Post on 31-Dec-2015
transcript
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Interpersonal Relationships:Building and Redefining Relations
after Brain Injury
Kristine Cichowski, MS, Director
Judson Paschen, Brain Injury Peer Mentor
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago - LIFE Center
Community Life Skills TrainingMidwest Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago - 2010
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Brain Injury: Impact on Relationships
Changes in – Thinking– Personality – Behavior– Emotion
Grief and acceptance– Family– Friends– Children– Spouse
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Types of Relationships
Acquaintances– Know each other and
interests
Casual Friends– See each other
occasionally at events
Close Friends– Share the same interests
and special experiences
Intimate Friends– Provide emotional support
and encouragement
– May or may not involve physical contact
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Basic Elements of Friendship
– Common interests or skills– Shared values– Inviting personality– Positive outlook
Know yourself outside of your brain injury
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Make a Good Impression
Take pride in yourself Take care of your health
– Exercise– Good nutrition– Rest
Pay attention to your physical appearance– Neatly groomed
• Hair, teeth, nails• Clean body
– Clothing and personal style Project a positive attitude
– Confidence• Smile, positive body language• Dress for success, be
approachable
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How do we get to know each other?
Share your interests– Let people know what you
care about
Show that you care about others– Be helpful
Make a habit of active listening– Show genuine interest in
getting to know someone
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Develop Social Skills
Pay attention to your mannerisms– Polite, good manners– Connect by smiling,
maintaining eye contact and listening
– Conversation skills• Use icebreakers – where
are you from, I see you’re interested in…
– Refrain from interrupting– Show a sense of humor
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Nurture Relationships
Social Interactions– As a friend or couple
• Be considerate of each others feelings
• Support conversations– Be patience with word
finding and emotional swings
• Recognize and respect hyper / hypo sensitivity
– Altered sensations
– With groups of people• Be a supportive coach in
conversations, sharing or reminiscing
Help each other grow
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Stress and Relationships
Starting Over Confront grief Embrace the person for
who they are now Set goals with realistic
expectations Celebrate progress
Keep Moving Forward
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Knowledge is Power!
LIFE Centerhttp://lifecenter.ric.org
ORwww.ric.org ~ “Quick Links”- LIFE Center
Phone: (312) 238-LIFE(5433)Fax: (312) 238-2860
eMail: lifecenter@ric.org
This program is supported in part by a grant from theNational Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)
and is part of the Midwest Regional Traumatic Brain Injury Model System at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
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Tips for Family & Friends Speak slowly and clearly, but not
demeaning. Use meaningful examples
Focus conversations - one person, one topic, one task at a time
Minimize distractions – it can be hard work to interact with others
Be mindful of fatigue and how it affects thinking, behavior – brain and physical stamina
Be time sensitive and true to your word
Verify that information is understood Write down information for recall at
another time Use visuals to simplify / clarify Reinforce use of a to do list or
memory book Identify and communicate with the
“Coach”
Take time to get to know each other
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Tips for Family & Friends
Coaching Tips As you observe behavior, give
supportive feedback - be fair Establish a signal to help a person
“stop & think” – use the signal in a fair way
Rehearse answers to questions - Keep it simple and positive.
Reach out to others to help them stay connected with you and your loved one
Clarify misinformation and misunderstandings – nurture relationships
Embrace the person for who they are now – refrain from comparisons to the old self
Practice forgiveness
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References:
Gainer, PhD, Rolf B., Mason, Michael, Sex & the Single Synapse: Maintaining Sexual Intimacy following Brain Injury.(2004) Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute at Brookhaven Hospital. www.traumaticbraininjury.net
Diaz-Duraski, RN, Sylvia, Brain Injury: Sexuality, Brain Injury Program: Patient and Family Resource Guide. (2008). Chicago: Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago LIFE Center.
Karp, Gary, Disability and the Art of Kissing. (2006) Life on Wheels Press.
Nussbaum, Susan, Sex Resource Guide for People with Disablities. (2005) Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago.
Kroll, Ken, Levy Klein, Erica, Enabling Romance. (1996) Harmony Books, New York.
Wake, Joyce, Growing and Maturing our Friendships: Nine Lessons. (1998). Revival In the Home Ministries. www.watke.org