Next meeting: March 8, 2010

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The March meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 8th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).


Jane Shook, M.S., CCC, SLP will teach us how to LISTEN UP!


Jane is the owner of the Center for Therapeutic Strategies, a consultation and therapy firm, which evaluates, treats, and advises individuals and families, who have sensory processing disorders to determine and prioritize the best treatment modes at a given time.

Jane is a speech language pathologist with over 30 years experience working with children and adults with processing and other learning disabilities using a sensory integration model. She is past-president of SI Challenge, a not-for-profit agency that served individuals with processing disorders at the level of the family through camping and education. She is a popular consultant and conference speaker for parents and professionals on topics related to sensory and language processing. Jane is the mother of two grown children with four grandchildren.

You can contact her at jane_slp@swbell.net or (972) 233 - 9019. Her website is www.janeshook.com.

Listen Up! is a sixty minute workshop on improving listening skills for better learning and relationships. This information gives more specific details regarding auditory processing and behavioral outcomes and is designed for individuals who have sensory processing disorder, regardless of their etiology.

Participants will:

• Learn basic anatomy and function of the inner ear and how it integrates with internal body states

• Learn the significance of the auditory processing system within the development schema

• Identify listening and language processing components foundational to oral and written language, pragmatic and social language

• Identify the impact of sequencing and timing on social intelligence, behavior, attention, focus, processing speed, and working memory

• Identify the impact of auditory processing disorders on behavior and relationships

• Identify common cognitive problems of listening disorders

• Identify common behavioral problems of listening disorders

• Learn strategies for increasing organized listening through changing the external environment and personal strategies for changing an individuals internal physiological state by applying sensory input

• Learn about how listening programs can be used for neuro-auditory and cognitive retraining

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you. Also note that we have moved into a bigger space - Haggar Hall (across from Classroom A).

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Community Announcements

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


Community Announcements


***Assistant Dogs of Texas (ADOT) rescues shelter dogs and custom trains them for people with disabilities for little to no cost to the clients.

If you know someone who could use help in these areas, please contact us.

PH: 972-617-3136 Email: info@ADOTcares.org

For more information on ADOT, please visit our website at www.ADOTcares.org.

***From Miller Henry Service Group:

The attorney we refer long term disability and care benefits claims to is Bernard Guerrini. He specializes in this area of law.

His website is www.erisaltd.com. Mr. Guerrrini will be a great resource/contact for any folks who may dealing with such claims through employer coverage and insurance policies.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: February 8, 2010

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The February meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 8th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

The Miller Henry Service Group, Inc. will present an Overview of the Social Security Process. The Miller Henry Service Group was formed to answer the need for personalized service. They believe everyone is entitled to prompt service, accurate answers and fair treatment.

The group was founded by a former Social Security Supervisor and Claims Representative with more than 30 years of government service. The staff has extensive experience in the following fields: resolving congressional inquiries, licensed degree social work, medical information and process management, insurance and claims processing.

Their expertise:

• Filing Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
• Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits
• Supplemental Security Income
• Medicare
• Auxiliary Claims
• Other Benefit Programs

Miller Henry Service Group

11255 Garland Road Suite 1302

Dallas, Texas 75218

Phone: 214 324 2491

Fax: 214 319 8792

Please contact Sharon Birmingham at srbirmingham@yahoo.com with any questions.

text from MHSG brochure


Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you. Also note that we have moved into a bigger space - Haggar Hall (across from Classroom A).

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: January 11, 2010

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The January meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 11th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

We will introduce the concept of "Animal Therapy" with a hands-on (this means live animals) session. Sara Hunt Harper, R.N., M.S., Ph.D, opened her therapy practice, Stress Management Center, in Plano Texas in 1983, in order to help people improve their quality of life.

Sit, Stay, Heal!

Did you know that animals have been used as healers for centuries? In the 1700s, animals were used to treat the mentally ill. And the fact that animals elicit the relaxation response in humans has been demonstrated in biofeedback literature for years.

While most of the research on animal assisted therapy has been on animals as pets and animals in an inpatient setting, Dr. Sara Hunt Harper successfully uses an outpatient setting.

With over nine years of using therapy pets, Dr. Harper knows the benefits of such therapy. She uses her dogs and cats to make therapeutic interventions with individuals and families, and to teach relaxation skills.

“Most of us,” says Dr. Harper, “are aware that animals are used to assist people who are visually or hearing impaired, and we’ve heard much about rescue dogs assisting where natural or other disasters occur. But few people know that animals are also used in psychotherapy.”

Dr. Harper’s dogs, Brie Ana Marie and Pat, are both Certified Therapy Dogs. Elliot James and Katherine Elise are Cats-in-Training. “It’s hard enough,” she says, “for people to come in for therapy. Having pets integrated into the surroundings makes people more relaxed.”

During the years Dr. Harper has used pet therapy, she’s seen the following results in her practice:

Reduction in the need for pain medication.

Increase in feeling of well-being and social interaction.

Decrease in levels of anxiety.

text from Dr. Harper's website http://sarahuntharper.com/index.html

Find out more about Dr. Harper at http://sarahuntharper.com/about.html


Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you. Also note that we have moved into a bigger space - Haggar Hall (across from Classroom A).

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

General Overview

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

2nd Mondays of the month, 6:30 - 8 PM

Fogelson Building

Haggar Hall

We celebrate our 9th year anniversary in June 2010!!!

Lifelines functions primarily as an educational forum. We also hold group discussions every few months.

Mission Statement Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group strives to address the various issues that arise during the rehabilitation/recovery period through support, information and education. The group serves to educate its members about brain injury, how to improve brain health and the possibility of recovering brain function. Lifelines also provides an open forum where survivors, caregivers and health care professionals may meet and share their experiences. This exchange allows the group to address quality of life issues.

Philosophy Every individual, whether brain injured or not, has suffered some type of affliction. The emphasis for healing and recovery is not to focus on what has happened but instead to focus on what a person can accomplish in the aftermath of tragedy. What is most important is how a person responds to life's challenges. We are survivors. We are not victims.


Purpose "For human beings adaptation to change cannot take place through instincts. It has to take place through something called awareness, motivation, free will and the ability to anticipate the future." Self-Healing: A Personal History, René DuBos from The Healing Brain, A Scientific Reader, Edited by Ornstein/Swencionis

Goals • To assist patients during the rehabilitation/recovery phase of brain injury by providing education about the brain, brain health and the possibility of recovering brain function. • To identify the “silent epidemic” of brain injury and offer a forum for patients and their caregivers to feel supported and find direction during this period of adjustment. • To allow for exchange of thoughts, ideas and experiences.

Calendar - 2010 meeting dates

January 11 - Sara Hunt Harper, Ph.D. - Animal Therapy (meeting will include live animals)

February 8 - Miller Henry Service Group - Applying for Social Security Benefits

March 8 - Jane Shook, M.S., CCC, SLP - Sensory Integration and The Listening Program

April 12 - Kurt Johnson, Founder, American Power Yoga - Introduction to Yoga

May 10 - Karen Sacks, RN - Stroke Awareness Month - New Treatment for Stroke

June 14 - 9th year anniversary - Discussion - Where we've been and where we're going

July 12 - Lynda Gail Jones, member, health care professional - Collage as therapy

August 9 - Jerry Morle, minister - Group discussion on Spiritual Health

September 13 - Dr. Jonathan Walker - Neurofeedback for brain injury

October 11 - Discussion group, TBA

November 8 - Jane Shook, M.S., CCC, SLP - Sensory Integration and The Interactive Metronome

December 13 - Holiday Social at Cafe Express, Mockingbird Station



For the purposes of our group, the most important thing to realize is that the mechanism by which the brain was injured (automobile accident, fall, stroke, ruptured brain aneurysm/brain surgery, congenital) is most significant during the acute phase of care - hospitalization - and post acute - first stages of rehabilitation. When it comes time to address the physical and cognitive deficits in the recovery/rehabilitation/remediation phase, there are enough similarities between the brain insults that allow survivors to meet under an umbrella group.

Our group members have experienced traumatic brain injury, mild traumatic brain injury, acquired brain injury such as ruptured brain aneurysm/brain surgery and stroke and congenital brain injury. Caregivers, other family members (adults only), friends, and health care professionals also attend the meetings.

The challenges faced by survivors depend on what type of brain injury has occurred, so we have a range in physical and cognitive abilities. We usually have an average of 15 people attending presentations.

Past speakers include Dr. Harold Crasilneck presenting the effects of hypnotherapy, Drs. Gray Atkins, Jonathan Walker, Marvin Sams and Sara Hunt Harper discussing neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback techniques), Tracy Sellers introducing Brain Gym, Betty Erickson (daughter of Milton Erickson) giving a "reality check" with emotionally healthy ways to approach life, Dr. Fran Assaf presenting CranioSacral Therapy, Dr. Steve Lomber detailing how the brain overcomes injury, Roger Stainbrook and Elijah Hawken discussing the benefits of acupuncture, Dr. John-Claude Krusz discussing neuropharmocology, and Dr. Richard Fulbright presenting two lectures - one about neuropsychological testing and the other about psychosocial outcomes following traumatic brain injury.

Note: Additional information is listed under the 2007 posts. For Fun Things to Do, click on June 2007; for Free Things to Do, click on May 2007; for Resource Information, click on May 2007; for information on different therapies/remediating brain injury, click on August 2007.

For more information and/questions about the group, please contact Kimberly at aikmank@gmail.com. Please note that meetings are for adults only - we do not have the facilities to accommodate children.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Haggar Hall
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231

Map:http://www.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=&daddr=8200+Walnut+Hill+LN+Dallas,+TX+75231&iwstate1=dir:to&oi=manybox&ct=16&cd=1&resnum=1

When turning into the campus from eastbound Walnut Hill, the best route to take may be the driveway prior to the light for the main entrance. The driveway curves away from the main entrance (direction towards North Central Expressway) and the entry to the parking lot is on the left (gated entry). The Fogelson Building has a small dome on top and is next to the Margot Perot Center.

Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Haggar Hall is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: November 9, 2009

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The November meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 9th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

We will introduce the concept of "Art as therapy" with a hands-on arts and craft session. Sherry Aikman, an artist with 30 years of experience, will teach us the joyous craft of ornament making - just in time for the holidays!

According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), Art Therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress, and the traumatic experiences, enhance cognitive abilities, and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art. (AATA, 2002)

Art making is a nonverbal tool that can be used to enhance communication about emotional and internal conflicts. It provides the opportunity to listen with one’s eyes. The common tendency of individuals to tune out what they prefer not to hear makes visual images powerful tools…(Landgarten, 1981)

Some benefits include increased stamina and tolerance to various environmental barriers, increased dexterity and hand-eye coordination, improved initiation of sequential events, increased on-task duration and reduction of agitation.

text from "Alternate therapies in the treatment of brain injury and neurobehavioral disorders" by Gregory Jay Murray

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.

Next meeting: October 12, 2009

Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group
meeting at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas.


The October meeting is scheduled for Monday, the 12th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (directions below).

We will be having a group discussion about "Turning Weaknesses into Strengths".

All human situations are powerfully influenced by individual perceptions of a situation. The affirmation for this meeting - I accept my strengths and weaknesses - is a way of getting individuals to perceive their new life situation in an affirming and accepting light. We cannot change the fact that we have a brain injury, but we can change how we think about it. People who study the effects of the mind on healing are learning that attitude is very important to healing. Unresolved conflict, internalized anger and fear can combine to suppress the immune system. Stress keeps us sick, while dealing openly with emotions is healthy and wise.

Remember that emotions aren't right or wrong - they just are. The purpose of the group meeting is to find positive ways to look at what may now be perceived as a negative experience.

Questions to consider:

1. How can you put yourself in a learning environment where your abilities are affirmed rather than denied?

2. What activities, groups, or individuals help you affirm your self-worth?

3. Reflect back on the positive changes that have taken place since your brain injury. Think back to how you were one to three weeks post brain injury. Is that different from now? Can you give yourself credit for the progress you have made?

4. Are you being realistic about what you can do and what you can't do? Are you allowing others to do things for you that you might be able to do yourself?

Brain injury survivors can turn weaknesses into strengths by honestly assessing their progress and by challenging themselves to set realistic goals that move them forward toward more independence. Even a small step forward boosts self-worth and gives people the motivation to try a little harder for the next step. Remember that a little frustration is good, because it mobilizes you to take that next step.

Text courtesy of The National Stroke Association's Discovery Circles manual.

You are invited to participate as much or as little as you are comfortable with. If you have a specific example you would like to talk about, we will spend some time during the meeting in a collective brainstorming session and come up with ways to turn specific weaknesses into strengths.

Please send a reply email to Kimberly Aikman (aikmank@gmail.com) or call 214 289 0286 so we know to expect you.

Directions to Presbyterian Hospital:
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is located on Walnut Hill Lane, just east of U.S. 75 (Central Expressway). The meetings are in the

Fogelson Building, Ground Floor, Classroom A

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas

8200 Walnut Hill Lane

Dallas, TX 75231

When turning into the campus from Walnut Hill, the best route of entry may be the driveway prior to the light. The Fogelson Building is to the right when facing the main hospital entrance, and is next to the Margot Perot Center. Using the underground parking is the easiest way to reach the meeting location; if entering from the main floor, cross the foyer (past the stairs) and take the elevators to the ground floor. Classroom A is to the left off the elevators.

Remember that parking is now free! Be sure to get your validation sticker at the start of the meeting.

Neither Lifelines: The Brain Injury Support Group nor Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas support, endorse or recommend any method, treatment, or a program for persons with a brain injury. The intent of the group is to provide support and make information available. Attendance in the group is not a substitute for an informed discussion between a patient and his/her health care provider. No endorsement is intended nor implied.