Cognitive Therapy

Treating the Whole Person   

Among all the disruptions inherent in brain injury, cognitive functioning is one of the most devastating. The simple task of remembering vital information is a struggle for many patients. Cognitive rehabilitation at CNS emphasizes independence in every therapeutic module and exercise, building skills that restore the rhythm of living.
 

Therapy Facilitates

• Improved language skills
• Increased processing speed
• Enhanced executive function
• Task follow through
• Activity planning and adhering to those plans

Emphasis on these capabilities helps to restructure the brain’s pathways normally damaged by an injury. As an intense approach to cognitive therapy, CNS’ program essentially rebuilds the brain through neuroplasticity. This all-encompassing approach is holistic and transdisciplinary, addressing many aspects of cognition: vision, communication, spatial awareness, functional/safe movement, and speech.

Rehabilitation Begins with Evaluation

Patients are evaluated for speech and cognitive deficits caused by their injury. One of the unique features of the CNS cognitive rehabilitation department is the Cognition Module. This therapy begins with the basic concept of identifying perceptual features or objects (shape, color, size). Therapists build on this foundation in exercises for patients who experience language impairments in memory, attention, problem solving, and categorization. CNS’ multidisciplinary collaboration further enhances rehabilitation:

• Evaluation results are shared with the patient’s treatment team and the Residential Rehabilitation staff
• Speech Language Pathologists tailor the plan to promote the rhythm of living unique to each patient
• Patients practice and generalize skills with peers, staff, family, and the public in real-world settings
• Staff track cognition progress and the treatment team modifies therapy as needed
• Therapists, counselors, and case managers help families process the impact that cognitive deficits have on the patient’s quality of life

In-Depth Process Emphasizes Communication Skills

Patients are given varying levels of tasks and distractions, often introduced in a structured manner that introduces distractor levels, once the foundational skills are improved and solidified. Introducing a hierarchy of concepts retrains the brain and provides a foundation of logic needed to function in the community. The path developed and refined in cognitive therapy models the work, home, and social environment patients re-enter post injury. Mastery of these skills promotes effective communication and decreases the burden on caregivers, employers, and society. Moreover, cognitive skills enhance self-esteem, lessen the chance of re-hospitalization, and supports the patient’s return to productivity.