S2 E43: Hope as a Basis for Recovery with Expanded Practice’s Danielle Stoller (neuro PT) and Marabeth Quin (mama bear)
What should you look for in a good rehab therapist? How do you find a good neuro recovery clinic? This episode is a must listen for therapists and patients!
Today, Marabeth and Danielle from Expanded Practice explain their ideals surrounding good therapy. Positive mindset in both the patient and the therapist forms the basis of successful therapeutic relationships. Without hope, you have nothing; it is a medical necessity. Their practice proposes that emotions are contagious; therapists have to control their stress to avoid transferring it to their patients. Join us to feel inspired and gain knowledge on how to get the most out of your recovery!
In this episode
The Story
Marabeth’s daughter Sophie had a spontaneous tear in her carotid resulting in a stroke causing 80% of her left hemisphere to be damaged. Everything to do with language was affected.
Marabeth had a knowing that everything was going to be ok
Sophie continues to gain progress even 10 years after stroke
Increased risk of stroke with high intensity exercise and stress 1 hour before stroke (see link below for article)
Mindset and recovery. Mindset means everything. Power of positive thinking
Expanded Practice
Born out of necessity
Danielle was Sophie’s neuro PT
Power of positive thinking and a strong support system
Mindset affects performance
Relationship as the basis for treatment
Change starts with the therapist’s mindset.
Power of Intention
The power of the therapist having good self care. Avoids burnout and refuels. Can’t give if you’re empty
Need to be hopeful. People come to them because they believe in their patients
Need to have compassion for your patients
Without hope, you have nothing. Hope is a medical necessity.
Need to inspire your patients
Every brain is different, let’s see what we can do
Expanded Practice starts with training therapists how to be hopeful, inspiring caregivers
Leads to less stress for the therapist and more fulfilling work
Training how to be a healing presence for the patient
Emotions are contagious. A therapist’s stress will be transferred to the patient. You have to control your energy.
Brain injury recovery relies on using a broken brain to give feedback; can cause mixed signals and hard to interpret outputs
Brain injury changes you on the inside and makes you not trust yourself. It causes a fractured relationship with yourself.
The patient is relearning self: trust, understanding, patience, unconditional love
It's about having a relationship with yourself
What to look for in neuro recovery clinics
Specialize in neuro therapy–have accommodations to make your time there more comfortable
All the services in one place. They know the needs of someone with a brain injury
The other patients will be more like you. You’ll feel like you fit in.
What to look for in a therapist
Therapy requires skill
Does your therapist have specialty training beyond what they learned in school?
Skilled in the art and science of human interaction.
You have to navigate the emotional and behavioral aspects to treat the patient. How they phrase things to you matters
If they don’t know, they are willing to refer to someone who does
A therapist who is willing to connect with you and listen to you.
Willing to consider and manage how you feel, not just what your body is doing.
Communication through ways other than language: energy transfers, emotions, nonverbal communication. Being deliberate with your nonverbal communication leads to a better relationship
Expanded Practice
Class for therapists: How to Communicate with the Healing Brain Like an Expert. Provides CEUs, see link below.
Mentorship
It's all virtual. Monthly meetings with conversation, education, and problem solving sessions
Links to any resources mentioned:
Stroke Risk Article: Stroke may be triggered by anger, upset, or intense exercise in the hour before.
Classes for therapists: 12 month program in 4 month segments
Reach out to:
Expanded Practice: https://www.expanded-practice.com/
Facebook: Expanded Practice
Eryn on IG @eryn_makingheadwaypodcast
MHP on IG @makingheadwaypodcast
Go to our website www.makingheadwaypodcast.com for full show notes and resources
Stroke Recovery with Motus Nova: https://motusnova.com/makingheadway/
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Donate section on our website. 10% of profits go to our favorite non-profit of the moment