From Grief To Growthfinding meaning after a TBI

Dr. Nancy ReevesIsland Loss Clinic, Victoria B.C.

Styles of Grief

Intuitive

Instrumental

Some Implications

• Personal• Relationships with

others• Financial• Change in Roles• Change in Status• Dreams and

Expectations

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Healing

Cure

Energy Management Model

Tools for Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Holistic - body, emotions, mind, spirit Visualizations (for pain and relaxation) Writing your journey Thought-stopping

Deal with Expensive Emotions Anger becomes bitterness,

hate, or vengeance Sadness becomes despair or

depression Longing for healing

becomes envy & jealousy Healthy guilt becomes

unhealthy guilt

Working Through GuiltReeves’ 3 step model

1. Listen to what the guilt is “saying” 2. Education or re-education 3. Reconciliation

Finding Life Meaning

Develop symbols of healing, growth, new identity

Ann’s old symbols

Ann’s new symbol

Finding Life Meaning

Find affirmations that will comfort and guide