The Emotional Journey of Scoliosis: For parents dealing with their children’s diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis - Tapa blanda

This book is written for parents dealing with their children’s diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. It is an inspiring account of living with scoliosis combined with insights of a psychologist. Adolescent scoliosis is a challenging spinal condition that can leave an emotional impact on the individual and their family, in some instances, over the lifespan of an individual. Diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis over 40 years ago, at the age of 13, Reshmi underwent treatment in Australia in 1974 with corrective surgeries in adulthood. At the time, she decided to chronicle her journey with scoliosis, combining lived experience with her professional expertise as a psychologist to help those whose lives scoliosis has impacted. ‘The Emotional Journey of Scoliosis’ is written to give hope to parents and adolescents dealing with scoliosis. This book discusses the multitude of emotions experienced from time of diagnosis to treatment with a self-help guide to navigate the emotional journey. Written to highlight the advances in medical science since the 70’s, the book inspires and gives hope to parents whose children require surgery for AIS. Parents whose children have other types of scoliosis, or indeed another medical condition can also benefit from reading this book since the emotional journey of a new diagnosis can be universal. Reshmi’s intention is to help families face up to scoliosis with inner strength and learn to be a survivor. This book is also beneficial for health and mental health care professionals to understand the plight of individuals and families impacted by a new medical diagnosis.

Reshmi Pal is a registered psychologist in private practice in Sydney, Australia. She has over 25 years of clinical experience in adolescent, adult, family and couple therapy in both the public and private sectors. Reshmi graduated with Master of Education (Psychology) from the University of New South Wales in 1984. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society, the APS College of Educational Developmental Psychologists, and the APS College of Counselling Psychologists. Currently, Reshmi works in independent private practice. Reshmi lives in Sydney with her husband and two boys.