Psychotherapy, coaching & consulting- chronic illness recovery

I provide a safe space to process the many emotions we experience whilst living with (or seeking) this diagnosis. Feelings such as frustration, isolation, and grief are incredibly common with EDS and are particularly difficult to live with unless we have a good, knowledgeable support network who can relate to our many challenges. 

Chronic illness recovery

People with EDS often benefit from invaluable support with manage their individual challenges, improving their quality of life, and achieving their goals. I provide help with Ehlers Danlos in some of the ways mentioned below;

Anxiety and depression often co-occur with EDS due to the physiological changes, stresses on our vagus nerve, autonomic system and overall homeostasis. Anxiety and depression are also often compounded by the concept of accepting a life with these health conditions, including the changes and adaptions we may require and the less than suitable access to understanding and knowledgeable healthcare professionals. 

I use an integrative therapeutic method, this means that I am certified in many therapy modes allowing me to design a treatment programme around your specific needs without being confined to one or two methods of therapy.  I equip individuals with coping strategies to more easily navigate daily challenges and setbacks.

Advocacy & communication skills

Anyone whose lived with or knows someone with EDS will agree that having good advocacy skills  and feeling empowered and confident in applying them is vital to improving our access to care, equal access to benefits, jobs, independence and society in general. I can provide coaching skills and equip clients with the communication skills and awareness to navigate their future with EDS with confidence and efficiency. 

Body image and self-esteem 

Its quite likely that you've had to make changes in your personal or professional life due to EDS.  Enforced changes such as this often create concerns and insecurities around body image and low self-esteem. You may feel that your body is working against you or you may feel detached from your body making it difficult to connect with yourself and others. 

Relationship difficulties

EDS can impact our relationship with ourselves and others. If you're having difficulty with your relationship(s) then this can be worked through in therapy where we can consider the difficulties you're having, develop a deeper understanding of your role and learn techniques and more suitable methods of managing them to enhance your relationship(s) with yourself and others

Life coaching: can help individuals set and plan how to achieve their goals, understand and apply techniques to better manage energy and pain, and adapt to their changing abilities.

Pain management coaching and psychoeducation

There are many techniques which can empower us to better manage our pain, allowing us to be more in control of our pain without having to rely solely on medication.

Relationship coaching: Addresses challenges in relationships due to illness and its impact on intimacy and communication.

Career coaching: Assisting individuals in navigating career challenges and/or exploring alternatives if necessary.

Finally, I very much recognise that EDS presents itself differently in each individual. All client plans are individually designed accordingly.