Kate Cox
Speech-Language Pathologist (MS, CCC-SLP)
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)
Kate Cox
Speech-Language Pathologist (MS, CCC-SLP)
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)
the glia philosophy
gli-a (glee-uh) noun: Cells that nourish, protect, and provide structure and support to neurons in the brain and other parts of the nervous system
I chose the name 'glia' because these tiny brain cells embody what I aspire to provide to clients - support, gentle structure, and practices that nourish and protect the nervous system.
Cognition and communication are connected to every aspect of ourselves and our lives – brain, body, feelings, relationships, life circumstances, aspirations, and more. Each person has their own unique story and their own path forward.
I see myself as a partner and guide for each client as they uncover the practices that best support their own health and wellbeing.
about therapy
There are many names for the type of therapy I offer, including cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive-linguistic retraining, and cognitive-communication therapy. Often, clients just call it brain therapy.
We always start with an evaluation to get a full understanding of your strengths and challenges. Assessment typically includes conversation, questionnaires, and often some type of formal testing. Then, we create a plan together that focuses on the areas that are most important to you.
Based on a mentorship model, therapy approaches and activities are individualized to each person's unique needs and emphasize real-life activities. Some possibilities include:
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Guided exploration of the factors that cause or add to cognitive challenges, as well as those that improve function
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Practical strategies and tools to improve memory, concentration, planning, communication, and other skills.
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Supports and strategies for reading, writing, and studying
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Building self-advocacy skills and practices
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Developing personal narratives
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Counseling support for changing roles, identities, and life activities
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Mindful awareness and other practices that support and nourish the nervous system
Most often, therapy will include a variety of tools or approaches to support a particular set of goals, and will end after solid progress is made toward those goals.
about me
The intertwining of personal and professional experience has shaped who I am as a therapist and what I strive to offer clients and families. I see myself as both a fellow traveler and a caring companion along the sometimes bumpy road of health and recovery.
An interest in brain injury and other neurologic conditions led me to the field of speech-language pathology, and has been the focus of much of my education, training, and clinical experience within the field. I earned my master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Portland State University in 2013, completed my clinical fellowship at the Portland VA in 2014, and have experience working in hospitals, post-acute rehab, and outpatient clinics.
My own personal experience with cancer and cancer treatment has offered a different perspective. Through managing my own chronic pain, fatigue, and "chemo brain,” I have come to know intimately the whole-body, whole-person impact of illness and injury, and bring this perspective with me to my work with clients.
I also bring my love of writing, meditation, and a good belly laugh.
I strive to provide services that promote dignity and equity, and that center each person as the expert in their own experience. I am committed to my own learning and self-reflection, and welcome feedback on ways that I can create a safer, more welcoming, or more meaningful experience.
I love oolong tea, mossy forests, spontaneous living room dance parties, and spending time with the many amazing people I call family.