If you have not already read parts Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 please do so before reading Part 4 of this article. Thank you.
Introduction
Several years ago I wrote an article in response to a conversation that I had with a woman who was in the process of breaking up with a friend of mine whose life had been impacted by a brain injury. My friend has since passed away, however what I wrote about in that article can be applied to present day affairs.
Over the past week I have felt led to share the contents of the article with you. My hope is that in reprinting this article a greater understanding and acceptance will be gained both by individuals who have experienced brain injuries and by those who are in relationships with individuals who have experienced brain injuries.
During the past 2 1/2 years — since I wrote the article — I have grown in my own self-acceptance through the articles that I have written for Second Chance to Live. My family and close friends have also grown in their awareness and acceptance of how my life is and has been impacted by the invisible nature of my disability.
My goal is not to blame or point the finger in any ones direction. I have found that such activity does no one any good. My interest is to share with you how denial stymied my inability to love and accept myself. My goal — this this article — is to encourage, motivate, empower and provide hope to individuals who may be still in denial.
And now for Part 4.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Denial— My Perspective as a TBI Survivor Part 4
While working as a master’s level rehabilitation counselor in a state department of vocational rehabilitation, I began having difficulties performing job duties as well as interacting with other staff. This experience was not unlike many of my professional and non professional jobs that I had through out my 20 + years in the work force.
After working on the job for several months — as a master’s level rehab counselor — I started having difficulties completing some of the job duties, as well as interacting with other staff members. In my frustration, I decide to disclose to my supervisor that I was a traumatic brain injury survivor. She in turn told her boss, who in turn told the district director, who in turn had a meeting with me. She determined that it was in my best interest to become a client of the department of vocational rehabilitation.
Please read Part 5, Part 6, Part 7 for context. Thank you.
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