Psychological Consultation in Rehabilitation

Abstract

Patients’ emotional well-being highly affects the outcomes of rehabilitation. Psychological interventions enhance the rehabilitation process. We describe a normal rehabilitation curve in which injured patients experience a cycle of emotional highs and lows. We also suggest a four-step consulting strategy to address these emotional changes during the rehabilitation process: (1) In which stage of change is the patient? (2) Does the clinician know the patient’s personality? (3) What are the goals of the patients and the clinicians? and (4) Does the patient adhere and stay motivated? Clinicians should explain the rehabilitation curve and use the four step strategy, so that patients stay motivated with positive emotional feelings.