Zach was in a car accident 6 months ago and suffered a brain injury. He completed his rehabilitation process through the hospital and spends most of his time at home with his parents. He contacted Jacki to start building his life back.

Initial Evaluation

A full evaluation is completed and Zach is struggling with his executive function skills (i.e planning, safety awareness, and multitasking). Zach identifies that one of his core values is independence and wants to start living on his own. One of his favorite things to do was go to the local farmer’s market with his brother to prepare his meals for the week.

Treatment Session #1

Prior to the first treatment session, Jacki performs an environmental and activity analysis for going to the farmers market. She determines that Zach has the cognitive and physical ability to safely attend the market and what skills Zach will need to work on.

The first treatment session includes planning out the route they will use on BART to get there, creating a list of items he wants to purchase, how much money he wants to spend, and any potential barriers that may arise.

Therapeutic Strategies

Treatment Session #2

Zach is feeling nervous about taking public transportation. Jacki discusses the option to use a treatment session to trial out the route so Zach doesn’t feel rushed or anxious. With their planned route in hand as a memory aid, Zach and Jacki head out of the house with Zach leading the way. Jacki provides safety tips along the way as Zach navigates public transportation. The trip goes smoothly and Zach is ready to give it a try for the Farmer’s Market next Thursday!

Therapeutic Strategies

Treatment session #3

Thursday has finally come and Zach and Jacki are excited. Zach’s brother joins them to learn about how to carry over the same techniques for next time. Zach was able to navigate the route with his memory aid with less cues and arrived safely at the Farmer’s Market. As they walk around and stop at each stand, Zach begins interacting socially with the vendors. After some of the interactions, Jacki provides Zach with a few social skills tips to try for the next vendor they stop at.

Zach scans the farmers market and finds exactly what he wants to purchase. He uses the money management skills that were built in the previous session and has confidence while doing it! Together, they leave the farmers market and even bust out a few dance moves as they pass the live music.

Therapeutic Strategies

Zach learns the independent living skills required for community reintegration and can’t wait to try the farmer’s market again next week with his brother. He’s ready to tackle a new life skill to begin building a routine.