In this episode of The Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette continues unpacking the RECLAIM framework by diving into step two: Rebuild. After surviving the chaos of traumatic brain injury and caregiving, rebuilding means creating boundaries, rhythms, and systems that actually hold you — not just your family.

Erika shares her personal turning point when survival mode nearly broke her, and how learning to set boundaries, develop small repeatable habits, and create simple systems helped her find her footing again. This episode is packed with practical tools and encouragement for wives who feel like they’re running on fumes but are ready to take one step toward stability and sustainability.

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In this episode of The Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette introduces the RECLAIM framework — her three-step process for helping wives of men with traumatic brain injuries find themselves again after years of survival mode. Step one is Reconnect: coming back to your true self and your higher power so you can breathe, heal, and live from a place of strength instead of exhaustion.

Erika shares her personal story of disconnection during her husband’s recovery, the turning point that led her back to God, and the daily practices that help her stay grounded even in chaos. You’ll walk away with practical tools you can start today — whether it’s a 5-minute grounding check-in, anchoring to a scripture, or using simple breath prayers to reset your nervous system.

If you’ve been holding it all together for everyone else and wondering when it will finally be your turn, this episode will help you start that journey back to you.

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In this special 20th episode and season finale of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette takes a moment to reflect on the incredible resilience of TBI wives, honoring the strength it takes to care for a loved one while navigating the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. Erika shares her own journey, offering heartfelt insights into the importance of community support and the selfless dedication caregivers pour into their loved ones’ healing.

This episode also marks a pivotal moment as Erika introduces her new membership site, Reclaim, (reclaim-tbiwives.com)designed to empower caregivers with the tools, resources, and support they need to reclaim their own well-being while caring for their families. As she previews the upcoming season, which will feature expert interviews, self-care strategies, and practical advice for TBI wives, Erika emphasizes the vital role of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care amidst the demands of caregiving.

Whether you’re new to the journey or a seasoned caregiver, this episode serves as a reminder that you are not alone. Stay connected, stay supported, and continue reclaiming your strength within this empowering community.

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In this week's episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Rosalyn Fast takes us through her emotional and transformative journey as a caregiver to her husband, Donald, who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 1997. Rosalyn recounts the day that forever changed their lives, sharing the slow realization of the severity of Donald's injuries and the overwhelming challenges they faced, from medical struggles to a heartbreaking legal battle they ultimately lost.

As their marriage and daily life were irrevocably altered, Rosalyn faced the daunting task of navigating the world of TBI with little support or understanding from the community. Amidst the hardships, she found solace and purpose through journaling, Tai Chi, and community work, emphasizing the profound importance of resilience, support systems, and finding personal strength through it all. Rosalyn’s story is a testament to the power of endurance, the search for healing, and the unyielding love that sustains caregivers through the most difficult journeys.

In this episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Amanda Mahaffey takes us through the evolution of their relationship, starting from their early years together and raising their daughter, to the life-changing moment of the bike accident that altered everything.

Amanda delves into the struggles of living with ambiguous loss, a challenge many TBI wives face, and how they navigated the misunderstandings with medical professionals that often accompany such complex injuries. She shares the emotional toll on their relationship, the coping mechanisms they developed, and the therapy experiences that helped them heal. Throughout the conversation, Amanda offers insight into the shifting dynamics within her family, and how they’ve learned to embrace their "new normal."

Despite the challenges, Amanda also emphasizes the importance of resilience, support systems, and finding moments of laughter, showing that even through the darkest times, there is hope, healing, and strength to be found.

In this emotional episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Carin Miller opens up about her 25-year journey as a caregiver to her husband following his traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident in 1997. From the initial shock of the accident to the ongoing physical and emotional challenges, Carin shares the hardships they faced as a family, including her husband's prolonged opioid addiction and the lack of consistent medical care.

Carin reflects on the profound changes in their relationship, her own struggles with gambling addiction, and how she found strength through self-advocacy and peer support. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Carin emphasizes the importance of finding personal joy, embracing faith, and discovering new purpose. Her journey also led her to become an ordained minister, using her experiences to help others in similar situations.

This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of support networks, and the importance of self-care for caregivers. If you’re navigating life with a TBI spouse, Carin's story offers hope, healing, and inspiration for reclaiming joy amidst the struggle.

Claire Wilkerson shares her and her husband's journey through his traumatic brain injury (TBI). Pre-injury, Claire and her husband were high school sweethearts enjoying life in Washington, involving travel, camping, and fly fishing. The TBI happened in 2020 when her husband had a car accident while on his way to fly fish. Claire describes the experience from receiving the shocking call from the hospital to navigating his initial treatment, numerous surgeries, and ICU stay during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares her challenges in ensuring her husband’s care, fighting for permissions, and eventually being a constant through his transition to a rehab facility. Claire speaks about managing her husband's injuries, learning to advocate for him, handling their changed home environment, and balancing her own job with his intense care needs. The couple's pre-existing relationship with a therapist, their supportive community, and Claire’s strategies for self-care have been vital. Finally, Claire comments on the continuous adjustments, the importance of laughter, and maintaining hope and perseverance through their journey.

In this episode of 'Real Lives of TBI Wives,' Jenny Ziegelhofer shares the harrowing story of her husband's traumatic brain injury that began in the summer of 2022. From the initial discovery of a lump to a complex diagnosis and a life-changing stroke post-surgery, Jenny walks us through the emotional and logistical challenges faced by their family. She discusses the toll it took on their lives, her role as an advocate and caregiver, and the support systems that helped them navigate through the trying times. Jenny also shares insights into managing grief, maintaining relationships, and the importance of accepting help during crises.