andi,

There is a specific part of the brain that links face images to names and such. It is not uncommon for the link to be damaged. Often, there is a sense that the face is familiar but absolutely no name connection. The work-around is to find non-facial features to link to the name.

It also helps to focus on a single facial feature and think of it as separate from the face such as 'big eyebrows' or 'bump on the nose.' I have done this successfully. One of my wife's friends is remembered as 'crazy hair.' Eventually, I realized her initials are CH which fits with Crazy Hair so I have even better connection to her name.

Simply understanding the brain's facial recognition function and accepting it as dysfunctional helps to lower the stress levels.

An explanation of "I'm sorry. My brain does not connect faces to names properly because of a brain injury. I recognize faces but have no recollection of names."

My best to you.