title: The value of normalization: Group therapy for individuals with brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper reports on a client-driven therapy group designed to help clients actively process changes and equip them with the psychological skills necessary to facilitate rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is an exploratory mixed methods research design based in clinical practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study documents results from five therapy groups, each group consisting of 2-hour sessions over an average of 6 weeks with a review session 6 weeks later. Forty-five clients (13 female, 32 male, average age = 40.54, SD = 11.87) with brain injury attended the group with Headway psychological services, Cork. Clients' pre- and post-measures of functioning were gathered to assess the potential therapeutic benefits. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the qualitative data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results illustrate a number of benefits to the participants, including normalizing effects, helping with acceptance, finding a new identity and positive mental health changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings are encouraging and help to validate the effectiveness of group therapy as an intervention tool.
authors.affiliation: a Headway , Carrigrohane, Cork , Ireland and.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: von Mensenkampff
authors.affiliation: a Headway , Carrigrohane, Cork , Ireland and.
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: a Headway , Carrigrohane, Cork , Ireland and.
authors.forename: Grace
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: a Headway , Carrigrohane, Cork , Ireland and.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cadogan
authors.affiliation: a Headway , Carrigrohane, Cork , Ireland and.
authors.forename: Feargus
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fawsit
authors.affiliation: b University College Cork , Cork , Ireland.
authors.forename: Niamh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lowe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D011788:Quality of Life
keywords: Brain injury; group therapy; psychology; psychotherapy; rehabilitation