Practical approaches to effective family intervention after brain injury

Rehabilitation professionals have become increasingly aware that traumatic brain injury has a long-term adverse impact on family members as well as on survivors. Family members often have a critical supporting role in the recovery process, and researchers have identified a relationship between caregiver well-being and survivor outcome. Drawing from the fields of family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and individual psychotherapy, this article provides information to help clinicians effectively serve families. First, historically important and widely cited publications are reviewed and their implications for practice are discussed. Recommendations for developing successful therapeutic alliances are provided along with a rationale for their importance. Descriptions of common challenges and issues faced by families are presented along with corresponding therapeutic goals. Intervention principles and strategies, selectively chosen to help family members achieve therapeutic goals, are discussed. The article concludes with a presentation of ideas to help practitioners and systems of care more effectively help family members adjust and live fulfilling lives.