A family experiential model of recovery after brain injury

Pamela S Klonoff1, Edward Koberstein, Melanie C Talley

  • 1Center for Transitional NeuroRehabilitation, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85013, USA. Pamela.klonoff@chw.edu

The Family Experiential Model (FEM) described in this article is a therapeutic "navigation tool" for families traversing the recovery process with their loved one after brain injury. Its conception furnishes a personal voice and the pragmatic "stoplight model" depicts how the family's myriad of powerful emotions affects the chosen path in the rehabilitation and recovery process. As an example of mentalizing, the FEM is a healing tool that instills mutual insight and empathy among the family, psychotherapist, and patient. The application of the FEM to individual and group treatment in a holistic treatment milieu is also described.

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