Short description:

Written by a counsellor who draws on first hand experiential testimonies and insights, each chapter offers a personal letter to the survivor addressing the various issues stemming from a brain injury, along with practical applications suggested for recovery.

Long description:

Letters of Hope and Wisdom for Brain Injury Survivors: Thoughts from a Counselor offers a personal, informal and spiritual perspective on how to manage the multiple issues related to brain injury. Written by a counsellor who draws on first hand experiential testimonies and insights, each chapter offers a personal letter to the survivor addressing the various issues stemming from a brain injury, along with practical applications suggested for recovery.

The book offers a general overview of brain injury and how each part of the brain may be affected. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, fear, post-traumatic stress, and grief are described from the perspectives of both the survivor and the family members, and the book also includes strategies on improving self-esteem and gaining new purpose after a brain injury. Additionally, practical coping skills are explained such as how to deal with sensory overload, adjusting the pace of life, and managing family events. Each chapter also offers a homework section that gives the reader additional exercises to complete.

It is valuable reading for brain injured survivors seeking holistic wellbeing, and their family members to help them navigate what lies before them. It also serves as an additional source of therapy for clinicians, counselors and upper-level graduate students.

'With empathy and expertise, Dr. Deana Adams offers a lifeline of hope and resilience to brain injury survivors and their loved ones. Letters of Hope and Wisdom is a treasure trove of practical advice, emotional support, and spiritual guidance. This heartfelt collection of letters addresses the unique challenges of brain injury recovery, reminding readers that they are not alone and that healing is possible. This book will be a trusted and valuable companion for those affected by brain injury.'

--Michael S. Arthur, author of Embracing Hope After Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding Eden (Routledge 2022)

'When our family faced a crisis with a concussion, Dr. Deana Adams was a careful guide and a wise encouragement for the challenges we faced.  Her writing and counsel gave hope and insight into the mysteries of healing. I have watched and listened to Dr. Adams in interview sessions, with academic audiences and in written work, and I am deeply grateful her wisdom is now available in this book.  Read it to understand your concussion and the dynamics it involves on the journey to recovery.'   

--Lorna Dueck, Media Consultant, LornaDueckCreative.com

'Written by a counselor with years of experience, this book is an exceptional guide for both individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. Drawing on a deep understanding of the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of TBI recovery, Deana offers invaluable wisdom and practical strategies for managing the challenges that arise. The book provides a compassionate, insightful perspective, blending expert knowledge with real-world advice, making it an indispensable resource for navigating the complexities of TBI recovery with confidence and hope.'

--Surendra Barshikar, MD, MBA, Associate Professor, Vice Chair of Clinical Operations, Medical Director UTSW PMR Clinics, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

'Dr. Deana Adams? Letters of Hope and Wisdom for Brain Injury Survivors offers both practical advice and emotional support for those navigating the challenging recovery process after traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is often filled with loss, grief, frustration, and uncertainty. Yet, the book is not just about struggle?it is a powerful story of resilience and hope. Through personal correspondence with survivors and caregivers, Adams explores the complexities of grief, ambiguous loss, and the emotional messiness of recovery, while providing strategies like journaling, prayer, practicing gratitude, and seeking support from others to find a way forward. This book is a deeply valuable resource for anyone impacted by TBI, offering both understanding and actionable tools for healing.'

--Randi Dubiel, D.O., Board Certified Physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Brain Injury Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation

'This book is essential for anyone affected by brain injury. Dr. Adams offers beautifully articulated insights into the complexities of supporting individuals following a brain injury. She provides valuable guidance and understanding for readers, making it a must-read for anyone looking to navigate better the challenges associated with brain injury.'

--Amanda Cambra, LCSW, CBIS, AVP Business Development, Centre for Neuroskills

Table of Contents:

Foreword. Preface. Chapter 1: What is Brain Injury?. Chapter 2: Deficits Associated with Brain Injury. Chapter 3: Family Experience of a Loved One with Brain Injury. Chapter 4: Coping with Anxiety. Chapter 5: Coping with Depression. Chapter 6: Coping with Anger. Chapter 7: Relationships. Chapter 8: Grief and Ambiguous Loss. Chapter 9: Trauma and Stress. Chapter 10: Fatigue and Rest. Chapter 11: Events and Holidays. Chapter 12: Self-Esteem and Purpose. Appendix A: Visualization Cloud by Deana Adams. Appendix B: Outside, Inside by Jan Gazda. Appendix C: Brain Injury Survivor Poem by Laura Stonitsch. Additional Resources.