There’s a “catch-22” to brain injuries. As our brain is actually the CEO of self-awareness and self-examination, an injured brain’s barometer for how well it is functioning will seem broken. We may not even know what’s entirely “wrong” – just that we feel foggy, unable to initiate or organize, easily tire, much slower in processing or learning, easily frustrated and simply unlike ourselves.
Our first step toward rebuilding that awareness is to make you an expert on your own brain. You’ll learn exactly what happened, how it has impacted your daily function and what tools and adjustments will help you heal and function better. Some of our early guidelines may seem basic, but they make a huge difference in how well your injured gray matter performs. Just as you would not continue running on an injured leg (we hope!), you’ll be asked to give your brain enough time to rest and heal, regular nutrition, therapeutic routines and ensuring prescribed medications are taken and plenty of “brain breaks” throughout the day. You’ll learn to structure your days so that more difficult cognitive tasks are earlier in the day, when you are better rested.
Because a concussion impacts how well you work, study and “do life” – and because it is so widely misunderstood – we will work with you to understand, build skills and get back at it. We will be alongside you to communicate with family members, other providers and school or work personnel to help educate them on the ways you will be affected by this injury and to find strategies to help you ease back in and keep and from failing a class or otherwise falling behind while providing the best opportunities for healing.
We’ll also work with you on skills such as time and task management, visual cues to help prompt better memory and any little “hacks” that will help you regain executive-functioning skills. And the sooner after the concussion we can help, the better. However, even if your concussion(s) was a while ago, it is not too late! If you are still experiencing symptoms; a free consultation is a great way to find out how we can help.
Brain injury:
You may have heard of the brain’s “neuroplasticity” – its incredible ability to adapt, rewire new pathways and learn new things – even after brain injury. That neuroplasticity, along with our proven coaching tactics and your own willingness to get better, will get you back to feeling more like your old self again.
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!