Group Therapy for Women with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in New York Helps You Chase Your Dreams
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What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders?
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of genetic connective tissue disorders with wide ranging symptoms that are multisystemic and often present differently from person to person. EDS can create issues with joint instability, tissue fragilitiy, GI issues, dysautonomia, fatigue, neurological issues, pain, MCAS and more. Hypermobile Spectrum Disorders, along this same spectrum, consist of multi systemic symptoms and joint hypermobility.
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is the most common form of EDS and impacts approximately 1 in 3100-5000 people. However, it is thought that EDS may be under diagnosed and not as rare as previously believed. There is no cure for EDS or HSD but a multidisciplinary team approach is critical and invaluable in improving the lives of people with EDS.
Mental health is just one important component of this treatment plan. Group therapy for women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can help you continue reaching your goals, gain coping skills and therapeutic tools, learn about your nervous system and gain various therapeutic techniques rooted in trauma informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
How can group therapy for women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in New York help me?
Keep reaching your goals.
Chronic illness can make you feel as though your life plan and goals have been completely disrupted. The process of understanding the issue, receiving a diagnosis, and finding the right treatment can often take much longer than expected. You do not have to give up on your dreams and goals while navigating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and HSD. Objectives and aspirations can shift when dealing with chronic illness, leading to significant emotional challenges. Having a therapist and a supportive community can be invaluable in coping with these major life adjustments.
The women we work with are high achievers, intelligent and so strong. Living with a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome does not mean you can’t reach your goals. Gaining tools to cope with your mental health while living with chronic illness is not weak-it is a strong step forward in your path to healing.
Learn helpful coping skills and tools to manage your mental health with EDS/HSD.
Women’s CBT believes in taking a diverse and iIntegrative approach to mental health.
What does this entail? Through group therapy, you can acquire a variety of techniques and resources to enhance your mental health management skills. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, so why limit yourself to just one method or tool?
Psychoeducation of the Nervous system
Chronic illnesses like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome can create medical trauma. It is important for our clients to understand the significance of the mind-body connection. Exploring the mind-body connection is crucial for comprehending and interpreting our emotional and physical responses. In group therapy sessions, you will delve into the functions of your sympathetic nervous system (which governs fight, flight, freeze responses) and your parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest and digest processes). Discover techniques to activate your vagus nerve for achieving a state of mental and physical calm. The key takeaway is realizing that your body's reactions are valid, and understanding the communication between your brain and body can reinforce a sense of safety.
Trauma informed CBT
Traditional CBT focuses on substituting irrational thoughts with rational ones, which may seem belittling and unhelpful for clients dealing with chronic pain or complex chronic illnesses. It fails to address past traumatic experiences that could reoccur and overlooks the daily challenges faced by those with complex chronic illnesses.
During group therapy sessions, you will be introduced to a trauma-informed approach to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is derived from Cognitive Processing Therapy. This method helps you identify stuck points or unproductive thoughts that may be hindering your progress. By reframing these thoughts in a realistic and validating manner, you can acknowledge and affirm your emotional journey. Recognizing thought patterns, such as catastrophizing due to past medical trauma, is a common occurrence. While this response is understandable given your experiences, it may not be beneficial for your well-being. Reframing these patterns creates new neural pathways, offering a fresh perspective and promote more helpful thought patterns.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
The idea of accepting chronic illness can feel completely overwhelming. Sometimes, people feel accepting chronic illness like Ehlers Danlos Syndrome means you have given up or are “okay” with illness. This is not what acceptance means. Radical acceptance involves recognizing the reality of your circumstances. Through acceptance, you can commit to making changes where you can. While you may not alter your diagnosis, you can focus on implementing changes that support your disability and enhance your quality of life.
Somatic and Mindfulness Skills
Many individuals have different levels of interest in mindfulness and meditation. In a group therapy setting, you will explore various techniques for incorporating mindfulness skills tailored to your needs. Some may find guided meditations appealing, while others may prefer grounding exercises to enhance their connection to the body and the present moment. Breathing exercises, such as box breathing, deep diaphragmatic breathing, or yogic breathing, help transition the body into a relaxed state. Techniques like tapping exercises or using audio playlists for bilateral stimulation can aid in regulating the nervous system and activating the vagus nerve. Remember, mindfulness is not a one-size-fits-all approach! Discover what resonates with you and what motivates you to practice regularly.
Distress Tolerance Skills
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is another helpful tool to add to your chronic illness toolbox. Distress tolerance skills can help you navigate pain flares and overwhelming emotions that coincide with chronic illness. Distress tolerance skills vary, and can include healthy distracting activities, mindfulness exercises and somatic exercises.
Dialectical thinking is an essential skill intertwined with our trauma-informed reframing. It enables us to recognize that two conflicting thoughts can coexist. For example, our emotional and rational minds may offer contrasting perspectives, both of which are valid. This approach validates the emotions tied to chronic illness while also considering the evidence our logical mind presents.
Find a community of women with EDS/HSD who understand.
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 women with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder allow you to connect with women 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 women 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 women in this therapy group for women with chronic illness in New York.
Join an online therapy group for women 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.
Get to know me here.
Fill out our convenient online mental health services contact form.
Find support to walk with you every step of the way.
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.