Cognitive Skills Training to Improve Quality of Life for People with Severe and Persistent Psychiatric Disorders-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the SMI Advisor webinar, Dr. Alice Medalia, a Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University, discussed cognitive skills training aimed at improving the quality of life for those with severe and persistent psychiatric disorders. The focus was on how cognitive remediation can improve critical thinking skills, aiding in daily effectiveness and goal pursuit for recovery. Dr. Medalia highlighted the interplay between cognitive and motivational issues in psychiatric conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing cognitive impairments to achieve personal and functional goals.<br /><br />Cognitive remediation is portrayed as a learning activity that leverages neuroplasticity, helping individuals regain cognitive abilities. Motivation is integral to this process and involves creating an empowering learning environment. Dr. Medalia detailed the 'music model'—an acronym for empowerment, usefulness, success, interest, and caring—to illustrate how motivation enhances learning. <br /><br />The webinar included a video showcasing the Thinking Well program, a practical example of cognitive remediation in action. Dr. Medalia also addressed typical queries about cognitive remediation, offering guidance on accessing and implementing such programs, and emphasized the need for cognitive health conversations in therapy sessions. Overall, the webinar underscored the potential of cognitive remediation to foster recovery and improve life quality for individuals with psychiatric disorders.

Keywords

cognitive skills training

psychiatric disorders

cognitive remediation

neuroplasticity

motivation

music model

Thinking Well program

cognitive health

recovery