Planning Parenthood with a Sperm Donor
A Group Orientation for LGBTQ+ Couples
A supportive, affirming space for same-sex female, queer, non-binary, and trans couples using sperm donation to grow their families.
If you and your partner are planning to build your family using donor sperm, you're not alone, and you're not the exception. For many LGBTQ+ couples, third-party reproduction is the norm and the way you’ve always known you’d create your family. But the traditional mental health consultation model, typically a one-on-one appointment required by your fertility clinic, can feel clinical, evaluative, and isolating.
That’s why I created this psychoeducational group consultation: to offer a more affirming and community-centered way to complete this important step in your fertility journey.
That’s why I created this psychoeducational group consultation: to offer a more affirming and community-centered way to complete this important step in your fertility journey.
Why this group?
01.
This one-time, 90-minute online group brings together up to 8 couples who are at a similar point in the family-building process. Together, we explore the emotional, relational, and developmental considerations of using donor sperm, within a space designed to be respectful, inclusive, and informative.
You’ll leave the session feeling clearer, more connected, and better equipped to move forward.
You’ll leave the session feeling clearer, more connected, and better equipped to move forward.
What to Expect
02.
Topics We Cover
03.
- Navigating the emotional aspects of using donor sperm
- Choosing a donor: known vs. unknown, ID release, and more
- Understanding donor motivations and limits of connection
- Talking with children about donor conception at every age
- Legal and logistical considerations for LGBTQ+ families
- Building your family story with intention
- Postpartum considerations and mental health
- Access to curated resources and parenting resources
This group is designed for same-sex female couples and other queer, non-binary, or trans partners. This group is right for you if the following are true:
If you're still figuring things out, that's okay too. You don’t need to have chosen your donor to attend, you just need curiosity, openness, and a willingness to reflect together. In fact, what we discuss in this session may shape the donor you choose (and which sperm bank you use), so it can be beneficial to attend before making final selections.
- You are using only one form of third-party reproduction (e.g., sperm donation without egg donation or surrogacy)
- You both will be able to attend the session and have your video camera(s) on
- You are working with a fertility clinic that requires a mental health consultation
- You don't want a discussion of your specific mental health circumstances
- Anyone seeking an affirming, ASRM-compliant group experience instead of a private appointment
- Anyone who is located in one of the 44 states Dr. Diederich can see clients in (excludes Alaska, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon)
Is This Right for Us?
04.
- Session Length: 90 minutes
- Format: Online group via secure Zoom (up to 8 couples per group)
- Clinician: Dr. Leann Diederich, Licensed Psychologist
- Cost: $150 per couple
- Documentation Provided: Yes, I send documentation directly to your clinic
Group Logistics
05.
I’m Dr. Leann Diederich, a Licensed Psychologist with deep expertise in group psychotherapy, third-party reproduction, and LGBTQ+ affirming care. I’ve helped many clients navigate the emotional terrain of family building, and I’m honored to walk this path with you. Read more about me here.
About Your Facilitator
