Clinical Psychology

Our primary aim is to optimise the abilities of clients who have acquired brain injury, which has resulted in cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social needs, while respecting the personal rights of the individual and the ethical issues of rehabilitation intervention.

Assessment

Standardised assessments and observations are completed to gain a full profile of each client’s strengths and needs. This includes assessment of attention, memory, visual perception, executive functioning, mood and behaviour. Following assessment, clients are supported to identify therapeutic goals, that meet their individual needs and levels of ability.

Therapeutic intervention

1:1 or group sessions target the areas of need indicated by assessment, specifically: attention, memory, visual perception and executive functioning including problem solving, initiation, self monitoring, awareness and insight. Clients are encouraged to explore and develop use of compensatory strategies to enable them to complete functional activities more independently. Emotional issues, social skills, socialisation and behaviour management are also addressed in 1:1 and group sessions.  We use an interdisciplinary approach to ensure effective generalisation of skills and strategies into daily life. The primary goal of therapeutic intervention is to enhance cognitive, social and emotional functions to increase the clients’ independence and promote reintegration into society.

Emotional well-being

Clients receive ongoing emotional support throughout their placement in therapy sessions.  Evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behaviour therapy, solutions focused therapy and supportive psychotherapy are used to support clients to address mood, anxiety and adjustment issues.  Additional therapeutic input is provided as required.

Research

Evaluation of existing cognitive rehabilitation strategies and the development of new ones are crucial elements for any successful rehabilitation programme. We strive to create and test programmes that will be of maximum benefit to our clients and sensitive to their individual needs. We are also interested in individual case studies and we keep abreast of current research through literature and conferences, with the aim of maintaining a high quality service to our clients.

Continuing staff support and training are both essential for an effective team approach, these are provided by the Psychology Department.

Our primary aim is to optimise the abilities of clients who have acquired brain injury, which has resulted in cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social needs, while respecting the personal rights of the individual and the ethical issues of rehabilitation intervention.