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.

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.

I have worked at the leading rehabilitation hospital helping people with spinal cord injuries and medically complex injuries and illnesses, cope with the loss caused by their injuries and adjust to their new body.

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.

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.

"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 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.

As a therapist with a physical disability, I am intimately aware of the interpersonal struggles and life dynamics associated with living with a disability. I will be able to offer a unique perspective and compassion that only comes from experience. Although I know that your disability does not define you, I will be able to understand and appreciate the specific challenges and opportunities that present themselves to people with disabilities.

Disabilities, both seen and unseen, can impact how you navigate the world and how the world navigates you. Together, we can work to help you meet your challenges head-on, savor your triumphs, and examine the emotions that arise from both.

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.