How to Run a TBI Support Group

You received the phone call that all parents dread. Your child has been involved in an accident and has a severe Traumatic Brain Injury. You go through the next several weeks or months reading about TBI. During that time, you decide you want to help others who have been through a similar tragedy. You decide to meditate--or start a brain injury support group.

Things You'll Need

• Meeting place
• Pens
• Notebooks
• Name tags
• Refreshments
• Speaker

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Understanding TBI is important to starting a TBI support group. A TBI is very complex and can be caused by a fall, motor vehicle accident, or a blow to the head. The brain is thrown against one side of the head and then back to the other side, causing the damage. It's not always the initial blow that can cause TBI, but the effect of the brain bouncing back. Recovery may be complete, minor, or anywhere in between. The person will usually be changed for the rest of his life as memory, social skills, and organization can be affected by the brain injury.

• 2

  A brain injury support group deals with issues relating to recovery and living with the injury. The person involved as well as the family should be encouraged to attend meetings. A support group should provide information for ongoing support and encouragement. Both the victim and family and friends (or nursing staff) will benefit from the meeting as it will provide useful information for the lifelong effects of the injury.

• 3

  Create a checklist containing items to be completed. Include mailing reminder cards, arrange refreshments, confirm speaker (if applicable), have name tags and pens and paper for note taking. Have tables and chairs set up, or arrange chairs in a circle. A sign-up sheet should be located just inside the meeting room. A couple of boxes of Kleenex are always a nice addition for those who become emotional.

• 4

  Introduce yourself and give your brief biography. Introduce any new guests and encourage them to share their story. Allow a short time for introductions around the room. Remind people of the hospitality rules you have set in place for the meeting.

• 5

  Have a clear agenda, including a speaker if possible, and a structured lesson or talk. Many victims of TBI need constant reminders to stay focused. Some may not be able to concentrate for extended periods of time.

• 6

  Consider having a small group session or two during your meeting. These few groups should be small to help individuals who need extra attention focus and understand their injury.

• 7

  If you have a speaker, be sure to introduce him and his credentials, if he is licensed. Take notes during his presentation so you can answer questions later, if needed. Encourage the speaker to stay after his presentation to answer questions and observe the individuals.

• 8

  As a facilitator, you must take notes and listen to the participants. Their issues can be used to structure future meetings. Focusing on their needs will make your meetings successful and provide a source of camaraderie among participants and families.

• 9

  Near the conclusion of the meeting, open the floor for questions. After that, give out a flier with information on the next meeting date and allow some time for socializing. The flier should be simple and include the date, time, and location. If a speaker has been arranged, include that on the flier.

• 10

  If you have not seen someone for a few meetings, call the person or send a card. Staying in touch with participants will give them a sense of fellowship. Your caring attitude helps them feel like they are an important part of your group.