Rebuilding Wellbeing After Acquired Brain Injury

This pioneering book presents a practical, evidence-based approach to supporting wellbeing in people living with brain injury. Developed through more than a decade of collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience, the book introduces a nine-week structured, systems-informed positive psychotherapy programme designed for neurorehabilitation.

Rooted in an eco-biopsychosocial framework, the group-based programme goes beyond the traditional neurorehabilitation approaches focused on alleviating symptoms and instead is crafted to enhance wellbeing through deep connections with self, others, and nature. It extends the focus beyond individuals to encompass the systems within which people are embedded. The programme introduces a sequence of themes including living with difficult emotions, identifying and using character strengths, building positive emotions, connecting to body and mind, connecting to others, connecting to nature, meaning and purpose, translating values into action, and behaviour change while managing ups and downs. The intervention is described step-by-step through a detailed clinician manual. Additional resources—including guided meditation recordings, session slides, and a participant workbook—support practitioners in delivering the programme in rehabilitation and community settings.

Through insightful narratives and actionable guidance, the book equips health professionals with tools to support people living with ABI in improving their wellbeing and reconnecting with their communities and the natural environment. The book defines true wellbeing as not merely the reduction of suffering, but about building strengths, enhancing social bonds, and encouraging sustainable engagement with the environment. Offering a fresh perspective on recovery and resilience, it is a compelling resource for clinicians, psychologists, other health professionals and trainees focused on neurorehabilitation.