Katherine and I are so glad you found your way to our site. We thought it would be helpful to tell you more about our professional background and what makes us qualified to be building this program. Our licensing and certification is denoted by the initials MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS written after our names. The first part of that title, “MS, CCC-SLP”, signifies completion of a Master’s degree program in Communication Sciences & Disorders, as well as national certification through ASHA, which are the standard requirements for all licensed SLPs. Both Katherine and I chose to pursue an additional, specialized credential known as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). This title is a nationally recognized credential offered by the Brain Injury Association of America.
To obtain this certification, a clinician must have at least 500 hours of direct contact work experience with the brain injury population, pass a written examination and complete a continuing education requirement annually. Engaging in continuing education is the primary way clinicians remain current with research related to brain injury, ensuring that they are knowledgable in evidence-based treatment techniques integral to providing first-rate brain injury care. The title CBIS is a reflection of advanced training and work experience in the field of brain injury, including knowledge of the medical, physical, cognitive, neurobehavioral and psychosocial effects brain injury can have on survivors. Thus, when you see the acronym CBIS after a clinician’s name, it signifies you are working with someone with thorough understanding of the myriad impacts brain injury can have on daily life, as well as someone dedicated to improving the life and well-being of those living with brain injury.
So that’s a little bit about our certifications pertaining to speech therapy and brain injury. Our program at Lotus Speech & Wellness combines our experience working as speech therapists in rehabilitation settings with our shared interest in mindfulness and yoga. Check back for a future post detailing our yoga teacher training and mindfulness instruction certification programs.
Questions about the CBIS certification or about any aspect of life with brain injury? Contact us – we look forward to speaking with you.