Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group for Hypersomnia (CBT-H)
An evidence-based group for people living with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group for Hypersomnia (CBT-H)
Living with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia isn’t just about being tired.
It’s about navigating a condition that is rare, often misunderstood, and frequently minimized — by the media, by medical providers, and sometimes even by mental health professionals. Many people in this community have been told their symptoms are “just depression,” “normal sleepiness,” or a personal failing rather than a neurological condition.
This group is designed to change that experience.
Who this group is for
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This CBT-H group is for adults living with:
Narcolepsy Type 1
Narcolepsy Type 2
Idiopathic Hypersomnia
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Recently diagnosed...
Participants may be newly diagnosed or have been living with their condition for many years. This group is intended for people who are already receiving medical care and taking prescribed medication, and who want additional, evidence-based tools to improve daily functioning, quality of life, and self-understanding.
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Or not
You do not need to be “new” to your diagnosis to benefit. Many participants find this work especially helpful after years of trial-and-error, self-blame, or feeling dismissed.
Why a group?
Research shows that CBT for hypersomnia is often more effective in a group format than individual therapy.
These conditions are rare. Many people with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia have never met another person with the same diagnosis. Group treatment offers something individual therapy cannot: shared understanding, normalization, and relief from isolation.
In this group, participants often say:
“This is the first place I didn’t have to explain myself.”
“I finally stopped wondering if I was just lazy.”
“Hearing other people describe my experience helped everything click.”
The group setting directly counters stigma and helps participants rebuild an accurate, compassionate view of themselves.
Why CBT-H?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Hypersomnia (CBT-H) is a structured, research-backed treatment developed specifically for people with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. It is designed as an adjunct to medical care, not a replacement for it.
CBT-H focuses on improving functioning and quality of life by helping participants:
Understand their diagnosis accurately
Reduce self-blame and internalized stigma
Work with their energy limitations instead of constantly fighting them
Build realistic, sustainable daily routines
Develop effective coping and advocacy skills
Strengthen social support and communication
This is not generic CBT adapted for sleepiness. The strategies are tailored to the realities of hypersomnia.
What We Work On in the Group
Over the course of the group, participants learn and practice skills in areas such as:
Understanding hypersomnia
Clarifying what narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia are — and what they are not — including common misdiagnoses and misconceptions.Identity and self-concept
Addressing how living with a chronic, invisible condition affects self-image, confidence, and relationships.Structured waking and energy management
Learning practical tools to organize the day in ways that support alertness, productivity, and rest.Sleep and nap structure
Developing realistic sleep-wake routines that align with neurological needs rather than idealized expectations.Coping skills and emotional regulation
Managing frustration, grief, stress, and uncertainty without turning them inward.Social support and communication
Navigating disclosure, boundaries, and support with family, friends, employers, and medical providers.Medical, legal, and workplace advocacy
Understanding accommodations and how to prepare for appointments, conversations, and documentation.
Group Structure
8-week closed group (same members each week)
Skills-based, with guided discussion
Homework and between-session practice are an important part of the group
Designed to be practical, structured, and applicable to real life
This group works best for people who are willing to show up consistently, practice skills between sessions, and engage thoughtfully with the material.
About the facilitator
This group is led by Jessica Fink, LCSW-S a cognitive behavioral therapy provider with specialized training in sleep and hypersomnia-related conditions. The approach is grounded in current research and clinical models developed specifically for narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.
While the group model is central, facilitation is active and structured to ensure the space is supportive, focused, and clinically meaningful.
Is This the Right Fit?
This group may be a good fit if:
You want tools beyond medication alone
You are tired of being misunderstood or minimizing your symptoms
You want practical strategies that respect your neurological limits
You’re open to learning in a structured group setting
This group may not be the right fit if you are looking for unstructured support or individual therapy without homework.