Ingela Thuné-Boyle, PhD
International Health Coach 
Online Practice

One issue that is rarely discussed in depth within the literature on hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is the question of diagnostic drift. Diagnostic drift refers to the gradual expansion or loosening of diagnostic boundaries in clinical practice, whereby a condition begins to include a broader and more heterogeneous group of patients than those originally defined by formal diagnostic criteria. In the context of hEDS, this is not a minor technical issue. It has impor

While neuroplastic processes may influence symptom expression, severity, and persistence in individuals with hEDS (as they may in any chronic condition), this does not change the underlying classification of hEDS itself. This is not simply a matter of academic disagreement or terminology. It reflects a fundamental distinction between a diagnosed connective tissue disorder and explanatory models of symptom persistence. Ideas about classification matter because they shape clini

I recently found myself reflecting on a chapter in Dr. Howard Schubiner's book Unlearn Your Pain, in which he places hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) within a neuroplastic category of conditions. This raised some important questions for me, both as a psychologist who works with chronic illness and chronic pain, and as someone with lived experience of hEDS. Before going any further, I want to acknowledge that I have great respect for Dr. Schubiner's contributions to t

I have recently been reading Dr. Howard Schubiner's new book, "Unlearn You Pain," and found myself reflecting on his discussion of the biopsychosocial model. As I understand his argument, he is concerned that the model may inadvertently encourage some people with neuroplastic pain to continue searching for a structural explanation for their symptoms. This raises an interesting question: is neuroplastic pain theory fundamentally different from the biopsychosocial model, or is

In today’s healthcare climate, whether in the NHS in the UK or within the insurance-driven systems of the USA, there is immense pressure to deliver therapy quickly. Short-term therapy models, often structured around a limited number of sessions, are increasingly the norm. They are designed for efficiency and measurable outcomes, appealing to bureaucracies and insurers alike. Yet this approach, while cost-effective on paper, frequently fails to reflect the nuanced, non-linear

In clinical practice, it is not uncommon to encounter clients living with persistent physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, or neurological sensations that are difficult to fully explain. These presentations are sometimes described within the framework of Mind–Body Syndrome (MBS), a term used to capture the dynamic interaction between psychological stress, emotional processes, and nervous system functioning in the generation or amplification of ph

When someone develops a chronic illness, the challenge extends far beyond physical symptoms. It reaches into every layer of identity, daily functioning, and sense of safety in the world. This is true whether the condition is clearly diagnosable, has uncertain or unexplained causes, or is largely invisible to others.

Relational trauma, which refers to harm occurring within human relationships, significantly impacts how people view safety, trust, and connection. Experiences like neglect, emotional abuse, betrayal, or chronic misattunement (where someone consistently fails to accurately perceive, understand, and respond to another person's emotional state) do not just harm an individual in isolation; they influence the nervous system and the internal expectations one brings into future rela

Living with a chronic illness means navigating challenges that reach far beyond physical symptoms. Fatigue, pain, unpredictability, and the ongoing need to adapt your lifestyle can create a heavy emotional and psychological burden. Over time, many people begin to feel isolated, anxious, or overwhelmed, not only by their symptoms, but by the constant impact their condition has on their routines, relationships, and quality of life.

Health psychology is a vital and evolving field that explores how psychological, behavioural, and social factors influence physical health and illness. While traditionally associated with chronic illness, pain management, and health behavior change, health psychology also plays a critical role in addressing trauma and grief. These profoundly human experiences, which are often undetectable by medical tests, significantly impact both mental health and physical well-being.

Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) consists of at least four broad domains that can affect or be affected by one's condition and/or treatment: physical, psychological (including the behavioural), social and spiritual functioning.

I read an interesting blog article recently. It was written by a woman who felt completely overwhelmed by her illness, especially the chronic pain she was experiencing. Her doctor suggested that she may benefit from a referral to a Pain Rehabilitation Program that included physio therapy, occupational therapy and psychological support, but after years of not having her illness properly validated, her symptoms minimized and often being told, "It's all in your head,"