Supporting clients to navigate uncertainty around their future after an injury

In this part of our conversation with Dr Shabnam Berry-Khan, founder of PsychWorks Associates, for “Psychological support for clients in the Court of Protection“, we explored how trauma manifests after catastrophic injuries and why the uncertainty of the future can be very difficult for clients to navigate.  

After a life changing a client can experience shock and grief. it is a form of trauma. Dr Shabnam Berry-Khan explains that “Shock is how the body and mind register what’s happening”. “It can involve feeling numb and unable to process what has occurred, while also trying to balance the emotions that come with the situation and the immediate needs of the person who is injured.”

This state of paralysis is common. In the early days after an injury, people are often faced with an influx of professionals – solicitors, doctors, therapists – alongside family members who are seeking updates. The injured person themselves is also grappling with the reality of their condition. “There may be health crises that re-traumatise and re-shock someone,” Shabnam notes. “It’s hard to think of shock or trauma as just one event or one phase of the post injury life, because it impacts both the individual and those around them in many ways.” 

One of the most difficult aspects of the early recovery period is uncertainty. Clients can often struggle to visualise their future or understand what their lives will look like moving forward. We understand that this lack of clarity can heighten distress and slow the adjustment process. 

Sitting with uncertainty is one of the most challenging tasks for both clients and their families. Dr Berry-Khan says that “us as professionals, holding the trauma of uncertainty is an important part of how we support our clients, because uncertainty also brings shifting priorities and questions of control.” 

This often means that we need to wait for clients to be ready to speak and move through the process of recovery. Understanding and responding to these cues helps ensure that support is aligned with the client’s emotional state, not just their practical needs. 

Recognising the profound impact of the initial trauma and what is going on for our clients psychologically can help us to work more effectively with clients and their families. It also reminds us that our role extends beyond legal representation. We are part of a broader support system helping people rebuild their lives and our role is to ensure our legal support is grounded in empathy, patience, and a commitment to our client’s recovery.

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