For people with MS, energy is truly a precious resource. We know that someone affected by this disease will tire much more easily in all areas – physically, mentally, and emotionally. We have witnessed encouraging results when we ask our patients to view energy as a vital and limited resource, which requires you to work smarter, not harder. You will learn to be an excellent advocate for yourself.
Especially for patients who are high-achievers, the temptation is to push themselves harder once they notice how MS is slowing them down. We try to teach them that maxing out their bodies and minds will only backfire. The key to sustained energy and productivity is to actually slow down and be more strategic about how you spend your limited energy stores. That may mean pacing yourself, resting more, eating regularly and making time for the activities that emotionally restore you– such as a favorite hobby, lunch with a friend or time with grandchildren. We work with you to schedule your days so you are shouldering the heaviest cognitive load in the morning, when you brain is rested and your executive functioning is best.
Besides energy management, we find ways to compensate for the mental functions blunted by MS. This might mean new tools to help you plan, initiate new tasks, and follow through. It could mean creating micro-steps to break down overwhelming tasks, pacing yourself to avoid exhaustion, employing strategies to decrease distractions, learning to monotask and trying out other tips to “do life” with less effort.
We also find practical approaches to help you stick to your MS treatment team’s guidelines. Are you forgetting to take your medication because you keep waking up at 4:00 a.m. and are so exhausted? Are you overdoing household chores, then feeling frustrated when you are too tired for an appointment or event? How can we remedy that? As MS affects executive functioning, which in turn rules self-awareness, you may not be as attuned as you once were or just notice too late what the core problem is and what you really need to do to feel better. Patients learn to ask themselves: “Am I getting too tired to start another project right now? What are my first signs of fatigue? Where should I reschedule this task in my planner so I have a better chance of successfully completing it?” We can’t make your brain scan look different, but we can make your daily life look so much better.
Our dedicated team of speech-language pathologists are specially trained in speech therapy as it relates to cognitive-communication issues (how you listen, process, focus, remember, and communicate). We are also nationally certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, are nationally recognized by the Brain Injury Association of America and are Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS). We are licensed to practice in both North Dakota and Minnesota. We believe every patient deserves the best treatment and support we can offer in every single contact and interaction with us.
We recognize that no two people have the same needs and that everyone has different learning styles. That’s why we like to call our approach “the Progressive way,” which means we will happily customize treatment plans to meet the unique needs of the individual and their family. We also believe in “the right fit” between patient and therapist, so will make every effort to match you with a clinician who connects with you, understands you, and utilizes a therapy style that is comfortable for you.
Depending on the goals you wish to accomplish and the learning pace that is most comfortable for you, we will arm you with the evidence-based strategies, proven skills, and ample support you need to feel more organized, prepared, and effective. Therapy strategies may range from recommendations for specific tools (such as timers or planners), one-on-one brainstorming and problem-solving to address concerns, therapeutic activities as well as computer trials or worksheets to help strengthen cognitive and executive functions like attention, memory, and planning.
We know that working on cognitive-communication issues is hard work and that it can be easy to feel defeated or overwhelmed by the challenges of building a more efficient brain. However, you will not be in this alone. We are not just speech-language pathologists; we are fellow human beings who care about you, your journey, and your success. We don’t want an appointment to feel like you’ve been sent to the principal’s office. Instead, you’ll find a comfortable space where you’ll feel listened to and understood. And because humor makes everything more bearable, be prepared to laugh and joke a bit too!