Physical Disability

As a social worker who has worked in each phase of the health care system as well as being a person who has their own physical disabilities, I bring a unique perspective to those who have disabilities, including celebrating and affirming our differences and discussing how we can bring more of that energy to the world at large.

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.

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.

Learning to live with disability, be it something you recently discovered or that you have worked with your whole life, can take a lot of energy and time consuming. We will work together to process grief and reach acceptance and move into a comfortable living place.

I have extensive personal and professional experience working with conditions of all kinds, including physical disabilities.

I specialize in supporting individuals living with health conditions and disabilities, helping them navigate the emotional and psychological impact of their conditions. My training spans primary care, physical medicine & rehabilitation, oncology, and skilled nursing settings. I have advanced experience in interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation and have worked extensively with individuals with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and sensory loss (vision/hearing).

I believe that every client with a physical disability deserves a therapist who truly understands the unique experience of navigating a world that is not designed to meet their individual needs.

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.

Disability 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.

Living with a physical disability doesn’t have to mean living with limitations. I specialize in helping individuals optimize their mobility, strength, and daily functioning through personalized care plans. My approach emphasizes empowering clients with the tools and techniques they need to overcome physical challenges and achieve their goals, all while fostering confidence and independence.

My entire practice is dedicated to people dealing with physical illness or limitations. I refer out general mental health cases not related to medical issues. I help guide clients towards making peace with their bodies, despite the symptoms they may be experiencing. We work together to notice how the physical disability is impacting their daily functioning, clarify what they want to work towards so that the emotional and mental aspects of the disability get treatment as well.