ABSTRACT

This chapter presents the conceptual background to Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and its application following acquired brain injury (ABI). Working with people with ABI means engaging with a very diverse range of presenting needs and challenges, responded to in diverse ways by individuals with varied profiles of functioning. The transdiagnostic cognitive behavioural model of adaptation post-ABI describes the ways in which immediate understandable momentary emotional reactions in the context of changed life post ABI can be made sense of in terms of ‘threats to self’, echoing Goldstein’s description of the psychological consequences of ABI. Some in the wider world of CBT seem intent on salami-slicing and distinguishing the various CBT ‘products’ available into behavioural, cognitive and third wave, focusing on differences more than commonalities. A longitudinal CBT formulation was developed to help Robert make sense of his aggressive behaviour and to help his family and the other professionals involved in his care to understand.