WHAT IS A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION?
Neuropsychological testing is a way of examining the relationship between the brain and behavior. Neuropsychological tests can be helpful in
- Forming a diagnosis
- Identifying a child’s strengths and weaknesses
- Guiding treatment for psychological, educational, forensic or vocational needs
- Making recommendations to medical personnel or educators
- Documenting change over time, such as the successfulness of treatment.
- In this type of evaluation, the results will not only identify how well or how poorly a child reads, spells, does math, or pays attention, etc., but also indicates why.
Neuropsychological assessment provides a systematic evaluation of cognitive abilities such as intelligence, memory, language, attention, problem-solving ability, visual-motor skills, sensorimotor abilities, personality/emotional functioning, and academic skills. A typical evaluation involves administration of neuropsychological and psychological tests, record review, and an interview with the child, including a parent or other family member. Neuropsychological tests usually involve paper-and-pencil or computer based measures and are usually enjoyed by most children.
WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER A NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT?
Neuropsychological assessment can help if your child has:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder concerns, Learning Disorders, and other behavioral, academic, and vocational problems
- Forensic Cases
- Memory, attention, or language problems, but for which the causes are unknown
- Acquired brain injury
- Medical conditions affecting central nervous system function
- Psychiatric conditions with a high index of risk for neuropsychological involvement
- Apparent changes in his or her development over time
- Is not responding to his or her current treatment
COUPLES THERAPY
WHAT IS COUPLES THERAPY?
Couples Therapy is a resource designed to assist partners in a relationship to recognize and better manage issues such as repetitive conflicts, feeling unconnected, lack of affection, and extended feelings of anger and resentment between the partners. Couples Therapy provides the tools to communicate more effectively, listen for understanding, create and implement a plan to share mutual responsibilities, negotiate differences and problem solve, and perhaps even learn new ways to better enjoy their relationship.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COUPLES THERAPY?
There are many benefits of couples therapy. Below are several benefits:
- Stronger commitment towards each other
- Building communication skills
- Rediscovering ways of intimacy
- Modifying any dysfunctional behaviors
- Promoting strengths
- Building trust
- Problem Solving skills
- Creating effective plans
MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY
WHAT THERAPEUTIC SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
- Developmental Disorders
- ADHD
- Depression Treatment
- Women’s Issues
- Individual and group therapy
- Managing stress, anger, and difficult emotions
- Relationship issues including marital communication and conflict
- Grief and loss issues
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Anxiety/Panic disorder
- Mood Disorders
- Codependent Issues
- Life issues related to chronic pain and pain management
- Domestic Violence
WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE SEE A THERAPIST?
Therapists can help adults, kids and families cope with stress and a variety of emotional and behavioral issues such as the demands of family, job, school and finances. Others need help to discuss their feelings about family issues, particularly if there’s a major transition, such as a divorce, move, or serious illness. Therapy can be used as a tool to help individuals develop goals, problem-solving skills and transition successfully through difficult and significant life events. These events may cause stress, which may lead to problems with behavior, mood, sleep, appetite, and academic or social functioning. Signs that someone may benefit from seeing a psychologist or licensed therapist may include:
- Learning or attention problems (such as ADHD)
- Episodes of sadness, tearfulness, or depression
- Behavioral problems (such as excessive anger, defiance, bedwetting or eating disorders)
- Decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Strain in personal relationships
- Sudden changes in appetite
- Insomnia or increased sleepiness
- Reduced performance in school/workplace
- Excessive school/work absenteeism or tardiness
- Mood swings (e.g., happy one minute, upset the next)
- Development of or an increase in physical complaints (such as headache, stomachache, or not feeling well) despite a normal physical exam by your doctor
- Management of a serious, acute, or chronic illness
- Signs of alcohol, drug, or other substance use
- Problems in transitions (following separation, divorce, or relocation)
- Bereavement/Grief
- Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or other traumatic events
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Being the victim of bullying or bullying other children
- Concerns with children who have a significant delay in achieving developmental milestones such as walking, talking, and potty training, and if there are concerns regarding autism or other developmental disorders.
BENEFITS OF THERAPY:
- Enhancing self-esteem, respect, confidence
- Building Trust
- Victim Awareness
- How to cope with sadness, anger and other forms of stress
- Identifying and Managing tough emotions
- Challenging negative thoughts
- Developing Positive Coping Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Enhancing cooperation, self control & responsibility
- Developing support systems
- Managing sleep and eating patterns
- Exercising and being healthy
- Learning appropriate positive social skills
- Handling peer & sibling conflict
- Improving Impulse control
- Learning constructive ways to utilize energy
- Character building
- Knowing when to ask for help
