Drew Bufalini

Every day, each of us participates in dozens of seemingly minor social interactions: from buying our morning coffee to casually passing someone in the hallway. For most of us, these become automatic. For someone recovering from a neuro trauma, there is nothing minor about utilizing social skills in any level of communication. At Life Skills Village, we believe in helping our patients redevelop their social skills via education, rehearsal, reintegration and discovering an altruistic purpose… Show more

Every day, each of us participates in dozens of seemingly minor social interactions: from buying our morning coffee to casually passing someone in the hallway. For most of us, these become automatic. For someone recovering from a neuro trauma, there is nothing minor about utilizing social skills in any level of communication. At Life Skills Village, we believe in helping our patients redevelop their social skills via education, rehearsal, reintegration and discovering an altruistic purpose in their lives. This purpose can do so much more than provide meaning in our patients’ lives – it promotes the neuroplasticity so critical for true rehabilitation.

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Learn the symptoms of a concussion and how to prevent them.

Some define it as simply “feeling good.” Others describe happiness as being an infinitely more complex, scientifically quantifiable emotion; an equation that includes pleasure, engagement and meaning experienced in both the short and long term. Still others, like Mahatma Ghandi, describe happiness as a state of being where, “What you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.”
Happiness can stem from our own actions and sense of purpose. It may be a seed planted by someone… Show more

Some define it as simply “feeling good.” Others describe happiness as being an infinitely more complex, scientifically quantifiable emotion; an equation that includes pleasure, engagement and meaning experienced in both the short and long term. Still others, like Mahatma Ghandi, describe happiness as a state of being where, “What you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.”
Happiness can stem from our own actions and sense of purpose. It may be a seed planted by someone else’s generosity or come from achieving goals or even from viewing a work of art. Happiness can be elusive and enigmatic for some people, while others seem to know just how and where to find it. Ultimately, happiness is subjective. Finding happiness is up to each of us as individuals.
But what if you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury? Is attaining the most basic definition of happiness possible? Is happiness achievable when you’re no longer the same person you were before your injury?
I believe that the same rules for finding happiness apply to all of us – brain injury or otherwise. Each of us has the capacity within. To find it, we must make a practice of positive actions and decisions that will allow our inner happiness to rise. We must practice happiness on a daily basis to find ourselves happy in the future…and be able to look back on happy memories. What are the positives actions and decisions we must undertake to reach a state of inner-Eden?

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Some define it as simply “feeling good.” Others describe happiness as being an infinitely more complex, scientifically quantifiable emotion; an equation that includes pleasure, engagement and meaning experienced in both the short and long term.[1] Still others, like Mahatma Ghandi, describe happiness as a state of being where, “What you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.”

Happiness can stem from our own actions and sense of purpose. It may be a seed planted by… Show more

Some define it as simply “feeling good.” Others describe happiness as being an infinitely more complex, scientifically quantifiable emotion; an equation that includes pleasure, engagement and meaning experienced in both the short and long term.[1] Still others, like Mahatma Ghandi, describe happiness as a state of being where, “What you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.”

Happiness can stem from our own actions and sense of purpose. It may be a seed planted by someone else’s generosity or come from achieving goals or even from viewing a work of art. Happiness can be elusive and enigmatic for some people, while others seem to know just how and where to find it. Ultimately, happiness is subjective. Finding happiness is up to each of us as individuals.

But what if you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury? Is attaining the most basic definition of happiness possible? Is happiness achievable when you’re no longer the same person you were before your injury?

Continue article at: Some define it as simply “feeling good.” Others describe happiness as being an infinitely more complex, scientifically quantifiable emotion; an equation that includes pleasure, engagement and meaning experienced in both the short and long term.[1] Still others, like Mahatma Ghandi, describe happiness as a state of being where, “What you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.”

Happiness can stem from our own actions and sense of purpose. It may be a seed planted by someone else’s generosity or come from achieving goals or even from viewing a work of art. Happiness can be elusive and enigmatic for some people, while others seem to know just how and where to find it. Ultimately, happiness is subjective. Finding happiness is up to each of us as individuals...

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Many people define themselves by what they do for a living. I am a physician, writer, construction worker, therapist etc. While this may not be the most psychologically healthy approach to self-identification, it is a fact of life. When an individual sustains a traumatic brain injury or other health-related, extended absence from work - time may not heal all wounds.

Welcome to part two of my series on smart phone apps for people with traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers. The apps included here are recommended specifically for caregivers. The importance of these easily accessible tools can’t be overstated – their use can help maintain and improve care for both the patient/client and the caregiver by promoting independence while improving memory and safety.

The desire to help those who needed it most brought me into the field of psychiatry. Working with the brain injured has taught me that even an abundance of passion isn't enough to truly provide that help- a complete sea change had to occur in the way I viewed people with brain injuries. That view has become the foundation of how we treat and work with our clients.

I've outlined the principles we work by...that I hope will help our clients, their families, case managers and physicians… Show more

The desire to help those who needed it most brought me into the field of psychiatry. Working with the brain injured has taught me that even an abundance of passion isn't enough to truly provide that help- a complete sea change had to occur in the way I viewed people with brain injuries. That view has become the foundation of how we treat and work with our clients.

I've outlined the principles we work by...that I hope will help our clients, their families, case managers and physicians see eye-to-eye on treatment of the brain injured - and each other.

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I know what you’re thinking: don’t people with a traumatic brain injury have enough to relearn without training in new technology for their smart phone? Short answer: yes and no. Yes, which is why the twelve apps I have suggested below are meant to complement existing therapies and programming. No, because the more often someone with a TBI is able to exercise his mind, the more functional it will be for in the future. Learning is a lifelong process – with or without a TBI.