What is cognitive rehabilitation and how can a speech therapist help?

As a speech-language pathologist (speech therapist) who treats clients with traumatic brain injuries I frequently provide cognitive rehabilitation and compensatory strategy training.

Cognition includes but is not limited to; memory, attention, problem solving, reasoning, organization, planning, and information processing. Basically, all the skills our brains need to complete day to day tasks.

Following a traumatic brain injury one or more of these cognitive processes may be impaired but fortunately therapy can help, and I love being a part of that journey with my clients! Along with carefully designed cognitive exercises, a large part of cognitive rehabilitation is providing training on strategies that can also help, this may be implementation of a visual schedule, a daily checklist, or identifying a “memory home.”

What works for one person may not work for another person so taking the time to provide training and exploration of strategies and determining what works for the client is key. Cognitive rehabilitation can help clients get back to living their lives!