Research on The Radar w/Dr. Waddington, PhD

​Research on the Radar brings academic scholars from select universities into conversation with community, creating accessible spaces to share research, interventions, and emerging insights beyond traditional scholarly settings.

​Ashley F. Waddington is a graduate from the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD program at the University of South Carolina. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in South Carolina and currently owns a private practice. The clientele she specializes in includes trauma, high-functioning anxiety and perfectionism among adults. Ashley also provides supervision services and is an Adjunct Instructor at the University of South Carolina and Bellevue University. Her research interests include anti-racist pedagogies, assessment and diagnosis skill development in new counselors, and fertility concerns among couples.

In this conversation, Dr. Waddington, PhD, will discuss the psychological and relational impact of infertility and IVF treatment, with particular attention to the often-overlooked experiences of male partners throughout the fertility journey. Drawing from qualitative research and lived-experience narratives, the conversation will explore themes of grief, resilience, emotional stress, identity, relational dynamics, and the need for more inclusive mental health support within fertility care. Dr. Waddington will also examine current gaps in reproductive and psychological research, discuss implications for clinical practice and community support, and highlight opportunities for more proactive, compassionate, and integrative approaches to supporting individuals and couples navigating infertility.