Blog Archive Page
“I Don’t Feel Like Myself Anymore” — Identity Reconstruction After Brain Injury
One of the most painful statements I hear from brain injury survivors is not about pain. It’s this: “I don’t feel like myself anymore.” After a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke, changes in stamina, processing speed, and sensory tolerance are expected. But what often goes unaddressed is something deeper: The disruption of identity. Brain[...]
Why do I feel depressed after a stroke?
Many people are surprised by how depressed they feel after a stroke, especially if their physical recovery is going “well.” At Colorado Brain Injury Therapy, we hear this question often — and the answer is both neurological and human. A stroke changes the brain itself. Areas responsible for mood regulation, motivation, emotional processing, and[...]
Be the Brain Brakes: Caring for a Loved One After Brain Injury
When a brain injury happens, it doesn’t just affect the survivor — it reshapes the lives of everyone around them. Families and care partners are often in the line of fire, experiencing the brunt of anger, frustration, and grief. This can feel overwhelming and deeply unfair, especially when you’re doing your best to help.[...]
EMDR as Emotional Wound Care: Supporting Trauma Healing After Brain Injury
EMDR as “Wound Care” Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (yes, it’s a mouthful!) is a therapeutic modality that supports individuals in reducing the emotional impact of traumatic memories, thoughts and feelings from the past. I often use the metaphor of “emotional wound care” to describe the EMDR process to my clients. If not cleaned[...]
When the Family Needs to Change—Not the Survivor
After a brain injury, families often hope their loved one will “go back to how they were.” They wait for signs of the person they remember—their personality, independence, energy, or emotional steadiness. This hope is rooted in love, but it can unintentionally cause harm. Here’s what I’ve learned from over 20 years of supporting[...]
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month: Anxiety and Agoraphobia After Brain Injury
Many people do not realize that two of the most common challenges after a brain injury are anxiety and agoraphobia, the fear of leaving home, or being in unfamiliar places. These conditions can significantly impact a survivor’s quality of life, leading to increased isolation and making it difficult to return to daily routines. While much[...]
