Cognitive Rehabilitation
Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT) is a specialized, evidence-based approach that helps individuals improve thinking skills such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and organization. These abilities may be affected by brain injury, neurological illness, or the natural aging process. CRT is tailored to each person’s unique needs, with the goal of enhancing daily functioning, promoting independence, and improving overall quality of life.
Cognitive Domains
Attention
The ability to concentrate and focus on specific information or tasks, effectively filtering out external distractions.
Memory
Encompassing short-term (working) memory, long-term memory, and the processes of encoding, storing, and recalling information.
Executive Function
Higher-order skills like problem-solving, reasoning, planning, organizing, and initiating and inhibiting actions.
Language
Skills related to understanding (receptive language) and producing (expressive language) verbal and written communication.
Perception
Recognizing and making sense of sensory information, such as recognizing objects, faces, or spatial relationships.
Balance
Pertaining to both physical balance, which involves maintaining body equilibrium, and cognitive balance, such as balancing multiple tasks.
Services
Goal Setting
Goal setting is a key part of Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT). It involves working closely with patients—and often their families—to create clear, meaningful goals that guide the therapy process. These goals focus on improving daily functioning by addressing specific cognitive challenges such as memory, attention, or problem-solving. Through thoughtful goal setting, CRT becomes more than cognitive training—it becomes a personalized path to greater independence, confidence, and quality of life for you or your loved one.
Attention Training
Attention training is a vital part of Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT), created to help people improve their ability to focus, concentrate, and handle distractions. These skills—called attention functions—can be impacted by conditions like brain injury, stroke, or during cognitive decline.
Through organized activities and practical strategies, attention training helps to restore or strengthen a person’s ability to:
- Maintain focus over time
- Shift attention between tasks
- Block out distractions
- Manage multiple tasks at once
Since attention is essential for other thinking skills—such as memory, communication, and problem-solving—it is often one of the first areas treated in cognitive rehabilitation. By enhancing attention, patients can better participate in daily activities and lay a strong foundation for further cognitive healing.
Internalization & Generalization
In Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT), success isn’t just about learning new strategies—it’s about integrating them into everyday life. Two essential components of this process are internalization and generalization, which ensure that what’s practiced in therapy translates to meaningful, real-world improvements.
Internalization involves learning to use cognitive strategies independently. This step fosters confidence and reduces reliance on external support. For example, someone might begin remembering appointments more consistently by regularly using a planner, without needing prompts from others.
Generalization means applying these strategies across different settings, such as at home, at work, or in social situations. This ensures that cognitive skills are useful beyond the therapy environment. Techniques learned to improve memory or attention during sessions can be carried over to everyday tasks and challenges.
Our goal is to help you or your loved one go beyond simply practicing new skills—to truly live them. With the right guidance and support, recovery becomes more than just progress in therapy. It becomes a return to what matters most.
Compensation
In Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT), compensation refers to the use of tools, strategies, and environmental adjustments that help individuals manage and work around cognitive difficulties. These challenges may result from brain injury, stroke, neurological conditions, or the natural aging process.
Rather than trying to restore the impaired skill directly, compensation focuses on finding practical ways to support daily activities and maintain independence. This might include using a planner to manage memory difficulties, setting up reminders for important tasks, or creating a distraction-free workspace to improve focus.
Compensatory techniques are tailored to each person’s unique needs and can make everyday life more manageable while enhancing confidence and quality of life.
Our Approach
Assessment
We begin with a deep evaluation to pinpoint cognitive challenges and strengths.
Goal-Oriented Therapy
We design a plan that is not only realistic but also truly aligned with the client’s aspirations.
Structured Practice
We implement evidence-based exercises to sharpen and reinforce cognitive skills.
Let’s explore how we can support your journey to better cognitive health—together.
Schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Michael Fraas today, and take the first step toward greater clarity, confidence, and independence.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Goal Setting
Attention Training
Internalization & Generalization
Compensation
Contact
(603) 520-4874
brainspeak.seattle@gmail.com
1528 McGilvra Blvd E. Seattle, WA 98112
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