800x600 Richard John Tscherne chronicles a lifetime journey to find humility, acceptance, love and empowerment in his inspirational new memoir, “The Little Engine That Did It” (published by Balboa Press). “This story is about how we all have our own journey with many hills and valleys, even some dark tunnels to dredge through,” says Tscherne. “It is only when we begin to process these experiences that they begin to transform into life experiences versus viewing them as negative experiences.” Tscherne, who was born with cerebral palsy, says that his journey has basically been one of self-love. For many years, he stubbornly refused to accept his condition. When he finally stopped fighting it, he found himself evolving into a better person. “I became humble and empowered and began to understand love,” he recalls. In sharing his story, Tscherne hopes to give a voice to others in similar situations. “My desire is to create a dialogue between people with and without disabilitiesand for us to understand that we have more in common than not.”  

Richard John Tscherne, who holds a BA in Psychology from Adelphi University, an MS in Education from Hofstra University, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University, is a certified rehabilitation counselor through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) since 1988 and a licensed clinical psychologist through the University of the State of New York Education Department since 2010. For the past 20 years, Dr. Tscherne has been a certified rehabilitation counselor working with individuals with disabilities. Inspired by his own obstacles due to his cerebral palsy, he has strived to empower others with disabilities in helping them take charge of their lives. Three years after earning his license as a clinical psychologist Dr. Tscherne founded Little Engine Consultants in November 2013. He assists people in changing the way they perceive themselves with various types of cognitive behavioral techniques, which include breathing and meditation exercises. He also incorporates eastern and transpersonal ideas into his practice.