When my friend Cait first told me about her brain injury from a college lacrosse game, I was taken aback by the gravity of her situation and the resilience she's shown since. Her two-year confinement to a dark room, once a standard treatment for such injuries, speaks volumes about the evolution of medical understanding and the personal strength required to endure such isolation.

Our conversation peels back the layers of her experiences, from the initial misdiagnosis to the eventual discovery of a life-threatening cyst, revealing a story of transformation as much as it is about recovery. Cait's emotional journey, and the critical support of family and friends, illustrates the profound ways we lean on each other through adversity, and how such bonds can guide us to unexpected havens of healing, like the yurt village that became her sanctuary.

The power of community takes on new meaning as we traverse Kate's path to healing and advocacy. Discovering a network that understands the intricacies of post-concussion syndrome was a turning point, not just for Cait, but also for me as I navigated my own recovery. Stories from the Love Your Brain community and the idyllic setting of an off-grid yurt underscore the holistic approach to healing that combines therapy, self-reflection, and the nurturing embrace of nature. Cait's transition into an advocate and support leader, culminating in the founding of Concussed, transforms her struggles into a beacon of hope for others grappling with the invisible challenges of brain injuries.

Our series closes with an exploration of the "second self" that emerges in the aftermath of a brain injury, a concept that rejects the limiting idea of a "new normal." Through intimate discussions around therapy, community support, and personal growth, we shed light on the importance of education and empowerment in concussion management. As Cait steps into her role as a psychotherapist, we celebrate the symbiosis between professional passion and the desire to support others.

Join us as we honor the journey of resilience, the significance of heartfelt connections, and the indelible lessons we carry forward together.

To Connect with Cait:

Concussed. -- https://www.concussedcait.com/

CO Brain Injury Therapy -- https://cobraininjurytherapy.com/

Psychology Today profile -- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/caitlin-ward-arvada-co/1277572?preview=1&return_to=https://member.psychologytoday.com/us/profile

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