Awareness and goal setting with the traumatically brain injured

One of the most disabling effects of traumatic brain injury is limited awareness of cognitive, emotional and interpersonal functioning. For this reason it is often difficult for a traumatically brain-injured person to form realistic goals and appreciate the need for rehabilitation. A goal-setting process is outlined in which therapists play a supportive but nondirective role and goals are developed which incorporate information in self-awareness. The aim of this approach is to create goals which are realistic and increase the likelihood of maintenance following treatment. Specific strategies to incorporate patient awareness during goal setting are discussed.