Laura Tuck, PsyD

Psychologist, Memphis VA Medical Center

Dr. Laura Tuck is a rehabilitation psychologist specializing in working with people who have chronic illness and injury. She specializes in functional restoration for pain management, response to illness and injury, sense of identity after life events such as a spinal cord injury, and engagement in adaptive health behaviors (ex. sleep, nutrition/weight management, reactivation, and mind-body skills such as meditation and relaxation). She enjoys working with the patient and their support group to enhance independence, functioning, and quality of life. She is employed by VA Puget Sound.

Dr. Tuck’s video interview addresses the basic psychological adjustments to a spinal cord injury. She covers how to help newly injured patients and families develop an understanding of the injury, resistance to using a wheelchair, tackling the question, “will I ever walk again?” knowing when to recommend psychotherapy, and directing patients to group therapy and peer mentoring.