ABSTRACT
The many changes in cognition, behaviour and personality that comprise neurobehavioural disability (NBD) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have a major impact on independence, vocational and recreational pursuits and social and personal relationships which can have serious psychological consequences. Having a history of psychiatric disorder places the individual at greater risk of negative psychiatric consequences following a TBI. A survey of psychologists treating clients with TBI by Judd and Wilson identified impaired memory as the most common impediment to the establishment of a therapeutic alliance and progress in therapy, followed by inflexible thinking and lack of insight. CBT has been the most frequently reported approach used to address psychological problems following TBI. Mindfulness-based psychotherapies have also been used in the treatment of anxiety and depression following TBI. Compassion focused therapy (CFT) is based on the assumption that attachment and affiliative behaviours, such as kindness, care, support, encouragement and validation serve to regulate threat-based emotions.
