Welcome back to Scrambled! This week, we’re joined by Sophia Witheiler, a licensed mental health counselor in New York and trauma-informed psychotherapist at LEL Therapy. Sophia primarily works with young adult women in their 20s–40s who are navigating complex trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, and attachment issues. She also runs a fertility support group for people navigating the emotional complexities of fertility struggles and family planning. In this episode, we’re talking about the side of fertility that doesn’t always get enough attention: the emotional toll. From the anxiety and uncertainty of trying to conceive to jealousy, grief, relationships, boundaries, and the pressure to “stay positive,” we unpack what it can actually feel like to navigate fertility struggles and how therapy and community can help. We talk about what therapy can look like during fertility struggles, how to cope with living somewhere between hope and disappointment, and why partners may experience the same journey in completely different ways. Sophia also shares insight into why pregnancy announcements, baby showers, social media, and even friendships can become unexpectedly difficult and why having those feelings doesn’t make you a bad person. We also get into the things people say when they mean well but accidentally make things harder, including “just relax” and “everything happens for a reason,” and what friends and family can say instead. Plus, we talk about setting boundaries around intrusive questions, navigating pregnancy announcements, muting social media, skipping events when you need to, and communicating your needs without feeling guilty. And finally, we answer some listener questions about fertility timelines, finding more acceptance and reducing anxiety in your 20s and 30s, and what to consider when you’re thinking about freezing your eggs but the financial side feels overwhelming. A reminder: fertility journeys are incredibly personal, and there is no single “right” way to experience or navigate them. If you’re struggling, you deserve support, whether that comes from a therapist, support group, partner, friend, or another trusted person in your life. CONNECT WITH SOPHIA: IG: @leltherapy Website: https://leltherapy.com/about-sophia-witheiler-nyc-therapist CONNECT WITH US: IG: @Scrambled_ThePodcast TikTok: @Scrambled_ThePodcast Email: scrambledthepodcast@gmail.com Website: http://scrambledpod.com Disclaimer: Scrambled is for entertainment and education only, it is not intended as medical advice. Always check in with your health care provider for your own health needs.
