Treatment (Therapy/Counselling, Occupational Therapy, Cognitive Rehabilitation)

 

Treatment services are offered by both Dr. Smolewska and the Associates who are Clinical Social Workers and an Occupational Therapist. Currently, Dr. Smolewska is only accepting new treatment referrals for cognitive rehabilitation/strategies using the Goal Management Training™ (GMT) framework, but our Clinical Associates have openings for therapy/counselling and occupational therapy with no wait-list. The Clinical Social Workers and Occupational Therapist offer therapy for a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, stress management, coping strategies for those who are neurodiverse (e.g., highly sensitive, autistic, ADHD), parent/family support, self-regulation/executive functioning techniques,  and more. We see children, teens, adults, and couples. Please contact us at info@drkathysmolewska.ca or 226-212-4842, ext 100 for additional information about our Clinicians and who may be the best fit for you and/or your family. All of our Clinicians offer a free 15-minute phone or virtual consultation.

 

Psychoeducational Assessments

 

A psychoeducational assessment is an evaluation of a child’s, adolescent’s, or young adult’s cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses. Attention, memory and some aspects of executive functioning are also typically assessed. Individuals are usually referred for these assessments when they are having problems at school, or they are doing very well at school and may require enriched programming. During this assessment, the student is interviewed and undergoes cognitive and academic testing. Information is also gathered from the family and the school. Once all of the information is collected, recommendations are provided for the individual, family, and the school.

 

If the child, adolescent, or young adult has a complex developmental history (e.g., perinatal complications, neurological condition, concussions), a neuropsychological assessment would be recommended. 

 

Neuropsychological Assessments

 

A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s cognitive, psychological/ emotional, and behavioural functioning. The individual takes part in a detailed interview and standardized testing. Additional information can also be collected by reviewing medical records, educational records, and speaking with family member(s) or someone that knows them well. A person’s scores are compared to normative test data and a profile is generated, which identifies areas of strength and weakness. The Clinical Neuropsychologist then interprets the profile and determines how it relates to brain functioning. Recommendations for school, work, daily life, and treatment are made based on the information collected during the assessment and neurocognitive profile.

 

A neuropsychological assessment can be conducted for several reasons and in the context of many neurodevelopmental/ neurological/ psychiatric problems and conditions. The following are a few examples:

 

(1)Autism-Spectrum Disorder

(2)Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

(3)Prematurity and perinatal complications

(4)Epilepsy

(5)Learning Disorders

(6)Traumatic Brain Injury

(7)Stroke

(8)Dementia

 

Other Assessments

 

There are several other assessments that are offered. These include:

 

Psychological assessments to evaluate possible developmental disabilities (e.g., in the context of trying to apply for services and supports through Developmental Services Ontario or other community supports).

 

Psychodiagnostic assessments to evaluate emotional, behavioural, and social functioning in the context of a variety of life events or stressors (e.g., following a neurological injury or a stroke; after a job loss or transition).

 

Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics™ (NMT) assessment and approach is used to provide a better understanding of an individuals' current functioning and needs based on experiences throughout their lifetime and the time they occurred. The NMT provides individuals, families, and service providers with a current brain map, and a trauma-sensitive treatment plan to help individuals develop the skills they need to be more successful in their day to day lives.

 

Neurocognitive baseline testing and repeat neurocognitive screening when there is suspected neurocognitive decline related to a neurological condition/injury or a neurodegenerative process (e.g., concussions; epilepsy; dementia).