Teen Girls Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in New York: 3 Ways Therapy Groups and Support Groups Can Help
What is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and how does it impact my mental health?
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Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) encompass a collection of genetic connective tissue disorders that exhibit a wide variety of multisystemic symptoms, often presenting differently in each individual. EDS can lead to challenges such as joint instability, tissue fragility, gastrointestinal issues, dysautonomia, fatigue, neurological complications, pain, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and more. Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders, which are part of the same spectrum, also involve multisystemic symptoms and joint hypermobility.
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is the most prevalent type of EDS, affecting approximately 1 in 3,100 to 5,000 individuals. However, it is believed that EDS may be underdiagnosed, indicating it might not be as rare as once thought. While there is currently no cure for EDS or hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), a multidisciplinary approach is essential and greatly beneficial in enhancing the lives of those affected by EDS.
Mental health plays a crucial role in this comprehensive treatment plan. Group therapy for women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can assist in achieving personal goals, developing coping strategies, and acquiring therapeutic tools. Participants can also learn about their nervous system and explore various therapeutic techniques grounded in trauma-informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
How can group therapy and support for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome help teen girls living in New York?
Achieve your goals with support
Chronic illness can feel like a major disruption to your life plan and aspirations. The journey to understanding the condition, receiving an accurate diagnosis, and finding effective treatment often takes longer than anticipated. However, you don't need to abandon your dreams and goals while managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and HSD. It's natural for goals to evolve when facing chronic illness, which can present significant emotional challenges. Seeking support from a therapist and a caring community can be incredibly beneficial as you navigate these life changes.
The teen girls we support are accomplished, intelligent, and incredibly resilient. They are trying to play sports, get good grades, participate in clubs, volunteer and have a well rounded high school experience. Having a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome doesn't mean you can't achieve your goals. Equipping yourself with tools to manage your mental health while living with a chronic condition is not a sign of weakness; it is a powerful step forward on your healing journey.
Learn helpful coping skills and tools to manage your mental health as a teen girl with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Women’s CBT believes in taking an integrative approach to mental health and complex chronic illness. Participating in group therapy offers an array of techniques and resources that can improve your mental health-you are unique. Why should therapy be a one size fits all approach?
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Psychoeducation of the Nervous System and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Chronic illnesses such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome can lead to medical trauma. It's essential for our clients to grasp the importance of the mind-body connection. Delving into this connection is vital for understanding and interpreting both our emotional and physical reactions. During group therapy sessions, you will explore the roles of the sympathetic nervous system (which controls fight, flight, or freeze responses) and the parasympathetic nervous system (which manages rest and digest functions). You will also learn techniques to stimulate your vagus nerve, promoting a state of mental and physical tranquility. The key takeaway is recognizing that your body's reactions are valid, and understanding the dialogue between your brain and body can enhance your sense of safety.
Trauma informed CBT and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) often emphasizes replacing irrational thoughts with rational ones, which can feel dismissive and unhelpful for clients experiencing chronic pain or complex chronic illnesses. It tends to overlook past traumatic experiences that may resurface and fails to address the daily struggles faced by those living with complex chronic conditions.
In group therapy sessions, you will explore a trauma-informed approach to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, based on Cognitive Processing Therapy. This approach assists you in identifying unproductive thoughts or "stuck points" that may impede your progress. By reframing these thoughts in a realistic and validating way, you can recognize and honor your emotional journey. It's common to encounter thought patterns, such as catastrophizing stemming from previous medical trauma. While this reaction is understandable given your history, it may not serve your overall well-being. By reframing these patterns, you can create new neural pathways, offering a fresh perspective and encouraging healthier thought patterns.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Teen Girls with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Coming to terms with chronic illness can often seem daunting. Many individuals worry that accepting conditions like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome signifies surrender or that they are "fine" with being unwell. However, this is not the true essence of acceptance. Radical acceptance entails acknowledging your situation as it is. By embracing acceptance, you can dedicate yourself to making meaningful changes within your control. Although you may not be able to change your diagnosis, you can concentrate on adjustments that accommodate your disability and improve your overall quality of life.
Somatic and Mindfulness Skills for Teens with Hypermobility and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Mindfulness and meditation offer a variety of techniques, much like different flavors of ice cream. In group therapy, participants will explore several methods to enhance their mindfulness practice. Some may prefer guided meditations, while others might find grounding exercises helpful for connecting with their bodies and the present moment. Breathing techniques, such as box breathing or deep diaphragmatic breathing, can promote relaxation. Additionally, tapping exercises and listening to audio playlists for bilateral stimulation can help regulate the nervous system. It's important to remember that mindfulness is a personal journey; find what works best for you and encourages ongoing engagement.
Distress Tolerance Skills for Teen Girls with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a valuable addition to your toolkit for managing chronic illness. The distress tolerance skills it offers can assist you in coping with pain flare-ups and the intense emotions that often accompany chronic conditions. These skills can vary and may include engaging in healthy distraction activities, practicing mindfulness exercises, and exploring somatic techniques.
An essential component of this approach is dialectical thinking, which is closely linked to our trauma-informed reframing. This skill allows us to acknowledge that two opposing thoughts can exist simultaneously. For instance, our emotional and rational minds might present conflicting viewpoints, both of which hold validity. This method not only honors the emotions associated with chronic illness but also takes into account the evidence provided by our logical reasoning.
Find a community of teen girls with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome who understand you in this support group
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Dealing with a chronic illness doesn't just affect your physical well-being but also has a significant impact on your mental health. Despite the love and support from family and friends, it can be challenging to feel truly understood. Therapy groups for teenage girls with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder allow you to connect with other teen girls who understand first hand the toll of living with chronic illness every day.
Within the therapy group, you will acquire coping strategies and resources to handle your mental well-being. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to share your journey with others openly. You can seek guidance, offer support to fellow high school aged and teen girls facing similar health challenges, and depart each week feeling more connected and encouraged. Chronic illnesses like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome are isolating. Make a change by surrounding yourself with like minded, strong, high achieving young women in this therapy group for teens with chronic illness in New York.
Join an online therapy group for teenage girls with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobile spectrum disorders in New York
Having the right support in place can make all the difference when navigating medical trauma with chronic illness and chronic pain. At Greater Washington DC and New York City CBT Counseling for Women, I specialize in helping women through medical trauma, birth trauma, and complex trauma. Together we can work through this and help you start thriving again. By working with a medical trauma therapist in Washington, DC, you can begin your journey to healing. Follow the steps below to get started on your journey to healing.
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Other Mental Health Services Offered in New York by Women’s CBT
You deserve to feel understood, supported, and heard. You shouldn't have to face the unimaginable and then go through it alone. No matter what the unimaginable is, I am here to help. These services include therapy for anxiety and depression in both Individual and Women’s Support Groups. I also specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CPT for Medical Trauma, Perinatal Therapy, PTSD Treatment, and Therapy for Chronic Illness. For more helpful information check out my blogs and videos! All services are offered online in Washington DC, Virginia, and New York.