Social Changes After TBI
After a brain injury, this thinking skill can make it harder to remember parts of conversations.
What is memory?
Memory is the brain’s ability to store and recall information, such as what someone said during a conversation.
Role-play:
Practice repeating back one thing someone shared with you.
Letting someone finish speaking before talking.
What is not interrupting?
Not interrupting means giving the other person time to finish their thoughts before you respond.
Role-play:
One person tells a short story while the other practices listening.
These can show how someone is feeling without using words.
What are facial expressions?
Facial expressions are changes in the face that show emotions, such as smiling, frowning, or raising eyebrows.
Activity:
Guess the emotion from a facial expression.
Statements that begin with “I feel” or “I need.”
What are I statements?
I statements are a way to express your feelings or needs without blaming someone else.
Example:
“I feel frustrated when I am interrupted.”
Practice:
Turn a “you statement” into an “I statement.”
If you feel uncomfortable doing something, it is okay to say this word.
What is no?
Saying no means setting a boundary and protecting your comfort or needs.
Role-play:
Practice saying "no" calmly and respectfully.
Example:
“I’m not able to do that today.”
This thinking skill helps you stay focused when someone is talking.
What is attention?
Attention is the ability to focus on something without getting easily distracted.
Discussion:
What helps you stay focused when someone is talking?
Looking at someone while they speak shows this.
What is attention or respect?
Eye contact is a way to show interest, attention, and respect during conversation.
Practice:
Practice active listening using eye contact and nodding.
This communication style respects both your needs and the needs of others.
What is assertive communication?
Assertive communication means speaking clearly and respectfully about your needs while also respecting other people’s needs.
Role-play:
Practice asking for help politely.
After a TBI, someone might do this during conversations because it is hard to wait their turn.
What is interrupting?
Interrupting means speaking before another person has finished talking.
Role-play:
Practice letting someone finish their sentence before responding.