Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance

Lunch and Learn Sessions for Social Workers
and Social Service Professionals

The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance is offering Lunch and Learn Sessions for Social Workers and Social Service Professionals. Continuing Education Units will be available after each session. The sessions will begin at 12 p.m. and be held via Zoom. (Zoom link to be sent out within 48 hours of the event.)

The cost is $15 per session.


October 18, 2023

Impaired Self-Awareness after Acquired Brain Injury

Robert Karol, Ph.D., LP, ABPP-RP, CBIST, President, Karol Neuro + Rehab Consulting

In this session, Dr. Karol will delve into the topic of impaired self-awareness following acquired brain injury. Participants will have the opportunity to:

  1. Explain the variables that contribute to increased social inappropriateness in individuals with impaired self-awareness.
  2. Understand the risks associated with increasing awareness in these individuals.
  3. Describe specific intervention techniques that can be employed to address impaired self-awareness.

By the end of the session, participants will understand impaired self-awareness after brain injury, including its nature and causes of social inappropriateness. They will also learn about the risks associated with increasing awareness and discover intervention techniques to support individuals in their recovery.

Register today for the October session.


November 15, 2023

Calming the Chaos:Treating the Emotional Issues Associated with mTBI

Christine Gilyard, LMFT, CBIS, Chris Gilyard Counseling

Chris will address the strategies and challenges involved in treating emotional issues that arise from persistent concussion or mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). The objectives of this presentation are as follows:

  1. Explore the differences and connections between mental health issues and mTBI.
  2. Highlight target issues including acceptance, grief, loss, and identity that are commonly experienced by individuals with persistent concussion or mTBI.
  3. Provide professionals with specific interventions and approaches for effectively treating individuals with mTBI and addressing their emotional challenges.

By the end of this presentation, participants will gain a better understanding of treatment strategies and challenges for emotional issues related to persistent concussion or mTBI. They will also learn about the connection between mental health and mTBI, and acquire practical interventions to support individuals in their recovery process.

Register today for the November session.


December 13, 2023

Brain Injuries and Domestic Violence Survivors in Shelter

Raye Black, Shelter Manager & Kate Tobin, Director of Shelter Services, Tubman

Raye and Kate will be delivering a presentation on identifying the signs and effects of brain injury among survivors of domestic violence seeking shelter. They will explore the ways in which brain injury influences and perpetuates the cycle of domestic violence. The session will provide ample opportunity for an open and interactive discussion allowing participants to ask questions and engage in dialogue with the presenters and each other.

Register today for the December session.


Share with other professionals and come to learn while having lunch!

The cost is $15 per session.