Serving Those Affected by MS This practice supports those affected by multiple sclerosis--the person who has been told they have MS--and their partners, children, friends, family, co-workers, employers, healthcare providers. This disease is complex and unpredictable and it may be a welcome relief that you don't need to educate me about MS. At the same time, I know that while MS is a part of your life it's not who you are.
If you are newly diagnosed, you may be experiencing a range of emotions from shock, to disbelief, anger, depression or anxiety. These are all expected reactions to the news you have recently heard and have begun to absorb. It is possible that you have been experiencing these feelings for quite some time and are seeking tools to help you to get back to living a life of hope, dreams, goals and vision. I would be deeply honored if you would allow me to assist you in this journey.
One of the most helpful resources for healthcare professionals seeking information about how to work with people with MS is published by the National MS Society and titled ‘MS: A Model of Psychosocial Support’ available to download at A Model of Psychosocial Support (NMSS) It’s important to note that the perspective offered is one of ‘support’ as opposed to ‘treatment’. You may be seeking more of a support or coaching relationship than a counseling relationship during this time of great change. One of the kindest things you can do for yourself is to reach out to whatever resources are there for you.
You may have already discovered that there are an amazing number of dedicated professionals available to help you with the many challenges MS might present. A helpful overview of the healthcare professionals available to you can be found on NMSS’ website at: Getting to Know The Healthcare Team
Why I Choose to Work with People Affected by MS Over the last decade, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from many MS and neurology patient and professional organizations; with healthcare providers dedicated to the care of people with MS; with researchers and scientists studying the cause and treatments of this disease, and with medical and marketing professionals within the pharmaceutical industry working to bring new therapies to market. These individuals have dedicated their professional and much of their personal lives to improving the quality of life of those affected by multiple sclerosis.
My work also brought me into frequent contact with people with MS, their support partners and families. I am grateful for every person who allowed me into their lives to help me better understand the seen and unseen challenges they face on a daily basis. I was, and continue to be inspired by their courage and resilience in the face of this unpredictable disease. Some of those I've had the privilege to meet have shared their stories in the context of two inspirational programs of the National MS Society - We Keep Moving and Everyday Matters. You can hear their stories directly from them by clicking on the above links.