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Testimonials“Whenever I met with Brian, he was always a very positive person. Brian took the time to understand what I was going through, to listen to my stories, and to give suggestions. Brian does this by using positive reinforcement and makes losses into strengths -- Brian could gather that I was struggling with the fact that my hearing loss was getting worse, that I was having difficulty socially as a blind person, and wasn't really sure where to go next. On the same token, Brian could tell that I was an intelligent person, that I was not alone, and I had potential. Brian's personality makes him a unique counselor in that he has the ability to take his clients' weak areas and, by encouragement and support, empower them into successful social beings. "Mike, you have a great job now, have you ever thought about a career in the computer field?" he asked me one day. I knew that Brian was blind with a severe hearing impairment. I thought to myself, if Brian can do it, then there is no reason why I can't, which is logical for a sixteen-year-old to say. Just meeting with Brian, listening to his words of praise and encouragement, and feeling his presence gave me the confidence that I needed to bring my life to the next level. After my visits with Brian, I had enough confidence to make some very key decisions. First, I made arrangements with my parents and doctors to be fitted with hearing aides, and have been wearing them ever since. They compensate for my hearing loss very well, and I often look back and say "what if I had worn them all along?" Secondly, while I certainly always wanted to attend college, I applied to many schools and decided to attend Bryant College in Smithfield, RI. I graduated from Bryant College in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in computer science and now work as a senior computer engineer for a consulting firm in Boston. I live an excellent social life -- I have many friends in the area, a loving girlfriend whom I am planning to marry some day, and a very supportive and loving family who is always there for me. I am able to get around independently using my cane throughout the streets of Boston, perform well at my job, and no doubt as a result of Brian's early encouragement, have a "can-do" and empowering atitude. Most of all, my hearing loss is compensated very well and while things may have been difficult early on, with persistence, perseverance, and determination through Brian’s guidance, I am successful both personally and professionally The beauty of all of this is that, now I am in Boston far away from Brian’s office, I can still have professional consultation through the computer. In fact, I have done this on several occasions and have found this medium to be excellent, having many advantages over office visits. I would like to thank Brian Hubbard for his encouragement, his understanding, and his friendliness. I know that I would not be where I am today if it weren't for hearing Brian's words of encouragement, positive thinking, and instilling in me that I can be the person that I want to be with hard work and determination. Everyone has losses, and some more than others, and it certainly helps to talk with others who have had similar experiences and have done well. Brian is a leader, a role model, and a strong mentor to me.” — Michael Kosior “I did not know who I was or where I was going. I was in a bad marriage with four children, no education and no way out of the mess I was in. I felt very trapped and very unhappy. A friend suggested I talk with Brian Hubbard, LICSW, a clinical social worker with an excellent reputation not only in the community, but the state as well. I was a bit nervous about meeting Brian . After I met him all fears were set aside. Brian is quite a remarkable person. He was for me the light at the end of the tunnel. I had no self confidence at all and was accustomed to doing what the world expected of me and not what I needed or wanted to do for myself. I was afraid to tell you who I was because I had no idea who I was as an individual person. As I met with Brian I found the courage to make the journey onward. I saw myself as an individual rather then an extension of someone else. When I found myself making excuses and saying ‘I can't’, Brian would always encourage me and say ‘WHY NOT?’. He would always pinpoint the barriers to my goals, and, suddenly, with Brian’s support, they wouldn’t seem so frightening. He helped me look into myself and explore my thoughts and feelings that had been shoved under the rug for so long. To look at Brian and see all he has accomplished with his life in spite of his disabilities gave me no excuse but to march forward. Brian is a truly gifted person and has been an inspiration to my family and myself. With Brians help I was able to move on with my life. He encouraged me every step of the way. I went to college and I am now a Rehabilitation Nurse helping other people overcome their disabilities and to reach their maximum potential. Brian is strong, understanding and compassionate . He is an outstanding practitioner who pours his heart and soul into his lifelong works. I have moved from the east coast but often have sessions through the E- mails with Brian. To my surprise and delight, I found the Internet communication to be of no disadvantage, and, in fact, have many wonderful advantages. I was very lucky to have found Brian at a turning point in my life. Let Brian help you start your journey. “ — Barbara Kelley, RN “No one has posed questions to me the way you [Brian] do” — Doreen Kelley I was devastated whenI lost my house. The emotional upheaval was accompanied by some severe physical symptoms. A medical doctor suggested Brian J. Hubbard, LICSW. I found Brian to be extremely helpful. His unique circumstances and friendly professional demeanor wer the necessary medium to greatly assist me in working through my anguish and find far more productive coping strategies and to get my life not only on track, but to use the positive attitudes in extending my previous limits. I have consulted with Brian on many occasions online. I find this to be such an excellent alternative with many advantages” D.Kent I had been struggling with depression and low self esteem for years. I had been to many psychotherapists. Finally, I went to Brian Hubbard through a referral in the community. The results were, put simply, amazing. I learned different ways to look at things, to esteem myself and to think positively. Others in the community and my family noticed as well. Having been a life long resident of Newport County, I have heard many express that, without a doubt, that Brian Hubbard is one of the best therapists anywhere. His demeanor is warm and engaging, his style is direct, but not threatening in the least (in part due to a great sense of humor) and the overall results werehighly positive to say the least. I can not speak highly enough of him. The manner in which he deals with his disabilities are truly inspirational. Additionally, he has accomplished so much, one can not help being incredibly impressed Frank Zweir I was partially paralyzed from the waist due to an accident. My wife, a physical therapist at RI Hospital, heard great things about Brian Hubbard and referred me to him. I had thoughts about suicide. However, Brian Hubbard changed my life. He encouraged me to be a doer and reach my fullest potential. I now own my own business and my family life is even more fulfilling than before my accident. I now can continue my therapy with Brian at EmpowermentTherapy.com online. Considering my disability, this has proven to be an enormous advantage. G. LeBlanc I was truly down and out with life. My marriage was very unhappy. A relative who had also been to Brian Hubbard suggested that I give him a call. That call changed my life forever. I can not stop thinking positively even if I tried, even in the most challenging of situations. I went back to school and obtained my degree in Business Administration. Furthermore, I was very inspired by Brian’s remarkable abilities ot deal with his disabilities. One can write all the words, but you really have to interact with him to understand how gifted he is. I was very upset when I had to relocate and did not feel therapy to be over. His online counseling program was what I needed. Although I would have preferred to continue office visits, I found that the online version to have so many advantages that I would have undoubtedly chosen that option had I not moved away. G. Bucci I learned of Brian Hubbard through another public assistance recipient. I had been to several different therapists and found myself getting nowhere. Brian was one of the few highly trained psychotherapists who accepted public assistance recipients as clients. My counseling experience with him was incredible. He felt I wa able to terminate after about a year, but he was so helpful I didn’t want to stop. Therapy finally ended with his sensitive support and I am very proud of the results. I have much more confidence with myself, have met a wonderful man and now am fully employed. I plan to go back to school. As great as a therapist Brian is, I couldn’t help thinking ‘if he can do it, I can do it. Connie S. “I am very impressed with your [Brian J. Hubbard] ability to communicate!” B. Durham “I found online counseling with Brian Hubbard to be extremely helpful. I was depressed and overwhelmed with my life, also coping with my father who lived alone and was terminally ill. My schedule was so busy I never would have have the time to schedule office appointments, especially if I wanted to be helped by someone like Brian Hubbard with his particular skills in dealing with losses. What a great alternative online support was.” J. Brown Quotes from Professional Journals“Psychotherapist Walz (1996) noted that the information highway allows counselors to overcome problems of distance and time to offer opportunities for networking and interacting not otherwise available. Counseling can be delivered by means of the Internet to geographically remote, currently underserved locations by a wider range of specialists. Clients with physical disabilities would have the option of choosing to receive counseling services at their residence.” Title: new wave of innovations in psychology Source: Review of General Psychology Vol 5(3), Sep 2001 “Evaluations of distance psychotherapy such as e-mail and the telephone indicate that the majority of clients were satisfied to very satisfied with the service, found the service to be helpful to very helpful or rated the service as good or very good . They also found internet counseling to be effective in serving home-based women. Experimenters furthermore noted that telephone and Internet counseling attracted previously underserved clients, including home-based women and persons with a disability. It was also found that most telephone counseling clients had not sought previous counseling or information. It appears that clients are willing to use and respond favorably to counseling and information services when the counselor is in a remote location. Furthermore, these type of services appear to reach a variety of clients, including previously underserved clients.” Title: COUNSELING ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY “Internet counseling is recommended when (a) a qualified local counselor is not readily available and this limited availability is likely to result in clients not receiving needed services; (b) the needs of the client clearly require highly specialized counseling expertise beyond the skills of the local counselor or other local professionals and the client and local counselor are willing to engage in co-counseling; and (c) one member of a couple is geographically separated,making it impossible to deliver couples counseling in any other manner.” Source: Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, March-April 2002 “E-mails and real-time interactive video can help patients get help. Need mental health help? Dial on up. The Internet overflows with cyber-analysis and shrinks.com, psychotherapy chat rooms and self-help articles on depression, substance abuse and jealousy. Heaven forbid, you say. Using the Internet for behavioral help is relatively new . . . possibly unhelpful. Maybe, but 24 million Americans disagree. According to a Harris poll, they are on the Internet now, searching for mental health information, and CBS News estimates they are finding more than 200 websites dedicated to mental health and more than 350 individual therapists on the Web. What's the draw? In part, anonymity and a sense of safety. Writing to a monitor may be easier than confronting a live therapist. Cost, too, is a factor, as is physical accessibility to a therapist who's a good match vs. online accessibility. Plus, millions of people are already comfortable communicating and conducting business online--so why not therapy?” Source: Health Management Technology, Feb 2001 v22 i2 p24. Title: Psychotherapy Online.(Internet/Web/Online Service Information) “Five of the most prominent benefits cited include the following: 1) the ability to reach clients in remote areas or those who have the inability to access a therapist due to lack of transportation or physical disability (Sampson, Kolodinsky & Greeno 1997), 2) the ability to schedule sessions at times convenient for both the client and therapist that would otherwise be unmanageable, 3) the ability to establish a permanent record of the therapeutic communication, 4) the ability to access psychotherapists with specialized training, and 5) the ability for clients to reveal information more freely then they might otherwise in a psychotherapy session Source: Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, March-April 2002 Comments from Congressional and Other Professional Leaders"I highly commend you For your outstanding accomplishments both as an athlete - with the U. S. Disabled Ski Team and as Founder and President of Counseling for Independent Living, the nation’s first program to provide high quality counseling to the disabled on a community based level. You serve as an excellent role model . . . and I am confident your program will meet and surpass its goal of improving the quality of lives. " Senator Edward M. Kennedy, United States Senate, "I serve on the Board of Directors for CIL and have worked with its Director, Brian Hubbard, who is regarded as a national advocate and leader for the needsof disabled Americans." Senator John Hubbard Chafee, U.S. Senate “These achievements has been accomplished primarily through the leadership of Brian Hubbard, who has served both as a valuable professional and role model for the American people." Congressman Patrick Kennedy, US House of Representatives “They are fortunate to have the leadership of Brian J. Hubbard, LICSW, who is not only an outstanding leader in the rehabilitation field, but who is also an outstanding athlete as well by becoming a member of the US Disabled Ski team." Senator Claiborne Pell, U.S. Senate "Your credentials and accomplishments are extremely impressive and your commitment to improving the quality of lives of others with disabilities is to be commended." Senator Bob Dole, United States Senate “The concept of counseling to promote "Self Actualization" among persons with disabilities is a great one. You and your organization are leading the way for this concept to be duplicated throughout the country. I applaud your efforts in this area and am confident in your continued success." Faith Kir, Mr. Hubbard is extremely well known and respected for his leadership role in social work. He is the founder and past President of Counseling for Independent Living, the nation's first program to provide professional and mental health services to the disabled and chronically medically ill population on a community-based level.” George Metrey, PhD, “Brian Hubbard is an exceptionally gifted social work clinician, administrator, consultant, lecturer and author.” Robert Treichler, LICSW, “I know Mr. Hubbard very well as an outstanding individual in the community and as a exceptionally well qualified professional, and without a doubt do know that he can serve such patients well, not only disabled patients but patients with chronic illness and other traumas as well.” Oreste Zaklynsky “Brian Hubbard's energy, intellect, and leadership capacity make him a powerful individual capable of making tremendously positive contribution to most businesses, organizations and/or any advocacy and consumer groups for the disabled, the chronically ill as well as the elderly.” Sherry J. Campanelli "Brian Hubbard is one of my inspirations. Despite his severe visual and auditory problems due to Usher's syndrome, he communicates better than any person I know and on numerous levels. Through his books, lectures and website, he motivates people with and without disabilities to capitalize on their assets and improve their quality of life. His upbeat, can-do attitude for overcoming disabilities is contagious and therapeutic to all who come in contact with him" Cliff Megerian, MD “Having worked closely with nationally renowned leader, Brian J. Hubbard, LICSW, for a number of years, we find them to be a unique, dynamic organization committed to the counseling and psychosocial needs of disabled persons, especially those with severe disabilities. Their training assists our vocational rehabilitation counselors to acquire additional skills needed to provide quality vocational rehabilitation services to severely disabled consumers. CIL [former rehab program founded by Brian Hubbard] is the first of its kind in the nation, and Brian Hubbard has become a true pioneer in the field of rehabilitation" David A. Long, Area "Although our programs are primarily focused on pre-service training, we will be happy to assist CIL in their innovative program in whatever way we can, and look forward to continued collaboration with this exciting program at Counseling for Independent Living (CIL) led by Brian Hubbard, LICSW, DCSW, their extremely skilled leader who has so successfully challenged blindness and profound hearing impairment." Patricia B. Nemec, Ph. D. "The training and services provided by Counseling for Independent Living (CIL) led by their outstanding leader, Brian J. Hubbard, LICSW, a supreme role model, are an absolute priority in the field of rehabilitation and special education. Personal empowerment is central to the lives of all people, and especially suited to the unique needs and characteristics of persons with disabilities. For too long our field has not considered the individual's goals and aspirations in the rehabilitation process. The method CIL has implemented with success in their previous work addresses this weakness and empowers the individual to take control of his or her own life." Michael Bullis, Ph.D. "CIL (Counseling for Independent Living) is establishing a national precedent which inevitably will go a long way in providing invaluable services to promote a higher degree of social integration for the disabled community. Their founder, Brian Hubbard, has been ingenious in setting a national precedent with a program like CIL." Thomas Romeo, Director (former), Department of Mental Health, Retardation and Hospitals, State of Rhode Island "During the past two and one-half years, CIL has developed an unprecedented model of Self-Actualization and personal empowerment of persons with severe disabilities in determination of their own needs. Brian Hubbard, also Chair of the RI independent Living Council, has demonstrated true innovativeness in his state-of-the-art approach to services and has gained national recognition" William Messore, Administrator (former), Offices of Rehabilitation Services "I serve on the Board of Directors for CIL, and have worked with its Director, Brian Hubbard, who is regarded as a national advocate and leader for the needs of disabled Americans." John H. Chafee "Brian is the type of person who inspires others: Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes our deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light Brian does this exceptionally well on and off line." Judith A. Berry |