Brain Injury Sessions

The Journey has developed seven sessions covering key issues for workers in brain injury. These sessions can be provided individually or as a series.

Introduction to Brain Injury

This session provides participants with an overview of the link between the brain and common outcomes of brain injury. The effects of cognitive impairment are explained and simple strategies for working with people who have brain injury are introduced.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to identify the causes of brain injury
to demonstrate a basic understanding of the major structures of the brain
to demonstrate a basic understanding of the functions of the brain
to describe the common outcomes of brain injury
to understand the impact of cognitive impairment on a person’s life
to develop a framework for strategies to use when working with a person with brain injury.

Working with People with Cognitive Impairment

This session focuses on the ‘hidden disabilities’ that result from brain injury. It specifically looks at cognitive issues such as of lack of motivation, lack of initiation, short term memory loss and poor planning. Participants will build on their knowledge about the effects of brain injury and will begin to explore ways of working effectively with a person with brain injury.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to describe the effects of brain injury on cognitive ability
to understand the impact of cognitive impairment on a person’s life
to be able to gather information to develop appropriate strategies
to demonstrate an understanding of practical approaches to working with a person with cognitive impairment.

Working with People with Challenging Behaviour

In this session, participants explore their role in working with people with brain injury who have challenging behaviour. The session covers how cognitive and emotional effects of brain injury influence behaviour and assists in developing positive approaches to working with people in challenging situations.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to understand what challenging behaviour is
to be able to identify internal and external factors that may contribute to challenging behaviour
to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between damage to the brain and challenging behaviour
to have knowledge of a range of methods or tools to use when confronted with a challenging behaviour
to build a framework for developing strategies to use in response to challenging situations.

Keeping Afloat – Self-care and Boundaries

In this session participants are assisted to develop a framework for looking after themselves. The session covers identifying and managing potential risk situations, understanding the importance of boundaries and ethical standards, and creating a model for self care.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to identify why it is important to look after yourself
to demonstrate knowledge of what boundaries and ethical standards are and why they are so important
to understand and identify potential risk situations
to identify ways to maintain the health and safety of self and others.

Working with Families – a Family-sensitive Approach

This session introduces the key factors of family-sensitive practice. An understanding will be gained of the journey taken by families and the common issues faced when living with brain injury. Participants look at their role within the dynamic of the family, their approach to dealing with families and explore appropriate family-sensitive ways of responding to issues.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to demonstrate a basic family-sensitive approach to work
to acknowledge the effects of grief, trauma and loss upon the family
to identify the stages of a family’s journey
to identify and instigate ways of responding to issues that are appropriate, enhance family relationships and do not increase expressed level of burden.

Sexuality after Brain Injury

This session aims to raise participants’ awareness of the issues relating to sexuality for people with brain injury and their family and support network. The session looks at communication, the rights of all parties, and professional boundaries around sexuality. A framework for developing strategies to use in response to inappropriate sexual behaviour is explored.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to identify issues relating to sexuality in people with brain injury
to recognise the verbal and non-verbal components of communication and sexuality
to recognise the sexual needs and rights of clients and understand professional boundaries
to understand the origins of inappropriate sexual behaviour and develop effective ways of responding to it.

Community Participation – Practical Strategies

This session introduces the principles of community integration and participation. It explores the barriers to participation that are experienced by people with brain injury and provides participants with useful approaches and strategies to assist people with brain injury to reconnect with their community.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to understand of the nature of community and the importance of connection between people
to identify the barriers to community participation experienced by people living with brain injury
to appreciate the importance of a person-centred approach to community participation and involvement
to develop an ability to acknowledge the strengths of people living with brain injury and to and work with those strengths in a way that encourages meaningful community participation
to use a set of principles and strategies to assist people living with brain injury to reconnect with the community of their choice.

The ABI Workers' Forum

The Journey hosts ABI Workers Forums throughout the calendar year. These are interactive and informal events and cover a range of topics requested by people attending the forum.

The key purpose of the forums is to enable workers in brain injury to:

meet other people working with people with brain injury
learn more about different aspects of brain injury from people living with brain injury and from people working in specialist areas
learn about other services and resources available.

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