Guidance

As a TBI survivor, I know firsthand that healing is rarely follows a straight path; it is a journey of rediscovery that requires immense patience and the right support.

While I am not a medical professional, the following resources are a collection of tools, communities, and organizations that I personally find helpful in my own recovery.

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Tools & Educational Guides

BrainLine A multimedia site offering information on preventing, treating, and living with traumatic brain injury. Includes expert guidance, personal stories, and practical tools for survivors and families.
Traumatic Brain Injury Survival Guide An online book by Dr. Glen Johnson offering clear, practical explanations of common TBI challenges and coping strategies. While not recently updated, it remains a widely used resource for survivors and families.
Lash & Associates Publishing A long‑established publisher specializing in practical tools for brain injury education and recovery. Their catalog includes tip cards, workbooks, books for adults and children, cognitive rehabilitation materials, and resources on attention, memory, concussion, speech and language, and more.
Understanding Brain Injury: A Guide for the Family A comprehensive, plain‑language guide originally published by Mayo Clinic to help families understand brain injury and support their loved one’s recovery. This free, downloadable and printable PDF is widely shared by Brain Injury Associations across the U.S.

Organizations & Advocacy

Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) The BIAA offers contact information for state affiliates and support groups. It is one of the most comprehensive sites for post-injury information and advocacy.
Head Injury Resource Center A non-profit clearinghouse providing creative solutions and leadership for patients and caregivers since 1985.
MSKTC (Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center) A federally funded center that turns rehabilitation research into clear, practical resources for people living with TBI.
Synapse An Australian-based nonprofit organization offering advocacy, resources, and community support for people living with brain injury.

Inspiration & Personal Stories

Love Your Brain Foundation A nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by brain injury through mindfulness, movement, and community. This page shares personal stories from survivors and families.
Stories from our Community - Synapse A nonprofit supporting people living with brain injury across Australia. This collection of personal stories shares honest, hopeful experiences from survivors and families — reflections that resonate no matter where you live.

Living with Brain Injury (The Brain Fairy) thebrainfairy.com A personal blog and resource hub offering insight, encouragement, and lived experience for survivors, caregivers, and families.
BrainLine | All About Brain Injury and PTSD Collection of survivor and caregiver stories, essays, and videos from people living with TBI.

Clinical Treatment & Specialized Care

Centre for Neuro Skills A nationally recognized provider of post‑acute rehabilitation for people recovering from brain injury. Since 1980, CNS has offered comprehensive medical treatment, therapeutic services, and community‑based programs to support long‑term recovery.
The Mind-Eye Connection Founded by Dr. Deborah Zelinsky, this clinic provides specialized optometric care focused on rebuilding mind‑eye connections after brain injury. Their approach integrates visual processing, sensory integration, and neuro‑optometric rehabilitation.
Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) NORA connects brain injury survivors with specialized eye care professionals trained to treat complex vision problems that are often overlooked after neurological trauma. Use their directory to locate a local neuro-optometric provider and access valuable resources for managing vision-related symptoms like dizziness, light sensitivity, and balance issues. A personal note from Louise: If you are in the Minneapolis area, I highly recommend Dr. Michael Wallerich at Swoop Eye Care. He is a residency-trained neuro-optometric rehabilitation specialist—a highly niche and crucial field for post-concussion.
The Upledger Institute A healthcare education and treatment center known for its work in CranioSacral Therapy. The institute offers specialized programs and trained practitioners who support individuals recovering from trauma and neurological injury.
Interactive Metronome Official Interactive Metronome website explains how the rhythmic, neuro-timing therapy works, compiles decades of peer-reviewed clinical research, and offers a certified provider directory tool to locate nearby clinics.
International Society for Neurofeedback & Research (ISNR) A professional organization dedicated to advancing applied neuroscience and neurofeedback. ISNR promotes research, education, and clinical excellence in techniques designed to support and enhance brain function.

Mental Health & Trauma Support

Hope After Brain Injury A nonprofit organization offering compassionate education, emotional support, and community resources for individuals and families navigating life after brain injury. Their materials focus on hope, healing, and practical guidance for the challenges of recovery.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) A leading nonprofit offering education, support groups, and resources for individuals and families navigating mental‑health challenges. NAMI provides accessible guidance on depression, anxiety, trauma, and emotional well‑being — concerns that often accompany life after brain injury.
Somatic Experiencing International (SEI) A global organization dedicated to trauma healing through Somatic Experiencing, a body‑based approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine. SEI provides professional training, research, and a directory of certified practitioners who support nervous‑system regulation and resilience after trauma.

Writing as a Tool for Healing & Recovery

For those recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or navigating trauma, writing can be a powerful pathway to reclaiming your voice and processing physical and emotional change.

Here are a few trusted organizations and tools that support both brain injury recovery and the healing power of poetry and expressive writing:

Therapeutic Writing Institute The professional training division of the Center for Journal Therapy, founded by Kathleen (Kay) Adams. TWI offers structured, evidence-based writing methods designed to make processing trauma and neurological change safe, contained, and manageable.
National Association for Poetry Therapy (NAPT) A premier national organization dedicated to the integration of poetry, expressive writing, and bibliotherapy into medical and cognitive healing.
Poets.org: Poems of Healing & Recovery Curated thematic poetry collections from the Academy of American Poets exploring illness, body, memory, and resilience.
International Association for Journal Writing (IAJW) is a global community offering inspiration, expert guidance, and resources to enrich lives through expressive writing. It connects writers of all levels with the tools and prompts needed to foster creativity, personal growth, and well-being.