Understanding the Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and Ways to Support Clients

Understand what traumatic brain injury (TBI) is, how it affects people, strategies to support them and how to access specialist services.

Description

 Aim

This interactive workshop aims to give participants an understanding of brain injury caused by accidents (Traumatic Brain Injury). We will explore the causes of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the effects of injury on day-to-day functioning and how having a TBI may affect interactions with others. Learn how to manage behaviours and communication styles resulting from a TBI that can often cause issues. You will also be provided guidance in accessing specialist TBI services. While some reference may be made to the effects of TBI in children, this workshop will be mostly concerning people who sustained their TBI after the age of 18.

 Overview and Learning Intentions

  • Discover facts about TBI in Aotearoa

  • Learn the signs and symptoms of a TBI

  • Understand how comorbidities, such as mental health and alcohol and other drugs, are often present with a person with TBI, and the challenges of supporting people with these difficulties.

  • Gain an awareness of the issues that prevent a person with TBI accessing the community successfully

  • Explore the complex communication and behavioural issues that may result from a TBI

  • Develop strategies to work successfully with clients with TBI

  • Understand how to use appropriate referral mechanisms and know where to access relevant information

Let's Get Real

4. Working within communities

7. Maintaining professional and personal development

Who should attend:

This workshop aims to provide general guidance and helpful tips to support workers, carers, drug and alcohol professionals, mental health teams, corrections/probation staff, police, rehabilitation coaches, new graduate allied health professionals, and any other profession that works with clients for whom brain injury is a likely component of their presentation. 

 

Facilitated by Leah Teschner and Sophie Ereckson

Leah Teschner BSc (Hons), MSc, PGDip ClinPsyc 

Leah has worked for the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust (LFBIT) for five years and is a Senior Clinical Psychologist. Her work with LFBIT involves assessing the rehabilitation needs of clients following injury and collaboratively, alongside the client and interdisciplinary team, developing a client focussed treatment plan. Prior to working at LFBIT, Leah worked predominantly in forensic environments in the UK with adult males and youth who engaged in offending behaviour. Since moving to New Zealand, she has worked in forensics, addictions, adolescent mental health, adult mental health and physical rehabilitation. Her variety in work experience has afforded her the opportunity to work with clients on an individual basis, with their family and/or partners and in group settings. She is passionate about her role and believes it is a great privilege to assist people to find ways to alleviate their challenges and achieve their full potential.

 Sophie Ereckson BSLP (Hons)

Sophie Ereckson, is a Speech-Language Therapist at Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, where she has worked for the past three years supporting individuals with traumatic brain injury.  She has a strong interest in cognitive-communication rehabilitation following TBI and stroke and has led several social and cognitive-communication groups as part of her clinical work.  She has also been involved in research exploring the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation and is passionate about increasing awareness of the role of speech-language therapy in brain injury recovery.

 

 

Workshop Type: Introductory | Workshop Level: Four | Catering: Refreshments provided

Terms and Conditions

  • Cancellations made up to 10 working days before a workshop will incur a $39 service fee.

  • Cancellations (or non-attendance) made 10 working days or less will not be refunded and the full workshop fee will be charged. 

  • No fee applies if you are able to find a replacement participant.

  • MHERC reserves the right to cancel a workshop at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient registrations.

  • Only one person may view a webinar session per registration.

Please read our full Terms and Conditions before registering.

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