Physical Disability

As a therapist who lives with a physical disability, I understand the unique position that those with a chronic illness, disability or pain may be encountering. I will help you navigate any challenges you may be facing, as well as be an advocate for you.

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 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.

In 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.

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.

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.

Whether your symptoms are outwardly noticeable or invisible, they are often accompanied by shame and a mistrust of the body. Together we can work toward finding self-compassion, gratitude, and kindness toward yourself and your body - to feel at home in your body.

As a person with a physical disability myself (Cerebral Palsy), Effective and impactful counseling for individuals living with disabilities is a passion area of mine. In addition to staying on top of best practices, and operating from a lived understanding, I am actively engaged in research to improve this area of counseling.

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.

As the primary carer for an adult child with multiple disabling chronic illnesses, I understand the secret struggles that those with physical disabilities can face. Everything from having enough spoons to face the next challenge to the internalize ableism that can sometimes torture you. I provide telehealth services so you can access therapy from anywhere you feel comfortable in a safe and accepting space.

My work experience includes caregiving responsibilities, live-in, travel and hourly, for people living with challenging physical disabilities such as quadriplegia and muscular dystrophy.

I have unique training in working with clients with physical disabilities, and my research focuses on physical disability concerns. I take "social model" and "disability justice model" perspectives of disability, which suggest that the social and physical environments disable people with physical impairments.