1. What is Hope Affirm Thrive?

Hope Affirm Thrive is an online coaching program designed to support women undergoing fertility treatments. The program focuses on building emotional resilience, advocacy skills, and well-being strategies to help participants navigate the complexities of infertility treatments.

Our program is not a psychological or medical service and does not replace therapy or healthcare advice from a registered healthcare provider.

2. Who is the program for?

Hope Affirm Thrive is suitable for women in their mid-20s to late 40s who are navigating fertility treatments and are seeking:

Emotional support and coping strategies

Guidance on advocacy and decision-making in medical settings

Peer support from others on a similar journey

The program is not suitable for individuals currently requiring one-on-one psychological support or treatment for moderate to severe mental health concerns from a clinical psychologist.

3. Is this program considered psychological therapy?

No. Hope Affirm Thrive is a coaching and educational program, not a psychological therapy service.

Although the program’s facilitator, Elizabeth Bancroft, is a registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, participants in this program do not receive psychological therapy. Coaching services provided through Hope Affirm Thrive are focused on education, advocacy, and emotional wellbeing, not clinical treatment.

If you are experiencing significant emotional distress or mental health concerns, we recommend consulting a registered healthcare provider or psychologist.

4. How do I know if this program is right for me?

Before joining the program, it’s important to assess your suitability.

The program may be suitable if you:

- Are experiencing stress or emotional challenges related to fertility treatments

- Are looking for strategies to build emotional resilience and self-advocacy

- Do not require clinical psychological services at this time

It may not be suitable if you:

- Are currently receiving psychological therapy for a similar concern

- Have a history of severe mental health concerns

- Are in acute emotional distress or experiencing a mental health crisis

We advise that individuals with pre-existing mental or physical health conditions consult their healthcare provider before participating.

5. Does participating in the program mean I’m a client of Elizabeth Bancroft’s psychological practice?

No. By participating in Hope Affirm Thrive, you are not considered a client of Elizabeth Bancroft’s psychological practice, Bancroft Psychology.

The coaching services offered through Hope Affirm Thrive are separate from psychological services. Participating in the program does not create a psychologist-client relationship.

6. Can I become a client of Bancroft Psychology after participating in this program?

Participants of Hope Affirm Thrive cannot become clients of Elizabeth Bancroft’s psychological practice for at least two years after completing the program.

This policy helps maintain professional boundaries and ensures clarity between coaching and psychological services.

7. Can I join the program if I’ve been a client of Bancroft Psychology?

No. Individuals who have received psychological services from Elizabeth Bancroft cannot join the Hope Affirm Thrive program until at least two years after the conclusion of their psychological treatment.

This policy is in place to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. In some circumstances it may never be appropriate for a former client of Elizabeth Bancroft to join the Hope Affirm Thrive Program.

8. What if I need psychological support during the program?

If it becomes evident during the program that a participant requires psychological or healthcare support beyond the scope of coaching, we may recommend that you seek help from a registered healthcare provider or psychologist.

In some cases, if continuing in the program is not in the best interest of the participant’s wellbeing, we may discontinue their participation and provide appropriate referrals.

9. What types of activities are included in the program?

The program includes:

- Pre-recorded video sessions

- Live webinars

- Group coaching sessions

- Reflective exercises, such as journaling and advocacy practice

Some activities may evoke emotional responses. If you experience discomfort or distress, we encourage you to pause and seek support from a trusted healthcare provider.

10. Is my personal information kept private?

Yes. We are committed to safeguarding your privacy.

All personal and sensitive information collected during the program is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which complies with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and relevant Australian privacy laws.

We will only use your personal information for the purposes of delivering the program and ensuring your safety and well-being. Sensitive information will only be shared with your consent or when required by law.

11. Will I receive a refund if I choose to leave the program?

Participants can request a full refund if they cancel their registration at least 72 hours before the program begins.

After the program starts, refunds will only be provided in exceptional circumstances, or if we terminate your participation for reasons related to your wellbeing.

12. Can I participate in private one-on-one coaching with Elizabeth Bancroft?

Yes. Participants can request one-on-one coaching sessions with Elizabeth Bancroft, which are separate from the core program.

These private coaching sessions are designed to address specific challenges and questions you may have. However, they are not a substitute for psychological therapy.

13. What should I do if I experience distress during the program?

The program includes activities that may bring up emotional responses. If you experience distress, we recommend:

- Pausing the activity and taking a break

- Contacting a trusted healthcare provider or psychologist if needed

- Reaching out to us if you need additional support or referral information

Remember, your safety and wellbeing are our priority. If you’re unsure whether this program is suitable for you, we encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider before joining.

14. What if I experience a mental health crisis during the program?

If you experience a mental health crisis or feel at risk of harm to yourself or others, we urge you to:

Contact 000 for emergency assistance

Reach out to a crisis support service such as Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)

Hope Affirm Thrive is not equipped to provide crisis intervention or emergency psychological support.

Additional FAQ Sections to Address Group Format and Recording Concerns

Program Format and Structure

Is this a group program?

Yes, Hope Affirm Thrive is delivered as a group program. This means you'll be participating alongside other women who are also navigating fertility treatments. The group format offers several benefits:

- Shared experiences and peer support

- Reduced feelings of isolation

- Learning from others' perspectives and strategies

- Cost-effective access to professional guidance

However, we understand that group participation isn't comfortable for everyone. Please consider whether you're comfortable sharing and participating in a group environment before enrolling.

What does the group format involve?

The group components include:

- Group coaching sessions where participants can ask questions and share experiences

- Live webinars attended by multiple participants

- Group EMDR sessions conducted in a group setting (see below for more details)

- Q&A calls with multiple participants

If you prefer one-on-one support, you may want to consider individual therapy or coaching with a private practitioner instead.

Is EMDR conducted in a group setting?

Yes, EMDR techniques used in this program are delivered in a group format. This means multiple participants will be present during EMDR sessions, you will be processing alongside others (though focusing on your own experience), the facilitator will guide the group through the process together, and other participants may hear general reactions during the session.

Important considerations include that group EMDR may not be suitable if you have severe trauma or require intensive individual attention. If you are uncomfortable processing emotions in front of others, this format may not be right for you. You are not required to share specific details about your trauma, but some emotional responses may be visible to others.

If you have concerns about group EMDR or significant trauma history, we recommend discussing this with a qualified trauma therapist before enrolling.

Recording and Privacy

Are sessions recorded?

Yes, some program components are recorded.

What IS recorded includes Q&A calls and group coaching sessions for participants to review later (recording will be turned off for any top up EMDR work), and any additional educational webinars for future reference.

What is NOT recorded includes individual coaching sessions (if booked separately), private conversations during breaks, and personal information shared in confidence.

Who has access to recordings?

Current participants only can access recordings of their sessions. Recordings are stored securely on our learning platform with password protected access limited to enrolled participants. Recordings are deleted after 12 months.

What if I do not want to be recorded?

Important: By enrolling, you consent to being recorded during group sessions and Q&A calls. If you are not comfortable being recorded then this program may not be suitable for you. You cannot opt out of recordings while participating in group sessions, so please consider whether this level of exposure aligns with your privacy preferences.

Can I participate without appearing on video?

While we encourage video participation for better engagement, you may turn off your camera during large group sessions if preferred. Audio participation is still required for interactive elements, and some activities may specifically require visual participation.

Confidentiality in Group Settings

What about confidentiality with other participants?

All participants agree to maintain confidentiality about what others share. However, we cannot guarantee that other participants will maintain confidentiality. Consider this when deciding what personal information to share. We provide guidelines on appropriate sharing and boundaries.

What should I avoid sharing in group sessions?

For your privacy and comfort, avoid sharing highly personal medical details unless you are comfortable with others knowing. Consider whether you are okay with your fertility journey being known to other participants. Remember that group members may recognise each other in the community.

Making an Informed Decision

How do I know if the group format is right for me?

Consider these questions: Am I comfortable sharing personal experiences with other women in similar situations? Can I handle hearing about others' fertility challenges and outcomes? Am I okay with being recorded during group sessions? Do I have adequate individual support already in place? Am I looking for peer support and community, or do I prefer private guidance?

What if I realise the group format is not working for me?

You can discontinue participation (refund policies apply). We can provide referrals to individual practitioners. One on one coaching sessions are available as an alternative (at additional cost).

Can I speak with someone before enrolling?

Yes! We encourage a brief conversation before enrolment to ensure this program is the right fit for your needs and comfort level. This helps prevent mismatched expectations.

Contact us to discuss your specific concerns about group participation, whether the program format aligns with your needs, any questions about the recording policies, and alternative options if this program is not suitable.

Your comfort and privacy are important to us. We want you to make an informed decision about whether Hope Affirm Thrive's group format aligns with your personal preferences and needs.