Meet Ryan Fiedler
The Brain Cave, an adult support group for adult men who have survived a brain injury of any type, has a new facilitator!
“That’s the greatest advantage of being in a support group; people get what you’re talking about because they’ve experienced it themselves.”
Meet Ryan Fiedler
The Brain Cave, an adult support group for adult men who have survived a brain injury of any type, has a new facilitator!
“That’s the greatest advantage of being in a support group; people get what you’re talking about because they’ve experienced it themselves.”
Ryan Fiedler, a licensed trauma therapist with Trauma Therapy AZ, brings a wealth of experience to the virtual, conversation-based group. Over the past 15 years, Fiedler has worked in a variety of settings, including community-based trauma centers. During that time, he also facilitated a variety of support groups.
Fiedler’s exposure to the brain injury community stems from his work leading both substance abuse and crisis support groups.
“People who have brain injuries, a lot of time they can get overwhelmed and a lot of times their coping skills aren’t adequate, so they need that extra support,” Fiedler said.
He takes a very open approach to support group facilitation, letting the conversation flow and participants discover what they need through conversation in an accepting environment.
“I’m a very go with the flow kind of person, and I don’t want to impose myself on their process,” Fiedler said.
Though survivors of brain injury can be hesitant about getting support in a group environment, Fiedler said talking to others with shared experiences can be extremely beneficial for people navigating their new normal.
“There’s a community out there that can support you,” Fiedler said. “I know it can be intimidating, especially because maybe people they’ve spoken with in the past haven’t been as understanding about what they’re going through.”
That’s where a group of people dealing with similar or even the same challenges comes in.
“But that’s the greatest advantage of being in a support group,” Fiedler said. “People get what you’re talking about because they’ve experienced it themselves.”
In his free time, Fiedler likes to practice painting, a hobby he picked up during Covid. He is also teaching himself to play bass guitar after borrowing his friend’s bass for a bit.
“I try to practice what I preach,” Fiedler said. “I think developing coping skills is an ongoing process, so I’m always looking for, not just ways to cope, but things I can do to keep myself busy,” he said.
The Brain Cave meets via Zoom on the first Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Contact is Will Grove outreach@biaaz.org or call (602) 508-8024 x104 for more information.
ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA
The Brain Injury Association of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.
What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.