At NSW we use a multiphase approach to treatment. Each treatment plan is individually designed to assist a client in achieving his or her goals. The treatment is implemented in an integrated approach. There are broad treatment options (listed below) and the treatment is based in the clinical relationship working with individuals and their families to best assist them in their lives. The field of neuropsychology focuses on evaluating, measuring and expanding brain function. The power of neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to grow and change, can be facilitated through the latest methods for regulating emotions, enhancing cognitive and developing specific skills.Neuropsychological treatment of traumatic brain injury is designed to integrate the several intervention methods necessary to treat brain dysfunction. The approach consists of an individualized plan of treatment based on objectives and procedures which are developed based on an extensive neuropsychological and behavioral assessment. Interventions are frequently revised for optimum clinical impact and include: strengthening cognitive processing of mental abilities, managing emotions, awareness of limitations, development of judgment, psychological adjustment, behavioral adjustment, social skills, family adjustment, work performance and vocational adjustment.
Neurocognitive Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation methods which have been designed to reengage or compensate for impaired cognitive functions treat problems in attention, mental flexibility, self-monitoring, mental control, visual perception, spatial organization, categorical reasoning, abstract and practical reasoning, problem solving, planning, organization, reading comprehension, receptive and expressive language. Computers, tablets, audiotapes, manipulatives, and social interaction are used to engage and retrain cognitive functions.
Psychological Adjustment – Counseling and psychotherapeutic methods which are adapted due to the limiting effects of cognitive deficits are used to increase understanding of the injury, motivation in recovery, acceptance of ramifications of brain injury on daily life, self esteem and independent living skills to maximize independence. The therapist provides neuro-cognitive treatment and related cognitive behavioral therapy working with the client in a one-to-one setting. Similarly, independent living skills counseling is provided regarding functioning in the home to facilitate the application of new skills in day-to-day activities.
Biofeedback/Physiological Treatment – This treatment employs cognitive behavioral therapies to assist individuals with brain injuries to manage problems in one or more of the following areas: 1.) Somatic complaints which have a psychosomatic component (e.g. headaches, irritable bowel, pain states). 2.) Anxiety symptoms including panic attacks, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress, OCD and phobias. 3.) Affective control (disinhibition problems); and 4.) Reduction of stress resulting from chronic neurological conditions or stress which exacerbates existing physical or psychological symptoms. Specific treatment modalities include behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, biofeedback, relaxation training, hypnosis, and meditation or other attentional control procedures.
EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing – We all have experiences in our lives that can cause us distress and impact our daily functioning. This treatment can help the person who has past trauma work through these issues in a productive and healthy manner. This treatment is geared around the person and the therapist simply guides the work. However, the reprocessing of the events is the work of the client. This treatment can lead to a much more fulfilling life as you uncover experiences that are linked to how one functions in todays world and how the person perceives various life events. This work is safe and is taken on slowly and carefully with the client understanding each step of the way.
Neurocognitive Group Therapy – The therapeutic group setting provides opportunities for the client to improve judgment, self-regulation of mood and affect, and improves certain aspects of memory. Group therapy assists clients in regaining their sense of identity, making the necessary psychological and social adjustments and regaining interpersonal awareness and effectiveness.
Family Therapy – Families are seen with and without the client to facilitate their understanding of the nature of the injury, provide an opportunity for input into effective treatment planning, promote adjustment to acceptance of limitations, and enroll cooperation with reinforcing treatment goals. This treatment provides interpretation of deficits and behavior to family members and provides guidelines or techniques for managing and enhancing function of the TBI person by family members. In addition, family members have the opportunity to deal with their own emotional reaction to the effects of the brain injury and its impact on the family. When family members have reached psychological acceptance of the new reality they are much more effective in helping the client reach treatment goals.
Community Re-Integration – Behavioral and cognitive interventions are used to encourage and facilitate appropriate social behavior, emotional control and integration into social settings. This may include adaptations doing volunteer work placement or work trials when returning to employment. A community reintegration treatment includes community responsibilities of your choosing performed with therapeutic assistance.
Remediation – Every person has a learning style as well as strengths and challenges that are confronted each day in the classroom. Remediation works with students on their specific challenges and teaches them strategies for learning. From the neuropsychological evaluation, a person’s learning style can be observed and documented. Many students, especially those with learning disabilities, can learn to work smarter and not harder. In remediation, the student is taught strategies to enhance their learning, so then they can apply these skills in the classroom. Here at Neuropsychological Services of Westchester we are firm believers in teaching students how to fish versus being given a fish. We teach the skills needed to improve their performance so when they leave treatment they can do it on their own.
Concussion Management – Proper management of a concussion is key especially if the symptoms have been lingering for longer than expected. When this occurs children and parents can become anxious which can perpetuate the problem. Likewise, coordinating treatment between providers is important and at Neuropsychological Services of Westchester we can assist you and your family in helping managing the symptoms as well as moving ahead in your life so that the concussion does not manage you or your child.