Episode 139: Behavioral Activation with Deena Schwen Blackett

In this episode, Lyssa Rome speaks with Deena Schwen Blackett, an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida and director of the Communication, Aphasia Recovery, and Emotion (CARE) Lab, about behavioral activation as a psychosocial intervention for people with aphasia. Deena describes what the intervention looks like in practice — from daily activity tracking to values-based goal setting across five life areas — and shares early findings on reductions in depression symptoms. The conversation also explores how behavioral activation aligns with the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia, where it fits within SLP scope of practice, and what clinicians can do to actively support the emotional well-being of the people with aphasia in their care.