Hello Zebras!

This page is for you! Why the Zebra?

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are genetic connective tissue disorders that impact nearly every bodily system, frequently in interconnected yet unexpected ways. Individuals living with these complicated, complex multi-systemic conditions are an under-diagnosed and ineffectively treated population.

Lived experience drives my passion for awareness, advocacy, and support of fellow Zebras. My journey with hypermobile EDS (hEDS) ignited a deep dive into research and enthusiasm for educating and collaborating.

My specialty centers on bridging the gap between mental and physical health in the context of treating and navigating these conditions. Continue reading to learn more and follow @HypermobilityPsychotherapist, an account dedicated to education and resources.

Hypermobility & Mental Health

While EDS/HSD symptoms stem from physical sources, they can have a psychological impact. Psychotherapeutic treatment can be part of a multi-pronged approach that takes into account both the physiological and psychological aspects. Along with receiving compassionate support while navigating unique and overwhelming challenges, an understanding of the interaction between physical and emotional processes can be gained through psychoeducation. Distressing and traumatic experiences encountered along one's journey can be processed in psychotherapy.

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

For individuals seeking to learn about EDS/HSD, 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 online and accessible to Zebras everywhere!

🌟 Honored to be the first and only EDS ECHO trained provider in Louisiana, I’m working to grow a network of knowledgeable providers to increase access to quality care. It was an incredible privilege to learn from leading experts through the Ehlers-Danlos Society's EDS ECHO Clinicians, Allied Health Professionals, and Master Class programs–where the rest of the Crescent City Psychotherapy and Wellness team is currently enrolled.

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