What is Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy?

Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy is a type of treatment designed to help individuals who experience cognitive problems following a brain injury, neurological illness, or disorder. These cognitive issues can affect things like memory, attention, problem-solving, or the ability to plan and organize tasks. Cognitive therapy focuses on helping individuals improve these skills or find ways to manage them in daily life.

There are two main approaches to cognitive rehabilitation:

• Restorative Treatment: The goal is to improve the specific cognitive abilities that have been affected. For example, you may work on exercises or activities that target memory, concentration, or attention, to help rebuild or strengthen those skills.

• Compensatory Treatment: If certain cognitive skills can’t be fully restored, the goal shifts to teaching strategies or tools to help manage the difficulties. This could include using a memory notebook, a daily planner, alarms, or digital reminders to help you stay organized and remember important tasks.

 

What types of treatments are used?
At Empower NeuroRehab, we use evidence-based treatments, which means they are supported by research and proven to be effective. You may experience a mix of these therapies, either in a clinic setting or as part of your home practice. Some examples of treatments include:

• Constant Therapy: An app that offers comprehensive exercises for improving speech, language, and cognitive skills. It’s designed for daily use and can help you work on different areas of cognitive function at your own pace.

• CogSMART Compensatory Strategy Training: A program specifically designed to teach strategies for improving memory and executive functioning (planning, organization, etc.). It helps individuals learn new ways to manage cognitive challenges in daily life. Learn more at CogSMART.

• HeartMath: A tool used to help reduce stress and improve focus through techniques like breathing exercises and relaxation. It can help with emotional regulation and improve cognitive function over time. Learn more at HeartMath. 

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Who Will I Work With for Cognitive Rehabilitation?

During cognitive rehabilitation, you’ll work with a clinician who specializes in cognitive therapy, such as a neuropsychologist, occupational therapist, or speech therapist. Your therapist will guide you through exercises and strategies to help you improve your cognitive skills.

You can expect to meet 1-2 times per week for about 1 hour per session over a period of 6-8 weeks. During these sessions, the therapist will teach you exercises and strategies that you can then practice at home or in the clinic. The goal is to do these exercises 5 days a week to help reinforce the skills you’re working on.

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How Does Cognitive Rehabilitation Help?

Cognitive rehabilitation can make a big difference in improving your ability to live independently and participate in everyday activities. Whether it's helping you remember important information, stay organized, or find new ways to manage challenges, the goal is to support your recovery and improve your overall quality of life.

Through a combination of restorative and compensatory techniques, your therapist will help you build skills, confidence, and strategies that fit your needs, so you can feel more empowered in your daily routines.