Carolyn Desch, C.S.W., a psychotherapist, has served as Director of Psychological Services for the Dysautonomia Foundation since 1995. Carolyn is available to speak with FD patients, family members and professionals about various psychological issues associated with Dysautonomia. In addition, she runs separate support groups for FD adults and adolescents; she has previously facilitated groups for parents.

Carolyn has a private practice on the upper west side of NYC. She has lectured extensively on eating disorders, and has taught at the NYU Graduate School of Social Work.

In her role as Director of Psychological Services for the Dysautonomia Foundation, Carolyn addresses a variety of issues that arise with FD patients and family members. The following matters are typical of those that are explored both in groups and in telephone consultations:

• socialization and peer relationships

• developmental delays and regressive behaviors (for example, toilet training)

• discussing FD with teachers, medical professionals and friends of all ages

• use of feeding tube: private versus public 

• discussing upcoming surgeries with FD patient 

• concerns about going into crisis before major events 

• academic problems related/unrelated to FD 

• determining appropriate school settings 

• how to discuss death of relatives and friends 

• marital stress

• sibling issues: how do FD patient. and unaffected sibling relate, and how do parents treat each child 

• Independence regarding self-care (for example, taking eyedrops) 

• nature and extent of involvement of parents/caretakers in lives of FD adolescents and adults

• finding independent living situations for FD adults

• finding and coping with academic and employment situations for adults

• extent to which FD is part of FD patient's identity

• coping with anxiety and depressive episodes related to FD and other issues.

Carolyn is eager to connect with members of the FD community.

Effective 8/1/03, Carolyn will be relocating her office. Her new address is:

98 Riverside Drive, Suite 5-H (entrance on 82nd Street)
New York, New York 10024

Her telephone number is: (212) 873-3777