Physical Disability
A physical disability is a limitation on a person's physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina. There are many different types of physical disabilities. A physical disability may be temporary, long-term, or permanent. Whether you were born with a disability, or have experienced the disability because to injury or illness later in life, being physically disabled can be mentally challenging. A physical disability sometimes leads to social isolation as it may prevent some people from leaving the house, or experiencing things they were previously able to do. It may also cause a loss of independence, especially if the disability requires the care others. This may lead to feelings of helplessness and depression. If you are experiencing a physical disability, particularly if you are struggling with negative emotions, talking with a qualified mental health professional may be an important part of your treatment plan. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s physical disability experts today.
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Meet the specialists
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.
— Patrick Tully, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
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.
— Beth Gustin, Licensed Professional Counselor in Westminster, CO
I have 39 years of lived experience as a person with a mobility disability. I am now a below knee amputee and I have arthritis. I provide a safe and understanding place to explore the impact of disability and help my clients create a new life disability.
— Cathryn Glenday, Counselor in Albuerque, NMLiving with a spinal cord injury has offered me the opportunity to connect with others who have experienced a similar physical impairment.
— Andrea Barger, Therapist in The Woodlands, TX
While Zach prefers "uniquely abled", over his nearly two decades within physical therapy and now as a pre-licensed counselor in training, he also possesses an uncommon combination of knowledge and skills to promote a whole-health perspective, grounded in a person-first intention coupled with an accepting and compassionate presence.
— Zach Preboski, Clinical Trainee in Boise, IDIn addition to my schooling, have firsthand experience with this in my own life through the form of a chronic illness, and have pursued and completed group therapy programs and my own individual therapy to adjust to a new pace of life and find a way to thrive in the midst of physical ailments. I understand feeling like the world was not created for you, and needing to build a beautiful life that often looks incredibly different than what is expected in our society.
— Carrie Schuessler, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Mequon, WI
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.
— Christy Reichert, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Vancouver, WAI love working with folks who have been disabled for years or are navigating a "new operations manual" for their body. My approach usually involves working to make life more accessible or accommodating while also embracing yourself with compassion by unlearning internalized ableism or other messages about what bodies "should" be able to do. There's also lots of space for grieving the body that you could've had or used to have.
— Ruth Spalding, Clinical Social Worker
While Zach prefers "uniquely abled", over his nearly two decades within physical therapy and now as a pre-licensed counselor in training, he also possesses an uncommon combination of knowledge and skills to promote a whole-health perspective, grounded in a person-first intention coupled with an accepting and compassionate presence.
— Zach Preboski, Clinical Trainee in Boise, IDDirector 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
— Peter O'Donnell, Psychologist in Bellefonte, PA
I have a spinal cord injury and there are so many curve balls a disability throws ones way. It can be nice to have someone that has "been there, done that" but also knows each persons experience is their own. I want to help you process those feelings and thoughts you may not feel you are able to do with friends and family.
— Alyson Whitaker, Clinical Social Worker in Pulaski, VADisability can vastly change the way we interact with our world and how the world interacts with us. I understand this at a personal level. As a person with a disability, I understand that the world we live in wasn't built for my needs and yet I will make it work. In therapy we can explore disability, disability identity, and coping with the able-world around us. More importantly, we can explore what you want to do with your life and how to do it - barriers and all.
— Guy Smith, Counselor in Fitchburg, WI