Consultation

You will receive a free 20-30 minute telephone or videoconference consultation where we will briefly discuss your reason for seeking services and determine if we are a good fit for each other.   

Assessment session

Our first session consists of an initial assessment, or evaluation, which may include the following components:

• In-depth interview to best understand the history and current status of the communication or cognitive problem, how the problem affects your daily functioning, and your goals for therapy outcomes

• Questionnaires and rating scales to develop baseline information and provide a means by which to measure change

• Relevant assessments and tests specific to the problem for which you are seeking services and any related information needed to get diagnostic information

• Trial therapy to determine candidacy for different types of interventions

• Counseling regarding the speech, language, or cognitive diagnosis, prognosis,  intervention options and informed decision-making

• If ready to move forward, joint decision making regarding the therapy plan, including how often we will meet

Therapy sessions

Individualized, person-centered therapy plans include the following components based upon each client's individual circumstances:

• Education and counseling regarding your communication and/or cognitive problem and needs

• Restorative interventions: Interventions designed to improve the underlying communication and cognitive brain function

• Adaptive and compensatory interventions: Development of aids, "tools", and strategies to improve specific aspects of communication and cognitive functioning

• Re-assessment: Measuring change of function over time, using meaningful measures relevant to each client's unique problem or situation

• Care partner education and training to improve communication with the client, to solve problems related to the client's situation, and to empower care partners to facilitate the client's daily functioning

• Referrals: If it is determined that you might benefit from working with other professionals as the problem is beyond my scope of practice, this will be discussed and referrals will be provided

Coaching and cognitive wellness sessions

Coaching services begin with an intake in which goals, needs, and visions for cognitive wellness are identified.  We will then collaboratively form a plan that is in alignment with your goals and unique situation. 

Subsequent meetings involve learning about your own cognitive processes, learning how to work with your cognition for your goal areas; collaboratively formualting specific assignments to carry over what is learned in coaching sessions to life situations. We will review and update assignments and establish goals for the next session. 

Frequency

Some individuals find that their needs are met in as little as 2-3 sessions whereas others prefer to meet for longer periods, on weekly, biweekly, or even monthly sessions. Some people living with chronic conditions choose to meet periodically; this sometimes looks like a recurring series of sessions once a year, followed by periods of self-maintenance. "Tune up" sessions are available without a re-evaluation unless the underlying condition has changed significantly. 

Location

Services are currently offered virtually or in your home. Both options offer clients greater ease to access services both due to the medically remote nature of Montana as well as due to any physical limitations that may make it difficult to access outside facilities. Home-based services beyond a 30-mile radius from Bozeman will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will include additional travel charges.