Sense of self is often affected after brain injury - you just don’t feel like “you” anymore. This happens for both survivors and family members, and today we are exploring these identity shifts, and how to find yourself again even in the midst of brain injury recovery.

In this episode, Cristabelle is joined by Bethany Lewis, a Neurological Occupational Therapist passionate about combining occupational therapy, brain health, and mental and emotional well being, to explore the profound impact of brain injuries on identity. Let’s dig into why these identity shifts may happen, what could be going on beneath the surface, and how to move forward with a renewed sense of identity post brain injury - both for survivors and their loved ones.

It's okay to feel lost and to take time to rediscover yourself.  Embracing the messiness of life is part of the human experience. Finding identity post-injury is a journey that requires intentionality, and it’s a process that you can work a little towards each day.

*** FREE Identity Resources available for Instant Download:

• Family Identity after Injury: When One of Us is Injured, All of Us are Changed
• Journaling Prompts for Survivors: Exploring Identity after Brain Injury

CLICK HERE: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub

-------

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives | ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠

Reach out to us anytime: [email protected] + connect with our global online community & zoom groups: ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Bethany - neurological occupational therapist and certified life coach - and check out her podcast:  @the_concussion_coach |  theconcussioncoach.com

-------

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠ 

-------

0:00 Intro

2:20 Welcome with Cristabelle

9:30 Introducing Bethany Lewis

14:15 Why talk about Identity and Brain Injury?

17:30 Describing Identity Shifts

26:30 When You Don’t Feel Like “You”

30:45 Help for Family Members

39:50 Feeling Defined by Injury

42:40 The Power of Language and Self-Perception

51:30 Tools for Reconnecting with Identity

57:15 Tools for Loved Ones to Help Survivors

60:00 Words of Hope

-------

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Navigating life after brain injury often leaves survivors and families facing a sense of loss that lacks clear answers or closure - with emotions that are overwhelming and hard to describe. Today, we’re discussing some tools to help process these big emotions - there is hope!

In this episode, Cristabelle welcomes Dr. Daniel Ignacio, a clinical neuropsychologist and TBI survivor himself, to explore the concept of ambiguous loss and the unique grief that follows brain injury. We discuss how these emotional challenges can deeply affect identity, relationships, and the journey to healing. Our conversation also dives into the impact of stress on the nervous system and offers insights for coping and finding hope. Dr. Ignacio brings both professional expertise and personal experience, making this discussion especially inspiring, relatable and helpful for anyone navigating life after brain injury. 

Whether you're navigating big changes in your identity or processing your emotions, we know it takes courage to listen and explore this. So if you're processing emotions like grief or anger, or you're still trying to make sense of what healing looks like, we want you to know that we're here for you - you do not have to process this alone. Reach out to us anytime: [email protected] + connect with our global online community & zoom groups: ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠

-------

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives | ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Dr. Daniel Ignacio: @tbioc - St Jude Brain Injury Network: https://www.sjbin.org/ 

-------

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠ 

-------

0:00 Intro

2:40 Welcome with Cristabelle

7:15 Introducing Dr. Daniel Ignacio

14:30 Dr. Ignacio’s Personal TBI Journey

19:15 Neuropsychologist Explaining Ambiguous Loss

28:45 Identifying Persisting Symptoms Affect on Emotions

31:30 Navigating Tension of Hope and Grief

36:45 Impact of Nervous System Dysregulation + Chronic Stress

44:00 Tools for Processing Emotions + Healing

49:45 Advice for Survivors & Families

55:20 Words of Hope

-------

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

A brain injury can bring unexpected changes in identity, abilities, and relationships… and when things feel different, grief is a natural response. Today, we are exploring the concept of  “ambiguous loss” - a type of loss that remains unclear, unresolved, or without closure - with our first Brain Injury Community Panel.

Today’s panel features 3 brain injury survivors, each with their own unique journey: Helena Jacobson, Stefanie Beeney, and Scott Tribble. Our conversation will help you to learn more about the concept of ambiguous loss, the impact on identity and social relationships for survivors, and tools to help navigate grief and move toward healing.

You do not have to process this alone: if you can relate to any of this, we are here for you. We invite you to join our online support groups, and feel free to reach out any time at [email protected]. We also have some grief processing resources available for both survivors & family members at our resource hub: hopesurvives.org/resource

-------

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives | hopesurvives.org 

Join the online community & zoom groups: hopesurvives.org/community

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Helena on IG: @healingwithhelz

Connect with Stefanie on IG: @evolving.stef

Learn more about volunteering, sharing your story, or becoming a Hope Ambassador: https://www.hopesurvives.org/getinvolved 

-------

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: https://www.thefnc.com 

-------

0:00 Intro

2:30 Welcome with Cristabelle

6:45 Introducing Panelists - Survivor Stories

10:25 Ambiguous Loss after Brain Injury

16:00 Internal Loss of Self and Identity

23:30 External Loss of Life and Relationships

30:00 Navigating Grief & Loss

37:40 Strategies for Processing Grief

48:45 Maintaining Hope and Motivation

58:45 Advice through Ambiguous Loss

-------

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast

Healing is a journey, and we’re here for the long haul. As Brain Injury Awareness Month is drawing to a close, this remains true: brain injury doesn’t just impact survivors and families for a month—it’s every day, all year long.

In this episode, Cristabelle Braden sits down with her mother and Hope Survives board member, Cyndie Braden, to share personal experiences through more than a decade of navigating Cristabelle’s brain injuries, along with insights into the impact of brain injuries on families and the need for better support systems. This is an encouraging conversation for anyone on the journey of healing, or who would like to learn more about brain injury. We'll also explore the profound impact of support groups on individuals dealing with brain injuries, the importance of recognizing changed family dynamics, and ongoing efforts to raise awareness and build a brighter future for survivors.

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives | hopesurvives.org 

Join the online community & zoom groups: hopesurvives.org/community

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: thefnc.com

0:00 Intro

3:35 Welcome with Cristabelle

8:48 Introducing Cyndie

12:20 Early Symptoms and Recovery Challenges

21:00 The Impact of Support Groups

29:51 Building Hope After Head Injury

32:40 Changes in Family Dynamics Post-Injury

34:30 The Future of Hope Survives

40:55 Words of Hope

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast

Have you ever felt “stuck” in brain injury rehabilitation, unsure where to go next? Finding the right care and tools for brain injury recovery can be confusing and frustrating, leaving many feeling lost and unsure where to turn. But you're not alone, and there is hope for continued healing.

In this episode, Cristabelle sits down with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe, founder and director of The Functional Neurology Center, to explore the power of integrative care in achieving lasting results for brain injury recovery. Dr. Schmoe shares his expertise on the importance of a holistic approach that combines functional neurology, metabolic health, and structural care. They discuss the critical need to understand root causes beyond the initial injury, the significance of proper sequencing in therapeutic interventions, basic metabolic tests that can uncover ways to help move forward, and practical tools that individuals can implement at home. This conversation offers invaluable insights into the brain's adaptability and the potential for recovery, providing hope and actionable strategies for those affected by brain injuries.

Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this conversation will help to illuminate the path towards more effective and comprehensive brain injury care. Join us as we uncover the tools for healing that can lead to lasting results and improved quality of life for brain injury survivors.

CONNECT

Connect with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe at thefnc.com

Connect with Hope Survives & our global online community, programs, workshops, and zoom groups: @hopesurvives | hopesurvives.org 

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: thefnc.com

Previous Episodes with Dr. Schmoe (worth going back and listening to!):

73. Hope in Neuroplasticity + New Research and Technologies in Rehabilitation

64. How to Improve Symptoms on Hard Days

23. Brain Health - Strategies to Optimize your Brain for Healing

12. Dysautonomia - How Autonomic Nervous System is Affected by Brain Injury & Concussions

11. The Vestibular System and Brain Injury

2. Common Challenges, Strategies, + The Science Behind Why Symptoms Happen

0:00 Intro

2:34 Welcome with Cristabelle

7:20 Intro to Dr. Schmoe and Tools for Healing

12:50 The Role of Comprehensive Care in Brain Recovery

17:15 The Importance of the Right Order of Therapies

22:30 Identifying Root Causes Underneath Brain Injury

27:00 Practical Tools for Healing

32:30 Finding the Reason Behind Symptoms

34:30 The Need for Different Therapeutic Approaches

38:10 Words of Hope

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast

Brain injury survivors and their families often feel isolated and disconnected from others while navigating the challenges of a “new normal”. If you can relate, you’re not alone - and we are here to encourage you to know there is hope.

In this episode, Cristabelle sits down with Jasmine Balignasay-Chavez, managing director of Hope Survives, to discuss the profound impact of brain injuries, the isolation many survivors face, and the transformative power of connection. Jasmine shares her personal journey through brain injury, and some of her own experiences with isolation and the importance of knowing you’re not alone. We explore the importance of support groups, finding purpose in helping others, and choosing hope as an active part of healing.

Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or simply seeking inspiration, this podcast reminds you that recovery is possible and you are never alone. Let’s heal together: one step at a time.

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Email us: [email protected]

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: ⁠thefnc.com⁠

0:00 Intro

3:00 Welcome with Cristabelle

10:40 Introducing Jasmine

13:15 Jasmine’s Brain Injury Journey

15:00 The Impact of Isolation and Disconnection

20:15 Finding Support and Community

25:30 Purpose in Helping Others

28:30 Building Community and Resources

32:30 Words of Hope

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

Join us for a conversation of hope for the first week of Brain Injury Awareness Month!

In today’s episode, Cristabelle is joined by Tameka Wolfe, vice president of the board at Hope Survives, who shares her personal experience as a caregiver after her husband's traumatic head injury. Tameka discusses the challenges faced during her husband's recovery, the daily routines they've established, and the importance of offering grace to oneself as a caregiver. She shares how they have learned that every small step in the recovery journey matters, with encouragement for survivors & family members. Their story is one of resilience, faith, love, and most importantly - hope.

CONNECT

Connect with Tameka in “Hope For Couples” – hopesurvives.org/couples

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: thefnc.com

00:00 Intro

03:13 Welcome with Cristabelle

10:40 Introducing Tameka’s Story

13:13 The Importance of Community and Support

15:52 Strategies and Hope for Navigating Recovery

18:57 Hope for Couples: Strengthening Relationships

21:46 Final Words of Encouragement

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

Big announcements today - listen to this special episode of our livestream celebration for our newly launched nonprofit organization, Hope Survives!

Our vision: a world in which every survivor of brain injury and every member of their family are seen, loved, heard, valued, supported, uplifted, and never alone.

We are excited to share our newly expanded support groups, new programs, new workshops, new volunteer opportunities, and more!

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

You are not alone!

Host: Cristabelle Braden (Founder & Executive Director)

Guests: Tameka Wolfe (Board Vice President), Patti Shutt (Board Secretary)

0:00 Intro

1:45 Cristabelle’s TBI journey

6:15 Nonprofit journey

9:00 Our Mission & Vision

15:40 Impact of Support Community

21:00 Importance of Accessibility 

23:30 Board & Leadership Team

27:45 New Community Support Groups

35:20 New Workshops & Programs

43:00 Our Volunteers

50:00 Q&A Session

65:00 Hope Sustainers

70:00 Website & Concert Announcement

75:00 Words of Hope

80:00 Final Thoughts

When every day is a challenge through symptoms, it can be hard to feel even any sort of “well.” Today we are talking about how to redefine the concept of wellness on our brain injury journey to help us uncover our own path of recovery!

After a brain injury, wellness can feel distant. In this episode, Cristabelle invites Taryn Barlow, a speech language pathologist and cognitive health coach who owns a private practice called The Well Brain, for a conversation to encourage survivors & families to explore how to redefine wellness. We dig into finding your own path of what wellness means to you, including what neuro goals are significant to your personal recovery and a holistic perspective of spiritual wellness. It’s so important to learn how to connect with your values in a personal way, and redefine what wellness means to you - which will ultimately help us to move forward with hope!

Connect with Taryn - IG: Taryn_TheWellBrain | https://thewellbrainslp.com/

We are launching a new nonprofit - Hope Survives!

🩵Get involved: https://www.hopesurvives.org/getinvolved

---

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

0:00 Intro

1:52 Welcome with Cristabelle

10:25 Introducing Taryn and The Well Brain

20:15 Making Sense of Symptom Experience

27:45 Redefining Personal Wellness

33:00 Finding Your Why - Process towards Holistic Wellness

38:20 Take the First Step

41:15 It is Well with My Soul

44:45 Pursuing Wellness in Your Own Way

51:00 Words of Hope

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

Navigating the holiday season after brain injury can be really challenging. In this episode, Cristabelle encourages us to give ourselves grace and acknowledge the hard - grief and joy can coexist. It's okay not to be okay. She also shares some practical tips to help with overstimulation, and encouragement to practice gratitude. There is always hope and there is light in the darkness. No matter where you are at on your journey, praying you are filled with the hope of Emmanuel this Christmas!

Reach out through our new email: [email protected]

We are launching a new nonprofit - Hope Survives!

🩵Ways to help & get involved:

1. Share your testimonial (how have this podcast and/or the zoom support groups helped you?) + let us know if you’d like to be involved: ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/xm7wyuAN4V38xu4j8⁠⁠ 

2. Share our startup holiday fundraiser (through Dec.31, 2024): ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/RESTART4Hope⁠⁠

Thank you for being part of our journey. We are so excited for the new programs to launch in 2025, to be able to share even more hope for brain injury survivors and families!

----

0:00 Welcome

1:50 The Mixed Emotions - Grief and Joy

8:30 Practical Tips for Overstimulation

13:00 Focusing on What Matters + Gratitude

---

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.