com.sg CONNECT WITH US! Website: www.fertilityconnectz.com Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Social Media: InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube

    1h 6m
  5. EP #58 - When Men Disappear from Their Fertility Journey

    JAN 21

    EP #58 - When Men Disappear from Their Fertility Journey

    What if male infertility didn’t have to be a topic shrouded in silence — but could be met with understanding, safety, and compassion? In this episode, we open space for a conversation often left unspoken: the emotional landscape of men navigating infertility. Together, we explore why many men internalise their struggles, why emotional withdrawal is a common response, and how shame and a sense of lost control shape this experience. We talk about the coping strategies men often adopt — from avoidance to hyper-independence — and why these responses are not signs of disinterest, but ways of protecting themselves in a world that doesn’t always provide space for vulnerability. This episode highlights the crucial role of emotional safety, validation, and open communication in fostering connection and understanding between partners. You’ll also hear why professional support can be a game-changer, and how creating safe spaces to express feelings can reduce the heavy burden men often carry alone. This isn’t just a conversation about male infertility. It’s about breaking silence, offering compassion, and honoring the emotional complexity of the journey. If you’re navigating these challenges — or supporting someone who is — this episode is a reminder: you are not alone, your feelings are valid, and connection can begin the moment the silence softens. CONNECT WITH US! Website: www.fertilityconnectz.com Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Social Media: InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube

    24 min
  6. EP #57 - Breaking the Silence: Men’s Untold Stories of Infertility with Shaun Greenaway

    JAN 14

    EP #57 - Breaking the Silence: Men’s Untold Stories of Infertility with Shaun Greenaway

    What if male infertility didn’t have to be something carried alone — or in silence? In this episode, I sit down with Shaun Greenaway, who shares his deeply personal journey through infertility and the emotional weight so many men quietly shoulder along the way. Together, we explore how male fertility is often overlooked, why education and early testing matter, and how the lack of conversation can leave men feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Shaun speaks openly about navigating clinical spaces that don’t always feel supportive, the importance of advocating for yourself in medical settings, and the moment when acceptance became a turning point in his healing. We also talk about grief — how it can resurface unexpectedly — and why acknowledging it is an essential part of moving forward. This conversation gently widens the lens on what the journey to parenthood can look like, including paths such as donor conception, and why community and connection are vital for men facing fertility challenges. You’ll hear why open communication with your partner can soften the burden, strengthen understanding, and remind you that this is not something you have to manage alone. This isn’t just a story about infertility. It’s about visibility, validation, and the courage it takes to speak when silence feels safer. If you’re walking this path — or loving someone who is — may this episode remind you: your experience matters, support exists, and your journey is allowed to unfold in its own way. Learn more about Shaun Greenaway: 👇 Shaun’s Instagram: @knackered_knackers Shaun’s website: https://www.nexysfertility.com/ CONNECT WITH US! Website: www.fertilityconnectz.com Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Social Media: InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube

    1h 35m
  7. EP #56 - New Year’s Reflections — Resolutions, Habits & Gentle Beginnings

    JAN 7

    EP #56 - New Year’s Reflections — Resolutions, Habits & Gentle Beginnings

    What if the new year didn’t ask you to become someone different — but invited you to meet yourself with more gentleness? In this episode, we step into 2026 by reimagining how we approach growth, healing, and change. Instead of pressure-filled resolutions, we explore a softer, more sustainable path forward — one rooted in compassion, presence, and small daily habits that truly support you. Together, we talk about why so many resolutions fall away, how the language of “should” can create tension in the nervous system, and why habits — not goals — are often where real change begins. Inspired by the idea that we fall to the level of our systems, not rise to the level of our goals, this conversation invites you to build routines that feel forgiving, flexible, and human. We explore three gentle anchors for the year ahead: self-compassion as a tool for emotional regulation, connection as a remedy for loneliness and overwhelm, and micro moments of joy that quietly restore the body and mind. You’ll also hear what truly helps habits stick — a deeper sense of purpose, supportive environments, and the freedom to begin again without shame. This isn’t about reinventing yourself. It’s about honoring where you are, softening the pressure, and allowing growth to unfold in ways that feel kind and sustainable. As you move into 2026, may this episode remind you that healing doesn’t require force — only presence. You are allowed to grow gently. And you don’t have to do it alone. CONNECT WITH US! Website: www.fertilityconnectz.com Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Social Media: InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube

    18 min
  8. EP #55 -  Small Steps, Big Dreams: Building the Life You Want with Kristina Karlsson

    12/31/2025

    EP #55 - Small Steps, Big Dreams: Building the Life You Want with Kristina Karlsson

    What if stepping into a new year wasn’t about pressure or perfection — but about dreaming boldly, with intention and heart? In this special episode, I sit down with Kristina Karlsson, founder of kikki.K, to explore how to create your best year yet by slowing down, reflecting deeply, and allowing your dreams to take shape with clarity and purpose. Together, we talk about the power of new beginnings and why morning rituals that genuinely excite you can set the tone for everything that follows. Kristina shares her own grounding practices — from gratitude and meditation to reconnecting with nature — and invites you to create a ritual that feels nourishing, personal, and energizing. We also explore the importance of reflecting on the year that’s passed, making space to acknowledge growth, lessons, and moments of becoming. She introduces the practice of choosing a word of the year — a guiding anchor for focus, intention, and alignment — and shares how responsibility and empowerment can coexist, especially in leadership and entrepreneurship. This conversation isn’t just about goal-setting. It’s about intention-setting. About trusting yourself to dream bigger, take responsibility with compassion, and build a year that feels meaningful — not just productive. As you step into 2026, may this episode remind you that your dreams matter, your pace is valid, and the journey itself is part of the fulfillment. Learn more about Kristina Karlsson: 👇 Kristina’s Instagram: kristinadreamlife Kristina’s website: https://www.thedreamlifestore.com CONNECT WITH US! Website: www.fertilityconnectz.com Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Social Media: InstagramFacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTube

    1h 23m

Trailer

About

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 can be an isolating journey, but you are not alone. We've created this podcast to touch on topics we've gathered from our extensive client sessions. These topics are designed to resonate with your experiences or even those of someone you know. Plus, we'll be inviting a series of knowledgeable guests to share their expertise, making each episode both informative and engaging. My goal is to make this podcast your supportive friend, offering understanding and guidance as you navigate your unique path to parenthood. Stay tuned for exciting episodes and let’s make your fertility journey one full of hope and fulfillment! Links: Website: https://www.fertilityconnectz.com/ Email: enquiries@counsellingconnectz.com Instagram: @fertilityconnectz