A Personal Narrative of Involvement in Post-Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: What Can We Learn for Therapeutic Recreation Practice?

Authors

  • Suzanne Lawson
  • Fern M. Delamere
  • Susan L. Hutchinson

Keywords:

Health Care, Illness Narrative, Personal Narrative, Patient Self-Determination, Traumatic Brain Injury, Therapeutic Recreation

Abstract

This paper is an autoethnographic exploration of one woman’s illness narrative. It provides an in-depth understanding of her lived experience of rehabilitation after sustaining a traumatic brain injury and poly-trauma. The narrative confirms the importance of providing people with self-determined choice as a primary component of rehabilitation. The voice and values of clients are integral to professional judgment. This narrative supports clients’ personal choice and freedom during the rehabilitation process as a means of increasing their sense of self-determination and empowerment while improving overall health outcomes.

Published

2008-10-21

Issue

Section

Practice Perspective