Project-based therapy

Working on skills and knowledge acquisition through completion of projects, either with individuals or with groups is a valuable construct in brain injury rehabilitation. The sudden and traumatic change in abilities and roles inevitably caused by ABI, often leading to extended periods away from home, is isolating and disorienting to many PwBI. Creating and completing a tangible target allows the person to showcase skills, activate choice, practically explore the changes in their abilities, build insight and work out how to cope with the changes within a motivating task alongside their therapists, friends and family. Evidence discussed in this chapter will draw from that of Mark Ylvisaker and the current work that has developed from his philosophy in this area, highlighting the empowerment, practical outcomes and innate enjoyment of working in this way for both the service users and the therapists. There is information on how to plan the treatment, a useful reflection worksheet to guide participants through the process and a helpful menu of project ideas with example roles identified. Ideas offered may be relevant to SLTs working from the post-acute stage through to community services with clients many years post-injury.