1. RELATIONSHIPS AFTER A BRAIN INJURY for staff
The Way Ahead Conference
1st July 2017
Alison Towner
Sex and Relationship Psychotherapist
MSc, COSRT accredited

2. Workshop aims and plan
Reflect on the challenges of intimate relationships after a brain injury (BI)
Consider different challenges for people in an existing relationship versus looking to develop a new one
Learn new ways to support people to develop more positive and meaningful intimate relationships

3. RELATIONSHIP CHANGES AFTER BI

5. Changes following BI for people in a relationship

6. Being single

7. Intimacy “IN TO ME SEE” A two-way process Not mind-reading
Requires time
Requires effort

8. Four types of intimacy 1. INTELLECTUAL 2. EXPERIENTIAL 3. EMOTIONAL
4.SEXUAL

9. Differences between men and women?

10. How might BI affect intimacy?
Intellectual
Cognitive difficulties
Communication problems
Experiential
Emotional

11. How might brain injury affect intimacy?
Sexual
Taboo
Lack of opportunity
Physical barriers
Loss of confidence
Change in relationship dynamic

12. Ideas for developing intimacy
Intimacy is a journey

13. Ideas for developing intimacy
Increase self-awareness and self-esteem
If present, treat depression

14. Start with most comfortable type of intimacy
1. INTELLECTUAL
2. EXPERIENTIAL
3. EMOTIONAL
4.SEXUAL

15. Key to coping with change
Communication
Key to coping with change

16. Communication strategies
Think about positives as well as negatives
What you say
What you think about others’ intentions
Check things out and do not make assumptions
What you think the other is saying
What they think you are saying
Think about everyone’s perspective
Take time after an argument to understand what happened and how to do it differently next time
If emotions are getting out of control, agree to come back to it later

17. Communication strategies
Prepare to communicate:
What to say (“I” phrases):
How do I feel?
What do I want?
When’s a good time?
Where?

18. Physical / sexual intimacy
Find ways to hug, kiss and handhold
Plan for intimacy

19. Resources
It may be difficult, but it is possible to find new ways to be intimate
Professional help
Personal counselling
Relationship counselling
Sex Therapy
Family counselling

20. Resources

21. Final summing up How traumatic brain injury can affect relationships
People in relationships or single people
Intimacy and ways to improve it
Any final questions?