Abstract

This paper is an autoethnographic exploration of one woman’s illness narrative. It provides an in-depth understanding of her lived experience of rehabilitation after sustaining a traumatic brain injury and poly-trauma. The narrative confirms the importance of providing people with self-determined choice as a primary component of rehabilitation. The voice and values of clients are integral to professional judgment. This narrative supports clients’ personal choice and freedom during the rehabilitation process as a means of increasing their sense of self-determination and empowerment while improving overall health outcomes.