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A Fresh Start: Embracing the New Year and New You After Brain Injury

As the new year unfolds, it’s akin to a sunrise on the horizon—full of new light, new colors, and the promise of a new beginning. For those emerging from the shadow of a brain injury, this time symbolizes a powerful opportunity for reinvention and growth, much like the first green shoots pushing through the snow to reach the sunlight.

Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future:

Take a moment to reflect on the journey thus far—the resilience it took to face each day and the small victories along the way. It's these experiences that have tempered your strength, and they are the very foundation upon which you can build this year's intentions.
 

Setting Intentions, Not Just Goals:

Intentions resonate deeper than goals—they are expressions of your values and your will to thrive. When setting intentions, remember they are your guiding stars, not strict paths. Everyone’s recovery is a unique journey. They can navigate you through both calm and stormy days, always pointing toward your true north.
 

Building a New Self-Image:

Crafting a new self-image post-injury doesn’t mean forgetting who you were; it's an integration of all you've been through, all you are now, and all you still wish to be. Embrace this composite image; it’s the portrait of a survivor.
 

Creating a Supportive Environment for Recovery:

Your space—be it your room, home, or work area—can be a haven for healing. Small changes that reduce stimulation like reorganizing living spaces for ease, introducing soothing elements like plants or soft music, and designating a quiet corner for reflection can significantly enhance your recovery experience.
 

Adopting New Therapeutic Routines:

Routines are the rhythms to our days. Begin with simple, achievable routines that accommodate your energy levels. Whether it's a morning stretch or short walk, a mindful tea break, or a restful evening routine, let these new habits be pillars of your daily joy and progress.
 

Learning and Growing in the New Year:

The new year is a canvas for learning. Thanks to neuroplasticity, you can learn and relearn to do new things in new ways. Consider new avenues for growth that are compatible with your current lifestyle—perhaps it's painting with a friend, learning a musical instrument, or engaging in online forums on topics that ignite your passion.
Incorporating Physical, Cognitive and Emotional Health, Balance, and 

Acceptance:

Having a great team can help to rebuild skills and cultivate acceptance of a new normal. You will continue to set and achieve goals broken down into small steps leading to big accomplishments.  This balance across skill areas will be foundational and bring peace knowing you are on the right track for you.  There's power in being active in your recovery as well as truly present—in finding peace in the ‘now’ while nurturing hope for the ‘next’.
 

Resources at Progressive Therapy Associates:

At PTA, we're not just about recovery; we're about discovery. Our array of resources, from education for you and your loved one, direct one on one treatment to small groups for coaching skills, we will find out together what resource best matches your needs.  This specialized care is geared to improve functioning, empower individuals, and renew lives.  
 

Celebrating Small Victories:

Every achievement, no matter the size, is a testament to your commitment to recovery. Keep a track of your “wins/victories” to document these triumphs, affirming your progress and perseverance. Small achievements add up to improved independence and functioning. 
 

Encouragement for the Journey Ahead 

As you stand on the threshold of this new year, consider this an invitation to step into a world of possibilities with PTA. Reach out to us and together, let's map out a year of achievement, growth, and fulfillment with Progressive Therapy Associates. 
 

Conclusion:

The new year heralds more than just the passage of time—it's a beacon for the new you. It's not merely about turning a page; it’s about writing a whole new chapter in the incredible story that is uniquely yours. With each day, with each intention, you are not just recovering; you are transforming. And we at PTA are here to guide you every step of the way.

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A Fresh Start: Embracing the New Year and New You After Brain Injury
Qualified Therapists

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.

Individual Approach

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.

We are here to help

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.
 

Coaching with compassion

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!