About us:

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The Endometriosis Foundation of Houston (EFHou) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness about endometriosis and providing support to individuals affected by this condition in the Greater Houston Area. Our mission is to connect patients, communities, and healthcare providers to advocate for improved care and recognition of endometriosis. We work alongside local experts and national organizations to ensure access to accurate, reliable information about this complex disease.

 

What is endometriosis?

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Endometriosis is a chronic condition where abnormal cells, called endometriotic lesions, are found in the body, leading to pain, inflammation, and organ dysfunction. It affects approximately 200 million individuals globally. While debilitating pelvic and abdominal pain—either with or without menstruation—is the most well-known symptom, other common symptoms include:

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• Constipation or diarrhea

• Pain with bowel movements or urination

• Abdominal bloating ("endo belly")

• Severe fatigue

• Pain during physical activity

• Pain during intercourse

• Back, hip, or leg pain

• Nausea

• Headaches or migraines

• Infertility

 

What is the EFHou Healing Hou Scholarship Program?

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The EFHou Healing Hou Scholarship Program is an initiative created to support individuals with endometriosis by providing scholarships to improve access to care. The scholarship was first launched in 2022, focusing on pelvic floor physical therapy. This year, we are excited to expand the program to include mental health services as well! The goal is to help patients defray the cost of care while recognizing the complexity of endometriosis and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.

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In collaboration with Bianca Asteris, MSW, LCSW of Silver Linings Counseling Services and Empower Yourself PT, we are offering:

 

• One (1) mental health scholarship

• Two (2) pelvic floor physical therapy scholarships​

 

Each scholarship provides up to twelve (12) therapy sessions per recipient, to be completed by September 1, 2025. Applications are open to residents of the Greater Houston Area who are 18 years or older, regardless of where they are in their endometriosis journey.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Payments will be made directly to the provider. Superbills, EOBs, and itemized receipts will not be provided to the patient for services rendered. Each recipient will have a care plan tailored to them and their needs. Some patients may be awarded more sessions than others. 

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Check out our press release.

 

Who should apply?

 

You should apply if you:

 

• Struggle with endometriosis

• Have difficulty affording medical care, whether you have insurance or not

• Are 18 years of age or older

• Reside in the Greater Houston Area

 

We strive to be diverse and inclusive regarding ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. 

 

PLEASE NOTE: meeting scholarship requirements does not assure receiving a scholarship. We are unable to fund all of those who apply at this time.

 

Can applicants apply for both scholarships?

 

Yes! Applicants are encouraged to apply for both the mental health and the pelvic floor physical therapy scholarships. However, an applicant will only be awarded one (1) scholarship. 

 

When are applications due?

 

Applications and supporting documents must be emailed to healinghou@gmail.com by December 31, 2024.

 

How can pelvic floor physical therapy help?

 

Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a valuable treatment approach for individuals with endometriosis, addressing the systemic nature of the disease and its impact on the body. The body instinctively responds to pain by tensing the muscles around the affected area. Over time, this leads to distress and dysfunction, causing muscles to become tight, shortened, and painful. This tension can create additional pain on top of existing endometriosis symptoms. Pelvic floor physical therapists employ various techniques to relieve muscle tension, retrain and strengthen muscles properly, mobilize organs and scar tissue, release restrictions, improve alignment, enhance blood flow, and help soothe an overstimulated central nervous system. PFPT may help improve symptoms, but it does not remove the disease. 

 

How can mental health therapy help?

 

Living with endometriosis is hard. We often go years feeling unheard, being dismissed, feeling hopeless, and struggling through the grief of this disease. Mental health therapy can play a crucial role in managing the emotional and psychological aspects of living with endometriosis by providing coping strategies for chronic pain and emotional challenges, fostering a safe space for expressing feelings and frustrations, and promoting education on the psychological effects of chronic illness. By addressing the mental and emotional components of living with endometriosis, therapy can improve quality of life and support individuals in their journey toward healing and self-advocacy. 

 

The Clinicians:

 

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist: 

Tessa Matus, PT, DPT, Empower Yourself PT

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Dr. Tessa Matus is a skilled and compassionate pelvic floor physical therapist. She has completed advanced coursework in pelvic health, continued her pelvic health training under the mentorship of Dr. Karen Kowenski, and has experience treating patients with endometriosis. Tessa has a special interest in providing trauma-informed care and treating individuals who experience chronic pain, constipation, or pain with sexual activity. Tessa understands how difficult it can be for people to seek care for such sensitive conditions. She knows that your symptoms are NOT normal and does not want you to suffer in silence. Her mission is to create a welcoming, comfortable, and judgment-free environment where her patients feel heard and empowered.

Availability: Tuesday through Friday, primarily from 9-3. Some early mornings available

Location: 4909 Bissonnet St Suite 115, Bellaire, TX 77401

www.empoweryourselfpt.com

 

Mental Health Therapist: 

Bianca Asteris, MSW, LCSW, Silver Linings Counseling Services 

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Bianca Asteris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in therapeutic settings. She is trained in CBT, CPT, MI, and EMDR and uses other modalities eclectically as appropriate. Bianca holds a Bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a Master’s from the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work. As the owner of Silver Linings Counseling Services, she specializes in helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and chronic health issues. Living with endometriosis and adenomyosis herself, Bianca understands the complexities of chronic illness and the struggles related to seeking care, getting care, and dealing with the unknown. She is here to support all of those feelings that come with this struggle and move through them with you.

Availability: Monday and Thursday evenings, Saturday mornings, Monday - Thursday 10 am - 1 pm

Location: Virtual

https://www.silverliningsservices.com