Dear Therapy In Action,

Six weeks ago I received a call from my doctor telling me I had thyroid cancer. My emotional reaction to these words was akin to hearing my son’s diagnosis of autism. In a millisecond all the concerns that had seemed so important changed forever. The journey was now altogether different and would require a whole new set of emotional and physical tools for my son, for our family and for our community of friends.

A year before we had an official diagnosis the teachers at my son’s preschool noted motoric delays and suggested we contact Therapy In Action. The first time we entered the building my shoulders went down two inches. My son looked forward to what he perceived as playtime. And I know that we were both relaxed because we were in an accepting environment. I hadn’t before that moment realized what a strain it can be to constantly function within the perimeters of the typical world. It can be overwhelming and depressing at times and I have always found Therapy In Action to be a welcome relief from that.

After reading Jean Ayres’ lucid, lay person-friendly book I was doubly impressed by the way in which Therapy In Action reflects her philosophies. Like many parents with special needs children, our family had made use of a variety of interventions. Some work from the outside in and some from the inside out. As an actress, I have often likened Therapy In action to what one Russian director once said to me.

“if you find the right gesture, the emotional life will come.” I think Jean Ayres would agree. Over and over, we have seen our son’s body relax and his ability to focus increase. Also he has taken great pride in being able to master certain physical skills that I am convinced he would not have mastered had it not been for the patient, steady work with Lisa Gliege & Karyl Babayova.

We were involved with Therapy In Action for nearly three years and my son recently graduated. In that time we worked with Lisa and Karyl. Their caring, kindness, patience and straightforward expertise have made a major difference in our son’s life and we will be forever grateful to them. The support and advice we received from Sue Knox and Patty Kirby have been in invaluable. The community of parents in the waiting room or in the therapy rooms have shown me what love is really all about. I am forever changed and humbled by their unflagging love for their children. Sometimes we exchanged names and phone numbers and sometimes just understanding glances. Sometimes we just stayed quiet so someone could get a five minute nap. Whatever the exchange, we were all there for the same purpose; to support our children in a place that was supporting all of us. Therapy In Action remains an oasis of support and hope and joy in our own unique journey. Respectfully submitted.

Kate LaZebnik