Professional
In August of 1967 — at the age of 10 — I was in an automobile accident with my family. In the accident I sustained an open skull fracture with right frontal lobe damage, a severe brain contusion with brain stem involvement. Subsequent to my traumatic brain injury I remained in a coma for 3 weeks. In 1967 neurological rehabilitation was not available to me. Consequently, I was essentially on my own in my neurological rehabilitation process. I taught myself — with the encouragement of family members — how to walk, talk, read, write and speak in complete sentences.
Although my parents were told that I would probably not be able to succeed beyond high school academically I went on to obtain both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I obtained my Bachelor degree in 1985 with a major in Theology and a minor in Physical Education / Recreation from Oral Roberts University. I obtained my Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1990 from the University of Kentucky.
Part of my professional service provision has included working within a 28 day residential chemical dependency program — with dually diagnosed individuals, within both the private and public sectors as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor — serving individuals with various types of disabilities, in nursing — assisting individuals in extended care facilities. As a master’s level rehabilitation counselor I have also worked with in a day treatment / partial hospitalization program providing encouragement, empowerment and hope to adults with mental illness. I have also worked with in both the funeral and cemetery industries assisting individuals and families.
On a Personal Note
During the past 42 years I have lived with an invisible disability. Of those 42 years, 36 were lived with out my awareness concerning the significance and impact of my traumatic brain injury. Consequently, I had the experience of living with a traumatic brain injury with out the support, insight and understanding from individuals — in both my personal and professional life. Consequently, I had to develop and apply various principles and strategies to encourage, motivate and empower my process.
My research, studies and professional experience have prepared me to be of service to individuals and organizations in a holistic manner.
On February 6, 2007 I created Second Chance to Live to share a message of hope for anyone who has been touched by trauma, abuse or adversity. The articles that I write and publish for Second Chance to Live contain information that will enhance anyone’s life — regardless of their disability, demographic position or lot in life.
I believe our circumstances are not meant to keep us down, but they are meant to build us up.
If you are interested you may discover how Second Chance to Live has contributed to the lives of various individuals and organizations on my Testimonial / Endorsement page.
Through Second Chance to Live I provide a unique perspective. Consequently, I believe material from Second Chance to Live will enhance the lives of both professional and non-professional service care providers, thereby increasing their productivity and effectiveness.
To date I have written a total of 506 articles for Second Chance to Live. These articles can be found listed with in my Site Map.
Please let me know how may I be a part of your vision, mission and enhanced service care provision. I am ready to be of service to the individuals that you serve, your staff and your organization.
Media Page , Speaker Page, Contact Page.
Thank you for your time and have a simply phenomenal day.
Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA
Second Chance to Live
All material presented on Second Chance to Live is copyright and cannot be copied, reproduced, or distributed in any way without the express, written consent of Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA
Eben Kotze said
The thought of having to live my future life alone without peoples understanding of my situation.
I was in a motorcycle accident 5 jears ago last night, wich left me in a come for a month.
I will be reading thru youre website as the days go by .
Thank you for being so strong for us.
secondchancetolive said
Hi Eben,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your kindness my friend. I am available to you. If you have questions please feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer those questions with the information available to me — through my experience, strength and hope as well as my professional background.
I have a Site Map http://secondchancetolive.wordpress.com/site-map/ that currently contains 460 articles that I have written since I created Second Chance to Live on February 6, 2007. Take your time reading through the articles. There is no rush. If I may suggest please read my testimonial / endorsement page. http://secondchancetolive.wordpress.com/testimonialsendorsements/. You are not alone Eben.
Eben, many of the articles that I have written for Second Chance to Live have traumatic brain injury or living with a disability in their titles, however many do not Eben. Each of the articles has been designed to present information in such a way to encourage, motivate, empower and give hope.
I wrote an article several years ago that you may find to be helpful my friend. The Power of Identification.I have found that identification rather than comparison empowers and breeds hope: http://secondchancetolive.wordpress.com/2007/04/18/the-power-of-identification/. Give the article a read and let me know what you think Eben. Thank you.
I look forward to hearing from you Eben.
Have a pleasant day and God bless both you and your family Eben.
Craig
Second Chance to Live : The Brain Injury Association of Canada said
[...] insight into my professional experience please read my Professionals Page. You may also gain further insight into my journey by reading my About Page. Although I was not [...]
secondchancetolive said
Dear Brain Injury Association of Canada,
Thank you so very much for publishing my article on your web site. I am truly honored and look forward to being of service to your readers. Please let me know if I may be of service to the Brain Injury Association of Canada. I look forward to the opportunity.
Have a terrific Tuesday and thank you again for your kindness.
Craig