108 Towards the neuropsychological foundations of couples therapy following acquired brain injury (ABI): a review of empirical evidence and relevant concepts Giles Yeates* Abstract The professional support of intimate relationships following acquired brain injury (ABI) is required to respond to their social, psychological, and neuropsychologi- cal dimensions. In relation to the latter, while the unique contribution of the brain injury itself on the couples’ relationship has long been recognised, a neuro- psychological component of couples’ interventions has remained outstanding. The advent of social neuroscience has provided bridging concepts and stimu- lated focused studies of specific social neuropsychological impairments post- injury. Social cognition rehabilitation strategies are now emerging, but have been developed in parallel to family and couples psychotherapeutic work. This narra- tive, unsystematic review explores the potential for cross-fertilization of these traditions by covering: i) a summary of couples outcomes post-injury; ii) the range of neuropsychological impairments post-injury that may impact on the couples’ relationship; and iii) neuro-rehabilitation interventions to date that aim to specifically address the interpersonal dimension of some of these impairments. The literature review concludes with a suggested framework for conceptualising the impact of altered neuropsychological functioning on couples’ relationships as differing forms of socio-emotional misattunement. Necessary components of a neuropsychologically-informed couples intervention are provisionally outlined. Key words: brain injury, stroke, social cognition, couples, relationships, couples therapy. Introduction and overview A frequent issue brought to brain injury services is a profound sense of disconnection between romantic partners when one is a survivor of acquired brain injury (ABI). This disconnection is most easily charac- terised by a loss of felt closeness in the relationship and familiarity Neuro-Disability & Psychotherapy 1(1) 108–150 (2013) *Correspondence to: Dr Giles Yeates, Community Head Injury Service, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Camborne Centre, Jansel Square, Bedgrove, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP21 7ET, UK. E-mail: Giles.Yeates@buckspct.nhs.uk Q1 5-Yeates.qxp 04/01/2013 14:18 Page 108