Our goal is to get to know you, so we can help you return to your life and your greatest potential. Just as no two people are alike, neither are the people who suffer from a TBI.
Each individual with a TBI is motivated by different treatment outcomes, each individual has different support networks at home, and each has different levels of energy for therapy and new learning. We realize this, so we will never take a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. We take an honest look at your situation, we do a lot of listening, and we may even (with your permission) gather perspectives from those who know you best. We capture a multi-dimensional portrait of you and what you need. From there, we learn what inspires you to work harder, what you need to feel respected and valued, and which skills you would most like to regain in order to feel like yourself.
We also believe two brains are better than one when it comes to healing your brain! We often connect with people involved with your treatment – from physical therapists and mental-health providers to family members and even work colleagues when appropriate. This collaborative approach seems to net much better results!
As people learn best by doing, we will examine which skills you most want to regain, then find functional ways to practice and rediscover them. Depending on your injury, we may work on practical matters (work on memory tips, routines, household organization), improved interpersonal skills, and better self-care and monitoring (sleep, meals, medication management). We also address fatigue management and increased self-knowledge about your brain, your injury, and how it has affected you. Always, the goal is help you return to whatever work, skills, or interests that most fulfill your life, even if we have to find creative, out-of-the-box ways to practice them.
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!