Psychological intervention for people with an acquired brain injury

A systematic review

Abstract

Psychotherapy has only recently been offered as part of the rehabilitation for people with an acquired brain injury (ABI), and therefore, there is limited research in the area. However, clinical experience and previous research suggest that therapy such as third wave cognitive behavioural therapies may be used as an intervention to address psychosocial consequences after ABI (Gómez-de-Regil, 2019). This review seeks to map research on individual psychological therapies associated with ABI, using bibliographical search in four databases. The aim is to elucidate the efficacy and relevance of third wave cognitive behavioural therapeutic interventions to this client group, as measured in terms of anxiety, depression, quality of life, agency, and self-compassion. The review found sixteen studies that provide further research and clinical practice guidance. The interventions seemed to have an excellent effect on this client group when the sessions’ course, structure, and content were tailored to fit their needs.