Loran Vocaturo, EDD, ABPP
Learning to live with a disability, whether transient or permanent, is difficult. But we know that the mind is as adaptable as it is powerful. And every patient has the power to overcome his or her challenges.
Most every catastrophic injury translates into a loss of function, but it also may result in a loss of individual identity. According to Loran Vocaturo, "For many patients, their sense of self is shattered by their injury or illness. They suddenly see themselves as being different…as being less than they were before. Our goal is to help them through this often overwhelming time and, together, redefine who they are."
With wisdom and compassion, Loran and members of Kessler's Psychology and Neuropsychology team provide the psychological, emotional, behavioral and cognitive interventions necessary for patients to make a positive adjustment to their new situation.
"We work to give patients a sense of control in a situation that seems out-of-control to them," explains Loran. "We help them make the mental adjustment to their disability and, in turn, optimize their rehabilitation potential. In doing so, we can hopefully prevent adverse consequences, such as depression or substance abuse, and dramatically improve the quality of life for each patient in the long-run."
What helps drive an individual's success is the support of family and friends and the continuity of care they receive. From inpatient through outpatient, in one-on-one, group and family sessions, Kessler provides the comprehensive counseling, psychotherapy and personal strategies that enable a person to accept the reality of his or her disability and move forward.