Psychology

doctor talking to a patient

Part Four: The Rise of Clinician-Associated Trauma in the Doctor-Patient Relationship

Content warning: This article discusses difficult encounters and experiences with medical clinicians that some readers may find upsetting or triggering. Please take care of yourself as you see fit.   I did not receive an hEDS [hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome] diagnosis until I was 29 years old, and until 2023, I did not feel one ounce […]

Know your love language?

Know Your Love Language? Learn to Speak it Well Despite Chronic Illness

Did you know each of us shows affection and love in different ways? No matter who you might be cuddled up to this Valentine’s Day, it’s important to understand that a successful intimate relationship is a constantly evolving process of tuning in, adapting, and forging deeper connections, compassion, and caring for one another. Becoming aware […]

Plastic surgeon prepares a patient

Part Three: Medical Gaslighting as a Source of Clinician-Associated Trauma

Content warning: This article discusses medical gaslighting and real-life examples of clinician-associated trauma. Please take care of yourself as you see fit.  As previously reported, clinician-associated trauma (CAT) is a new term used to describe the trauma created by repeated, negative clinical interactions. It was coined as a result of the study reported in “Clinician-associated […]

Illustration of two heads that flow into one another, a red and a blue one.

Part One: EDS & Psychological Medical Trauma: An Introduction

[Content warning: trauma, PTSD, mental healthcare, negative clinician behavior, difficult medical encounters] Have you ever read something that left you speechless? I have so many thoughts and feelings about this article – ones that I can’t express with any sort of coherence at the time. What I can say: clinicians READ THIS (finger pointing down […]

EDS: In Your Head?

Brittany (and her support group) has entered a short film contest to raise awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Mental Health.  They are now FINALISTS! To support the effort, please share, watch and re-watch this video through July 7! If  they win, they will receive a $2,000 grant to make a longer film on EDS and […]

Free Webinar — “All in Your Head”: The Problem of Psychogenic Diagnosis for Ehlers-Danlos Patients – Recording Available

Watch the recording of this free webinar. Sponsored by www.bodysupportstore.com    TOPIC: “All in Your Head”: The Problem of Psychogenic Diagnosis for Ehlers-Danlos Patients PRESENTER: Diane O’Leary, PhD   Dr. O’Leary is currently an Associate Adjunct Professor in philosophy at University of Maryland University College Click IMAGE for the recording of this presentation. Click here for the […]

Free Webinar: “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a Coping Skill for EDS”

Watch the recording of this free webinar. Sponsored by www.bodysupportstore.com  TOPIC: “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a Coping Skill for EDS” PRESENTER: Sara Williams, Ph.D. — Pediatric Pain Psychologist and Clinical Director of the FIRST Program for Pain Rehabilitation Cincinnati Children’s Hospital       Click IMAGE for the recording of this presentation. Click here for the link to the […]