TBI Support Groups

What is a Brain Injury Support Group?

A brain injury support group is a gathering of people who have experienced brain injury (either first-hand or second-hand, such as a family member), who come together for self-expression and encouragement. The group provides a forum for emotional expression within a nurturing environment.

While each group must develop its own identity and membership composition, the most important considerations are 1) identifying who can benefit as a result of participating in a support group and 2) determining how the composition of the constituents can benefit the group as a whole.

A brain injury support group is NOT formal, professional therapy.

Why Have a Brain Injury Support Group?

• Emotional healing comes through interpersonal contact.
• Sharing of similar experiences helps members feel less isolated and more empowered to deal with daily challenges.
• Encouragement comes from learning about the achievements of others who have overcome similar difficulties.
• Contribution helps support group members feel useful and gives meaning to their lives.
• Education results from the exchange of information and personal experiences.
• Socialization establishes and maintains important connections with people and enhances confidence in social skills.
• Self-expression, as emotions are experienced and released, creates a greater understanding of oneself and one's capabilities.
• Confidence building results as members self-direct the support group and work on the problems they all have in common.
• Safety, in the context of a confidential, supportive, non-judgmental environment, allows for honest self-expression and confidence building.
• A sense of growth occurs as long-term members see new participants and reminisce about where they began and how far they have come in their personal journey.

(Brain Injury Association of America)

Support Group Listing in West Virginia

Brain Injury Group (BIG) of West Virginia: Caregivers Group

• Where: Virtual zoom: Register here.
  Upon registration, you will receive a zoom link.
• When: Last Friday of the month from 12 -1 p.m. Starting July 30, 2021
• Who: Caregivers and family members of individuals with TBIs are all welcome!
• Contact: Carrie Cobun-Stark, TBI Intake Coordinator at 304 376 7834 OR email ccobun@hsc.wvu.edu.

Monthly Mindfulness Sessions

• Where: Zoom
  Register to attend here:
  https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tdOypqD0tHtXQ36pEv0M36nxGwW528j_1
• Who:People with TBI, Caregivers/Family Members of People with TBI, and Professionals
• When: 3rd Friday of the month from 12-1 p.m.
• Contact: 877-724-8244 or tbi@hsc.wvu.edu with any questions

Brain Injury Group (BIG) of the Eastern Panhandle

• Where: Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9262830895
  Meeting ID: 926 283 0895
• Phone: 19292056099,,9262830895# US (New York)
• When: 2nd Monday every month from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Contact: Sara Hitchings 304-596-3550 – wvepbig@gmail.com
• Facebook: Brain Injury Group of the Eastern Panhandle-WV

Brain Injury Group (BIG) at Marshall

• Where: Marshall University
  311 Smith Hall
  Huntington, WV 25755
• When: Last Wednesday every month from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
• Contact: Carrie Childers 304-696-2984 - childersca@marshall.edu
  Kelly Rutherford 304-696-2982 - davis139@marshall.edu
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonBIG

Brain Injury Group (BIG) of Southern WV

• Where: 101 South Eisenhower (FMRS Building)
  Beckley, WV 25801
• When: 3rd Tuesday every month from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
• Contact: PO Box 5, Beckley, WV 25801
  Shannon Hughart (304-222-1132)
  shannon@pnbwv.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/braininjurywv

Brain Injury Support Group

• Where: Zoom: register using this link: https://wvumdtv.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUkfumqrDoiHtGcd7KgDZbkSoRw1eAva58V
• When: First Thursday of the month from 6-7 p.m.
• Contact: Courtney Pride or Cortland Nesley 877-724-8244 or 304-290-8155 TBI@hsc.wvu.edu or courtney.pride@hsc.wvu.edu