Healing Hou, Funding Care

 

 

​What is the EFHou Healing Hou Scholarship Program?

 

The EFHou Healing Hou Scholarship Program was created to support individuals living with endometriosis by improving access to quality care through treatment scholarships. First launched in 2022 with a focus on pelvic floor physical therapy, we are excited to expand the program to also include mental health services. Our goal is to help defray the cost of care while recognizing the complexity of endometriosis and the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment approach.

 

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

 

• One (1) mental health therapy scholarship

• Two (2) pelvic floor physical therapy scholarships

Each scholarship provides up to twelve (12) sessions per recipient.

 

All appointments must be completed by December 31, 2025. 

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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

 

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 no later than June 15, 2025.

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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.  In response to chronic pain, the body often tenses muscles around the affected areas, leading to tightness, dysfunction, and additional pain over time. Pelvic floor PTs use specialized techniques to relieve muscle tension, retrain and strengthen muscles, mobilize organs and scar tissue, release restrictions, improve alignment, increase blood flow, and calm an overstimulated nervous system. While pelvic floor physical therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, it does not remove or treat the disease itself.

 

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

 

Bianca Asteris, MSW, LCSW, Silver Linings Counseling Services 

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. 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 - Thursday 10 am - 1 pm. Monday & Thursday evenings.

Location: Virtual

https://www.silverliningsservices.com

 

Karen Kowenski, PT, DPT, WCS, Empower Yourself PT Bellaire

Dr. Karen is the founder of Empower Yourself PT. She is an experienced pelvic floor physical therapist with over 10 years of expertise treating pelvic pain and dysfunction and is dry needling certified. She treats a wide range of conditions, including pelvic pain, painful intercourse, abdominal and low back pain, urinary and bowel dysfunction, and post-surgical scar pain. At Empower Yourself PT, her mission is to help patients overcome pain, restore function, and reclaim their quality of life through compassionate, personalized care.

Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:30 - 2:30.

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

 

Leslie Guier, PT, DPT, Empower Yourself PT The Woodlands

Dr. Leslie has over 10 years of physical therapy experience treating patients with orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions. She has completed advanced coursework in pelvic health and looks at the whole person. It is her mission to educate people on pelvic health and work with you on an individualized plan to help you reach your optimum level of pelvic health and wellness. Whether it is returning to the same activities or finding new ways of living a healthy life, she is here to walk beside you on your journey!

Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:30 - 2:30.

Location: 4200 Research Forest Dr Suite 220, The Woodlands, TX 77381

www.empoweryourselfpt.com