Hello Zebras!

This page is for you! Why the Zebra?

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are genetic connective tissue disorders that impact nearly every bodily system, frequently in interconnected yet unexpected ways.

Receiving a diagnosis of hypermobile EDS (hEDS)—a complicated, complex multi-systemic condition—inspired my focus on this under-diagnosed and ineffectively treated population.

After decades of experiencing medical mysteries and searching for answers, a meaningful outcome of my diagnosis is that I am now able to support individuals living with EDS/HSD and co-occurring conditions, to advocate, and to spread awareness.

Lived experience enables me to connect with others while providing guidance on the journey of diagnosis, education, and treatment — sharing this and my psychotherapeutic skills are where purpose and passion come together.

Read below to learn how psychotherapy and educational consultation can help. Check out the resources listed on this page, and visit @HypermobilityPsychotherapist, an Instagram account dedicated to education and resources.

Hypermobility & Mental Health

While EDS/HSD symptoms stem from physical sources, they may have a psychological impact. Psychotherapeutic treatment can be part of a multi-pronged approach that takes into account both physiological and psychological aspects of EDS/HSD.

Along with receiving compassionate support while navigating the unique and overwhelming challenges, an understanding of the interaction between physical and emotional processes can be gained through psychoeducation. Additionally, distressing and traumatic experiences encountered along the diagnostic and treatment journey can be processed in psychotherapy.

Navigating the siloed healthcare system proves especially challenging for patients needing multi-systemic management. Feedback commonly reported by patients in my practice is that providers across specialties are unfamiliar with EDS and that having a psychotherapist who understands it is consequential, relieving their burden of educating the provider. Consulting and collaborating with other care team members is often part of the treatment process.

With a treatment focus of trauma, anxiety, pain, and complex health challenges, I specialize in integrative somatic and Polyvagal-informed modalities, which work with the self-healing aspects of our biology, restoring balance to the nervous system, and influencing neural patterning so that deep and lasting change can occur. I offer healing trauma intensives, which are customized therapy programs, to adults and teens in Louisiana.

For individuals seeking to gain knowledge and support surrounding hypermobility and EDS, educational consulting is available, which may be a part of psychotherapeutic treatment or a standalone service. I am also excited to offer a virtual retreat in celebration of May EDS/HSD and Mental Health Awareness Month, which is offered online and accessible to Zebras everywhere!

🌟 Honored to be the first—and currently only—EDS ECHO trained provider in Louisiana, my goal is to grow a network of knowledgeable providers, ensuring that individuals with EDS and HSD have access to quality care. It was an incredible privilege to learn from leading global experts through the Ehlers-Danlos Society's EDS ECHO Clinicians, Allied Health Professionals, and Master Class programs.

My understanding of EDS and co-occurring conditions continues to deepen. With a mission of spreading awareness and expanding a network of EDS-informed providers, I offer educational courses and clinical consultation to mental health and healthcare providers. To learn more about my background and the way that I work, read my full bio here.