Major life changes are associated with spinal cord injury; the individual can experience varied reactions including anxiety, depression and anger. These
reactions are completely understandable and normal. We work as part of the wider rehabilitation team to assist
the client and their family in transitioning through the period of new learning, adjustment, change and coping that follows after a spinal cord injury.
- Pain management
- Adjustment to disability
- Post traumatic problems
- Feelings of depression
- Feelings of stress/anxiety
- Feelings of anger/frustration
- Interruption of life goals
- Loss of independence
- Body image
- Phantom pain
- An initial assessment of a client’s current level of coping and adjustment following their injury. This involves identification of social supports,
coping skills and any psychological, behavioural or cognitive risk factors that may impact upon a client’s adjustment to injury and participation in the
rehabilitation process.
- Provision of intervention and treatment in line with the client’s identified goals and support needs. This includes the provision of evidence based
psychological therapies.
- Education to the client and family regarding the immediate and long-term emotional and behavioural consequences of spinal cord injury, traumatic brain
injury or other neurological conditions. We will work with the client and family with the aim to enhance the client’s independence and control over
their physical and emotional health in order to maximise the client’s ability to resume meaningful daily activities following discharge.
- Where a head trauma or other neurological condition has occurred then neuropsychological assessment of an individual’s cognitive strengths and
weaknesses can be used to clarify medical diagnosis and guide recommendations for appropriate rehabilitation goal planning.