Serving clients across PA, NJ, VT, SC and FL, based in Philadelphia
When you’re more than tired…
Therapy for people with Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy
A place to explore the challenges of Hypersomnia and Narcolepsy, where your sleepiness will be taken seriously, and you won’t be dismissed as “lazy” or “unmotivated.”
Does this sound familiar?
Even with a diagnosis, you still feel like you have to apologize for being tired. Often people in your life don’t take it seriously, People assume you’re “lazy” “unmotivated” or “antisocial” even though the sleepiness overpowers you - it’s not a choice.
It’s not that you don’t want to participate, it’s just too hard to fight the exhaustion. It’s like moving through quicksand.
At work, you’re driven but the morning sleep inertia (or sleep drunkenness) makes it next to impossible to be on top of things at certain times in the day and can make you late. The fatigue and sleepiness can make it hard to concentrate.
You’re dedicated and motivated, but the sleepiness is misunderstood and can even impact performance reviews. You might worry if this condition will hold you back from achieving your dreams.
Friends, family, even coworkers make well-meaning, but unhelpful suggestions. Perhaps they think that they can relate to your sleepiness because they stayed up late on a project or pride themselves on getting a lot done and not sleeping much. They say “I’m so tired too, I stayed up late.”
But here’s the thing, they haven’t been falling asleep at at inconvenient times and places, like out in public, in the car or on transit, or while watching a movie — even when they really don’t want to fall asleep.
Although for many years, you thought it was just what everyone dealt with, you now realize, you’re more than just “tired”
Yet you’re worried you’ve somehow made it all up in your mind.
If you’re like most people, it was a journey to get a correct diagnosis spanning many years. All the while, losing trust in the medical system and feeling awkward having to educate everyone around you, even medical professionals.
It can be isolating, frustrating and can bring up feelings of shame and guilt. Over time, you start to feel like you’re a burden, (even though you’d never say that about a friend if she was in your situation.)
Perhaps the medication you’re prescribed keeps you up so much that it somehow feels like you have insomnia- despite still battling excessive sleepiness and fatigue.
You have so much to do, and you’ve got big dreams but you’re worried you’re missing important moments and terrified of sleeping your life away.
Therapy for Narcolepsy and Hypersomnia
Support in accepting and working with the energy ebbs and flows while maximizing your awake time to focus on what matters most to you.
It’s not about doing everything but doing the right things.
Therapy for Narcolepsy and Hypersomnia can help you…
Work with your body rather than fighting it
Build a meaningful values-driven life
Increase self-understanding
Build a network of support
Boost your self-advocacy tool kit
Imagine…
You’ve got strategies and tools that build a meaningful life. You’re still sleepy, but you’ve identified what matters most to you, and you’re moving toward your values, with support along the way.
You have more confidence than ever, and you’ve found people you can relate to who know you care who never assume you’re “unmotivated” or “lazy.” They are understanding and supportive when you need breaks.
You’ve learned your natural energy ebbs and flows to get the most of your awake time.
Think about it like swimming. You can doggy paddle from one end to the other but it takes more effort and energy than learning to swim with a clean streamlined stroke.
When you work with the flow, rather than against it, you can get where you want to go faster.
You may not have more energy but you’re maximizing the energy you’ve got to get the most out of life and feeling more at peace with the hand life has dealt you.
Frequently asked questions about Therapy for Narcolepsy and Hypersomnia
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No. This treatment focuses on lifestyle factors.
Many clients do take medication while doing this therapy, but it is not required.
If you’re interested in medication for this sleep disorder, I can help you get connected with a prescriber who is familiar with your specific condition and can help. -
The first step is a free consultation which is 15-30 minutes, no commitment.
If you decide to move forward, sessions are typically 50 minutes once a week online.
In the first appointment we’ll review your medical history. You have the option to send me any records you have or I can request them from your sleep doctor. This is not required but can help the process.
After that we’ll develop a custom treatment plan for you using CBT-H (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Hypersomnia) which is designed to support both IH and Narcolepsy. -
You’ve got options.
If you want to stay focused on IH/Narcolepsy support, we can do that. Typically that involves 8-10 sessions exclusively focused on improving quality of life as it relates to sleep and daytime sleepiness. Afterwards, you’ll leave sustainable tools you can use long-term and the option to check back in when additional support is needed.
If you want to continue working together, that is an option too. As a licensed mental health therapist, we can continue our work together long-term and you can wrap up whenever you’ve reached a point you’re happy with. -
That’s completely okay. You won’t be judged or made to feel embarrassed. I understand that excessive sleepiness is part of your condition, not a sign of disinterest or disrespect. If you accidentally doze off, we’ll pause and pick up when you're ready.
Therapy is a place where you can show up exactly as you are, even on your most exhausted days.
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I understand it can be intimidating and scary having to educate your doctors and medical professionals on your condition. You might wonder “Shouldn’t they know more about it than me?”
With your permission, I’ll coordinate closely with your treatment team to make sure we’re on the same page to best support you and take some of the pressure off your involuntary job as advocate.
I stay up-to-date on the latest treatments and research on the topic and stay connected with colleagues who are knowledgeable about IH and Narcolepsy so if you need help connecting with specialists, I can help facilitate that too.