Physical Disability

As someone with lived experience with a physical disability, I can support you on your journey from acceptance to adaptation. We will explore the beliefs about yourself that might be holding you back and help you reclaim your identity and the life you want to live.

Unfortunately, ableism is alive and well in our society and is rarely talked about, let alone addressed. My approach is firmly grounded in the belief that disability is a part of human diversity and does not need to be fixed. The harm caused by ableism runs deep and is pervasive. My personal experiences guide my work with clients who have disabilities and I use holistic techniques to help folks care for themselves, and provide a space that is validating, empowering, and empathetic.

Coping with partial hearing loss, tinnitus, or chronic health challenges lead to fatigue and overwhelm. Irritation sets in and others don't seem to fully understand you. I will work with you to feel empowered and discover coping strategies to let you lead the life you desire.

Oh man, do I know what it's like to live with a physical disability. I was born with muscular dystrophy. It can be so hard living in an ableist world, when all non-disabled people do is tell you you're sick, or you need to be fixed. It's so difficult navigating through messages of society telling you that you're not worthy of a full life. That you're a burden because you can't do x,y,z. I know those messages are hard to silence, but you are not alone. You are just as worthy.

I’ve got Cerebral Palsy (CP) and use a wheelchair for mobility. Additionally, I’m getting a Master’s of Arts in Disability Studies. We will use a variety of techniques depending on your unique situation. Some people may need trauma treatment, some people may need assistance with specific challenges and benefit from a solution-focused approach. Others may need assistance with problems not specifically related to disabilities but appreciate having a therapist who understands disabilities.

I have been working with individuals with disabilities for the past six years. I specialized in rehabilitation psychology during my postdoctoral fellowship. In other words, I had solid training and have had some great teachers who have helped me understand how to provide therapy that is specifically disability-affirmative. My approach is flexible and client-centered, which means this might be the only place in your life where you don't have to be the one to adapt.

"Sophisticated Hearing is a modern hearing care facility, provides personalized patient care in Bergen county NJ. Our professional audiologists are using top hearing aid technology to help individuals with the following services: hearing test & eval, hearing aid cleaning, hearing aid repair and more. We work with top hearing aid manufacturers to ensure our patients have the best hearing technology that meets their listening and lifestyle needs as well as their budget.

The overall goal is to promote the individual’s ability to perform daily activities in a way that enhances their quality of life, and makes it possible to enjoy independent living. Occupational therapy enables the participant to foster independence, productivity and self-care, both at home, at work, in school, and out in public.

I help professional women who have chronic pain and/or chronic illnesses learn to be kind to themselves, to trust themselves, and to find ways to get the support that they need without ever being forced to prove that their pain is real or that they’re trying hard enough. We do not live in an accessible world, and this can be incredibly frustrating and exhausting. You are not the problem; you never have been.

I have personal experience with the visually impaired/blind community and professional experience as a paraprofessional working with those who dealt with physical disabilities in addition to mental health concerns as well as the unique challenges caregiving presents to the family system. Additionally, I facilitate a weekly support group for cancer patients.

Director of Psychology, Neuropsychology & Behavioral Medicine Encompass Health Rehab Hospital, with current privileges. O’Donnell, P. J. (2013). Psychological Effects of a Strength-Based Intervention Among Inpatients in Rehabilitation for Pain and Disability. (Doctoral dissertation). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. ISBN: 978-1-303-53639-7

We specialize in serving the Children with Life Limiting Illness and Children's Extensive Support population and their families. This includes children and families with chronic illnesses, developmental disabilities, and other special needs.

As a therapist with a physical disability (hearing loss), I know how important accessibility is and how painful it can be when it is denied. In addition to lived experience, up-to-date trainings and conferences, and reading Disability Justice authors and advocates keep me in the loop.