Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT)

Cognitive is a term most often found in psychology that refers to the process of thought.

Cognitive rehabilitation therapy provided by Chrysalis is included at every stage of rehabilitation from coma to community, as appropriate to the needs of the individual. We are professional members of the Society for Cognitive Rehabilitation and strongly believe that CRT is central to our brain injury rehabilitation success.

What is Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy?

Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy (CRT) is the process of relearning cognitive skills that have been lost or altered as a result of damage to brain cells/chemistry. If skills cannot be relearned, then new ones can be taught to enable the person to compensate for their lost cognitive functions

The process of CRT comprises 4 components:

1. Education about cognitive weaknesses and strengths. The focus here is on developing awareness of the problem.
2. Process Training. This refers to the development of skills through direct retraining or practicing the underlying cognitive skills. The focus here is on resolving the problem.
3. Strategy Training. This involves the use of environmental, internal and external strategies. The focus here is on compensating rather than resolving the problem.
4. Functional Activities Training. This involves the application of the other three components in everyday life. The focus here is on real life improvements.

What Should I Expect in CRT?

CRT Services are directed to achieve functional changes by:

• Reinforcing, strengthening or establishing previously learned patterns of behaviour.
• Establishing new patterns of cognitive activity or mechanisms to compensate for impaired neurological systems.
• Interventions are tailored to help the individual be as independent as possible in the management of his or her everyday routines and responsibilities in their home and community.

How do CRT goals help me with my life skills?

• Aim is to enhance your functional competence in real world situations by direct retraining, compensatory strategies or cognitive tools.
• Help individuals make most of abilities and increase self-reliance and self-confidence by providing training, resources, information and adaptive equipment.
• Involve in experiences that require individuals to interact, analyse, question, reflect and connect what they have learned in new situations in the community.