Explanatory models are cognitive models that persons with a disability, family members and rehabilitation professionals hold about an illness or disability episode. This paper presents the concept of explanatory models (EM) as a way of facilitating therapists' communication with family members of persons with acquired brain injury. To illustrate the concept, the findings of a descriptive study of EMs held by family caregivers of brain injured people are presented. The clinical implications of negotiating EMs with family caregivers are addressed.
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