ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY

A person may experience subtle or profound changes after a brain injury. Often they, and those close to them, can find it very difficult to understand what has happened to them and come to terms with the changes. Loved ones, carers and friends may struggle to make sense of the recovering person’s diminished ability to function in life and often the alterations in their personality.

As a Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Neal works in different ways according to the needs of the client and the stage of recovery they are at. This can mean, for example, working with the deeper psychological and emotional issues associated with the client’s sense of identity, or at the more practical level of discovering ways to cope with, and compensate for, cognitive difficulties.

Dr Neal offers assessment, therapy, and support to the person who has suffered an acquired brain injury. When possible, she considers it important to work collaboratively with the client’s family, or with those close to them, in order to help them understand and adjust to the changes that affect all of them.

Dr Neal often works alongside Case Managers and as part of a multi-disciplinary team (e.g. with Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Physiotherapists) during rehabilitation. She also offers training to support staff.