My Story
The first thing people notice about me is that I use a wheelchair for mobility. I often get asked about this and have no problem sharing my story. What happened to me is quite literally something that happens every day. I was in a car accident. My driver got distracted and my life changed very drastically.
I was in the hospital for 6 months. For almost 3 of them I could not talk because I was on a machine that allowed me to only breathe, in addition my throat was too swollen to talk. I could not shrug or move my body at all due to the paralysis and a halo that was keeping my spine in place. My means of communication was blinking; one blink for ‘yes’, two blinks for ‘no’.
An amazing occurrence occurred when I was mute; I found that I could really listen to others around me, for what felt like the first time. I heard the most amazing and interesting stories from different people who came into my hospital room. I found that being able to really listen to someone was a beautiful exchange and I found that I wanted to carry this ability into my new life. Though was not sure what that would look like.
I began college classes two weeks after getting discharged from the hospital. I found that I loved to learn about communication, relationships and how the brain takes in information. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in psychology I went onto Grad school and attained two master degrees: one in Rehabilitation Counseling which focuses on employment and disabilities, the second in Clinical Counseling with an emphasis in Couples and Families.
I was a case manger at Craig Hospital, where I started my career as a woman with a disability. Later I transitioned to working at the Chanda Center for Health as their Behavioral Health Therapist, where I was able to utilize a culmination of my skills. Now, a decade post graduate school, I am here, and happy to roll beside you during your journey. Call or email me: what is the worst that can happen?
Nicole Miller Licensed Professional Counselor & Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
Masters Level Behavioral Health Therapist