Disability Specialist
Working as a Speech Pathologist for over 20 years has provided me the opportunity to work with many individuals who are dealing with various diseases and illness. These conditions can be present at birth, as well as acquired injuries and new diagnoses. It is important to be able to communicate with your loved ones. Maintaining relationships can be challenging when dealing with a medical condition, especially when it impedes or alters one's ability to speak.
When an individual and their family are learning to cope with any illness or condition, attention is often focused on the immediate medical needs. There comes a time, when dealing with the emotional needs of the individual and their family are as important as attending to the physical needs.
As a Clinical Counsellor, I am able to take advantage of my previous work in hospitals, medical centres, rehabilitation units, and community settings, to assist individuals in ‘finding their voice’. I have worked extensively with individuals and their families, through a strength based approach. This approach allows individuals, challenged by a variety of conditions, find a way to express themselves and achieve better emotional stability. This type of support is necessary for those caring for their loved ones as well.
I have provided intervention and counselling support to individuals and their families with the following conditions:
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Stroke
- Neurodegenerative conditions (ALS, Parkinson's, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, etc.)
- Cancer
- Cerebral Palsy
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder ( including Asperger's)
- Stuttering
- Progressive Ilness