It might be easier for providers to apply a “one-size-fits-all” template to treat all stroke, encephalitis, or traumatic brain injury patients.
Easier, yes, but effective? No. Each brain injury is as unique as each individual who comes through our door, so we take the time to find out exactly what you wish to accomplish, which functional gains would make the most dramatic improvements in your life, what motivates you and how you can most effectively regain these necessary skills. We try to do this in a collaborative partnership that is strongly dedicated to protecting each individual patient’s need for purpose, dignity, and independence.
Your therapy will hinge on a team approach, in which we work with you and those closest to you to help assess how you’re doing and how they can help you improve and grow. In addition, we will connect with your other medical providers, so we are all on the same page. We’ll also make referrals if we determine together that additional support may be needed in areas such as neuropsychology, physical therapy or counseling to name a few.
If we’ve learned anything in treating many patients over the years with brain injury, it’s that it is never too late to get help! It’s heartbreaking to learn that a brain-injury survivor has spent the last 2 years “just getting by” because they and their families didn’t know there was something that could be done to help. In fact, we have seen people make amazing progress with us, even if they start therapy years after the injury.
Our dedicated team of speech-language pathologists are specially trained in speech therapy as it relates to cognitive-communication issues (how you listen, process, focus, remember, and communicate). We are also nationally certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, are nationally recognized by the Brain Injury Association of America and are Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS). We are licensed to practice in both North Dakota and Minnesota. We believe every patient deserves the best treatment and support we can offer in every single contact and interaction with us.
We recognize that no two people have the same needs and that everyone has different learning styles. That’s why we like to call our approach “the Progressive way,” which means we will happily customize treatment plans to meet the unique needs of the individual and their family. We also believe in “the right fit” between patient and therapist, so will make every effort to match you with a clinician who connects with you, understands you, and utilizes a therapy style that is comfortable for you.
Depending on the goals you wish to accomplish and the learning pace that is most comfortable for you, we will arm you with the evidence-based strategies, proven skills, and ample support you need to feel more organized, prepared, and effective. Therapy strategies may range from recommendations for specific tools (such as timers or planners), one-on-one brainstorming and problem-solving to address concerns, therapeutic activities as well as computer trials or worksheets to help strengthen cognitive and executive functions like attention, memory, and planning.
We know that working on cognitive-communication issues is hard work and that it can be easy to feel defeated or overwhelmed by the challenges of building a more efficient brain. However, you will not be in this alone. We are not just speech-language pathologists; we are fellow human beings who care about you, your journey, and your success. We don’t want an appointment to feel like you’ve been sent to the principal’s office. Instead, you’ll find a comfortable space where you’ll feel listened to and understood. And because humor makes everything more bearable, be prepared to laugh and joke a bit too!