Widening the View: Applying the systemic lens of family therapy to ABI rehabilitation

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When individuals sustain an acquired brain injury (ABI) they aren’t blank slates – they exist within the context of their personal and family histories. These histories are fundamental to determining the beliefs, attitudes and constraints that they bring to their experience of ABI and to their recovery and rehabilitation.

In addition, the often profound cognitive and behavioural changes following ABI affect all family members, not just the individual who sustained the injury. Family members are impacted by ambiguous loss, trauma, changed roles and responsibilities, all while trying to work out how best to support the family member who had the injury. 

This session will provide an introduction to the theory and practice of family therapy and discuss some benefits of taking a more systemic approach in ABI rehabilitation. Concepts and techniques from family therapy will be illustrated through case examples of working with individuals and with families impacted by ABI. 

 

Genevieve McMahon is a neuropsychologist with over 30 years experience in adult and child ABI rehabilitation. Her most recent work has been with Diverge Neuropsychology in Melbourne where she provides community-based neuropsychology services to children, adults and families in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. 

Throughout her career, Genevieve has been increasingly aware of the critical role played by families and broader systems in recovery after ABI. Her own experiences and those of her clients have also sensitised her to the profound impact on ABI on the family systems. In an effort to work more effectively with families, she completed a Masters Degree in Family Therapy through the Bouverie Centre in Melbourne in 2020-2021 and this year completed a course in Couples Counselling through Relationships Australia.