Do you have a physical disability?

People with physically disabling conditions due to stroke, injury or neurodegenerative disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease are faced with many emotional and practical challenges.

More…

Are You or a Loved One Newly Diagnosed with a Cognitive Disorder?

People with early onset or newly diagnosed Alzheimers Disease or other cognitively disabling disorders, including traumatic brain injury, are often left on their own to come to terms with their condition and understand how to move forward with their lives.

More…

Are You a Caregiver?

Caring for a loved one with a physical or cognitive disability is a difficult task on a windy road.  It carries emotional and practical considerations that need to be met.  Knowing a diagnosis or a prognosis is not enough to know how to provide appropriate care.

More...

Are you Disabled and LGBT?

LGBTQ persons experience many of the same emotional issues as heterosexuals but are not well understood by some mental health professionals.  Add to this a disability or neurological disorder and one can feel misunderstood and alienated.

More…

Where do you turn for help?

As a person with a disability or neurological disorder, or as a caregiver, where do you turn for experienced, thoughtful and practical help?  As a specialist in this area with over 30 years experience providing support and care, I am here to help.

More…

Over 30 Years Experience

I have over 30 years of professional experience working with disabled persons who have physical, neurological, or cognitive disabilities and with their caregivers and loved ones.

More…

Telemedicine / Teletherapy

Telemedicine / teletherapy consultation sessions are psychotherapy or consultation sessions conducted via video conferencing or telephone.

More…

Care Consultations

Care consultations primarily focus on practical, behavioral considerations, rather than psychological or emotional issues, for persons who have physical, neurological, or cognitive disabilities and for their caregivers and loved ones in offering care.

More…

Disability and Sex

October 8, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

This article which appeared in the Huffington Post approaches a subject that is seldom discussed, but needs to be, particularly for those who are disabled: disability and sex.  The author Andrew Morrison-Gurza is a disabled man who speaks pubicly and writes about disablilty to raise public awareness. The article is reproduced below, or you can view it at the Huffington Post at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-morrisongurza/i-woke-up-like-dis-why-my_b_5816674.html?utm_hp_ref=tw “I Woke Up Like Dis”: Why My Disability Is the Sexiest Thing About Me So, there you…

Read More

The Art of Rehabilitation Counseling

September 27, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

As a licensed Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, I highly recommended this video concerning rehabilitation counseling prepared by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. Here is a link to to the this video at the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification website:  http://www.crccertification.com/pages/crcc_video/348.php You may also view this video directly below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCZVNg3dhrU

Read More

Movement Disorders & Public Scrutiny

February 26, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

Someone recently asked me what should someone do about public scrutiny if s/he has an obvious movement disorder, such as Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or other neurological disorder?  This question could also be applicable to wheelchair users who are also prone to public scrutiny when out and about in the world.  While the focus of this article is on eating out in public, the “tips” provided apply to other situations as well. Let’s face it, people are going to stare. …

Read More

Legal Planning for Incapacity

February 26, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

Let’s face it, legal planning for incapacity is not a particularly fun or glamorous topic to discuss or even think about.  But, it is an extremely important subject to address if you have a progressive disorder, such as HD. I strongly believe that everyone, disabled and nondisabled alike, should consider legal planning for incapacity if any of these following questions hit home for you: 1)  If I should be unable to articulate my needs or otherwise make my needs known…

Read More

A Caregivers Bill of Rights

February 26, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

I have the right: To take care of myself.  This is not an act of selfishness.  It will give me the capacity to take better care of my relative/loved one. To maintain facets of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he or she were healthy.  I know that I do everything that I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right to do some things just for…

Read More

Caregivers Take Care of Yourself

February 26, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

These guidelines are helpful whether you are taking care of yourself or if you are a caregiver for another person.  They are summarized from the National Council on Aging, Inc., “Caregiving Tips” series. First of all, admit your feelings.  Feeling tired, isolated, helpless, angry or scared can be indications that you are trying to handle too much without the help and information you need.  Such feelings, though difficult, are natural.  Talk to your family and friends about what you feel;…

Read More

Cognitive Disorders: Combating Apathy & Inertia

February 26, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

A daily routine can be a beneficial therapeutic tool in combating apathy and inertia, common to cognitive disorders such as Huntington’s Disease and other psychiatric and cognitive symptoms. In spite of some of our conditioning to resist and resent routines imposed upon us and to value unstructured time, a written daily schedule of activities can be a most useful external device to encourage initiation when the ability to initiate from inside oneself is impaired. Because of the changes in brain…

Read More

Knowing the Signs of Depression in Huntington’s Disease

February 26, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

Depression is one of the common psychiatric syndromes related to Huntington’s Disease.  It is often a syndrome that goes unrecognized and untreated. While depression affects a significant number of people with HD (it is estimated at 40%), it is one of the most effectively treatable set of symptoms.  Knowing the signs of depression is the first step in getting the appropriate help. Depression can be a psychological reaction to a variety of life changes and stressors.  This may include declining…

Read More

Depression and Older Adults

February 26, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

Life is a series of adjustments to change.  As the years unfold, various events in later life may lead to experiences of sadness and grief.  The Golden Years can become tarnished by problems, and sometimes coping with life can seem overwhelming. Older adults are faced with a variety of issues, including: declining physical health,  loss of relationships, decreased financial security, and a decline in mobility that affects keeping up with familiar activities and involvement. Feeling depressed at times is a…

Read More

What Can I Expect at the First Counseling Session?

February 26, 2014
Allan Grill
Articles
No Comments

Sessions are 50 minutes long. In the first session we will discuss what has encouraged you to come in for counseling.  I provide you a safe and secure environment to talk freely about whatever issues you may have. We may discuss the context of your situation and events leading up to your desire to seek counseling, as well as some family history. I may ask you questions or offer suggestions to facilitate the discussion and to better focus in on…

Read More