Justifying a dedicated role for family therapy in pediatric neurorehabilitation

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in pediatric populations affects the entire family yet neurorehabilitation is often centered on the individual needs of the child. This article provides an overview of select theory, models of family assessment and health care, and family interventions relevant to the family social worker in the field of pediatric rehabilitation. The intention of the author is to encourage family social workers to apply their expertise in a medical setting without limiting their role in attending to instrumental needs of the patient. The role of the Medical Family Therapist is presented as an emerging profession dedicated to applying family theory, models, and interventions by attending to the needs of the whole family affected by TBI, as well facilitating relationships between families and healthcare teams.