105. Hope through Ambiguous Loss + Tools for Processing Emotions after Brain Injury (with Dr. Daniel Ignacio)
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In this episode…
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: hi@hopesurvives.org + connect with our global online community & zoom groups.
Main Takeaways
Dr. Ignacio shares his personal journey of overcoming a traumatic brain injury to eventually get his Ph.D. and become a clinical neuropsychologist helping others with TBI.
Ambiguous loss is a complex emotional experience following brain injury.
Family members also experience loss and need to navigate their feelings.
Finding a sense of closure, in whatever form that takes, can help survivors to process their pre-injury identity.
Identifying strengths and changes is important for both survivors and families.
Seeking a brain injury-informed therapist can help in the recovery process.
Creating new memories together can strengthen family bonds post-injury.
Respecting the brain injury is crucial for healing.
Grief can manifest in unexpected ways, including anger.
Chronic stress can lead to significant health issues and persistent symptoms.
Deep breathing techniques can help calm the nervous system.
Staying connected with support systems is vital for recovery.
Acknowledging emotions is part of the healing process.
Self-compassion is necessary during difficult times.
Hope can be found even in the depths of struggle.
Meet Our Guest
Daniel Andre Ignacio, PhD MS MA LMFT CBIS, serves as the program lead and Certified Brain Injury Specialist at Providence St. Jude Medical Center's Brain Injury Network, licensed clinical neuropsychologist and faculty at OMID Institute, director of vocational rehabilitation and LMFT for CareTheresa Assisted Living Network, chair of California Department of Rehabilitation's Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory board: Data Analytics Committee, and respite provider for R & N Family Support Services for families with children/adults with neurodevelopmental conditions.
His research efforts include systems-focused change at the local, state, and federal levels for families affected by brain injury. He is a 17-year survivor of a "severe" traumatic brain injury, hypoxemia, pneumothorax, and a 1-month coma. Dr. Ignacio's clinical interests lie at the intersection of neurologic trauma, diversity (e.g., multicultural), and disparity (e.g., situational/positional/structural inequities). He received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Fielding University, completed his pre-doctoral internship at the NWI Veteran's Affairs Consortium, completed post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at UCLA's BrainSPORT program, and is currently completing his MPH at UCLA's Fielding School of Public Health.
Connect on IG: @tbioc
Connect with 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: thefnc.com
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.
