Psychotherapy with brain injury survivors: An investigation of the challenges encountered by clinicians and their modifications to therapeutic practice

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to elicit practitioners’ views and experiences of the challenges to forming a therapeutic alliance with brain injury survivors, with a view to informing current psychotherapeutic practice. Methods: The present research utilised the data-display method, a qualitative technique, to examine the questionnaire responses of 21 psychologists who provide forms of psychotherapy for brain injury survivors at rehabilitation units in the UK. An anonymous postal return questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: The main challenges to forming a working alliance comprised a range of cognitive, behavioural and emotional sequelae. A combination of educational, psychosocial and cognitive strategies were identified as being most effective in addressing the challenges encountered. Conclusions: A qualitative research approach has proved useful in identifying challenges to the formation of a working alliance and also the modifications to psychotherapeutic practice these challenges have engendered.

• Psychotherapy
• brain injury
• working alliance
• data display method