Cognitive Interventions

Cognitive Interventions

Cognitive Interventions

BSHS/312

November 29, 2010

Adam Chidekel, PhD

Cognitive Interventions

Cognitive interventions consist of different methods and therapies used during counseling sessions. Cognitive intervention is a form of counseling also called cognitive psychology. The methods used to help clients depends on the individuals situation and needs. Professionals normally use this form of therapy for people experiencing issues with fears or addictions. The following information will describe a cognitive intervention used with an elderly stroke victim who has a fear of falling, which is causing her to resist physical therapy treatment.
The Client
Ida Payne is an 86 year-old female who recently suffered a stroke. As a result, Mrs. Payne is experiencing limited left side mobility, slight slurred speech, and she has lost some vision in her right eye. Her cognitive ability does not seem to be affected and she can communicate her needs clearly. Mrs. Payne's family has described her as a well educated, independent, and easy-going woman. She worked at the local hospital as a cardiac nurse until her retirement 20 years ago and was an active volunteer at the hospital until her stroke. She lost her husband in March of 2004 and has been living on her own since his death. Mrs. Payne is experiencing a fear of physical therapy ever since she fell during her first session. Her fear is preventing her from becoming more independent and may result in her needing assistance for the rest of her life. The idea of living in a nursing home scares Mrs. Payne. Mrs. Payne and her family supports the idea of using therapy to assist her in overcoming her fear of falling.

Cognitive Intervention: Thought Stopping
To best assist Mrs. Payne with her fear, the cognitive intervention of thought stopping will be applied. According to Changing Minds (2010), " The principle of thought stopping is first to stop people thinking about those things which will distract or...

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