ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an analysis of the issues that require attention with respect to adjustment, self-awareness and empathy, and the evidence for psychological interventions. It presents potentially fruitful areas for future development. The central importance of adjustment and self-awareness to a good recovery and the successful outcome of neurobehavioural interventions have long been recognised. If this association between adjustment, awareness, emotional disturbance and recovery is modifiable by psychological therapy, then there is great potential for improving outcomes for a currently neglected group. The chapter presents a selective review of the treatment outcome literature where psychological therapies have been applied to psychological adjustment, awareness, or empathy, either alone or in combination. A planned approach to describing and measuring adjustments to the therapy process should help identify which adaptations give the most benefit for the greatest number of patients. Psychological intervention studies highlight innovative work aimed at improving outcomes for people experiencing problems with adjustment, empathy, or awareness following traumatic brain injury.
