Sexual Difficulties After Traumatic Brain Injury and Ways to Deal With It

This book focuses on improving the social and intimacy skills of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivors so that they may return to society and establish relationships in which they will be able to function sexually. The information and the suggested methods in the book are the result of the authors? experience gained from working with survivors, their families, and staff in different rehabilitation facilities. The book will provide professionals in the field of rehabilitation with an understanding of the issue of sexuality after TBI and how to plan an intervention program at various stages of the rehabilitation process. Divided into two sections, the authors identify and discuss the problems relating to sexuality after TBI and also review the current literature on the subject. Professional and survivor perceptions of TBI and its physical and medical aspects are also discussed. The effects of TBI on human response is also included, along with intervention techniques with partners and family. Also provided is a rationale and framework for a sexual intervention program. This program suggests goals for sexual intervention, small group therapy, individual and couples counseling, and explores the use of surrogate therapy. Case studies on the use of surrogate therapy are provided, with the authors detailing the process, definition, and training of surrogates for therapy. Although the book is geared mainly for working with survivors after TBI, there are elements in the program that can also be applied to other disability groups, such as persons with mental retardation and persons with a psychiatric disability. It will be of interest to those who work with these groups, such as professionals in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation, as well as rehabilitation psychologists and counselors. By reading this book, professionals will be able to contribute to the quality of life of survivors of TBI and their families.