Family therapy and neuro-rehabilitation: Forging a link

Family therapy—otherwise known as systemic therapy—is based on a holistic understanding of the impact of illness or injury on the family. The overall aim of family therapy is to draw on family strengths and highlight examples of positive coping in the face of adversity. Family therapy is often delivered in a high-tech ‘open’ clinic setting, in contrast to the majority of rehabilitation efforts which take place behind closed doors, either in acute medical settings, rehabilitation establishments or in the family home. In neuro-rehabilitation there are further difficulties relating to the actual injuries themselves; particularly the impact of reduced mobility, and poor memory and concentration. Together, this can make family therapy a challenging approach. Yet in spite of its challenging nature, there is a growing exploration of links between rehabilitation and family therapy services, particularly in the UK. This new development is based on a belief that rehabilitation should involve a model for supporting families that is flexibly applied, with extra support for the injured party to allow their full participation. This paper outlines the issues and makes the claim for special interest groups to develop the initiative further.