Your first session with the therapist will be different from future visits. The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea where to proceed. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature. Keep in mind that psychotherapy is a long-term process so don't expect any instant solutions to your problems the first day. Therapy is about equipping you with life-long solutions rather than a quick fix. During the first session, you will be asked about what brings you to therapy. You will be asked what you feel is wrong in your life, any symptoms you are experiencing and your history. History-taking may cover such things as your childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), your current living situation and your career. You may discuss the length of your treatment, the methods to be employed and patient confidentiality as well. When the therapist finishes, you may be asked if you have any questions.
A neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist specializing in the area of brain-behavior relationships. Although a neuropsychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology he or she does not neccessarily just focus on emotional or psychological conditions. The neuropsychologist possesses additional training in the specialty field of clinical neuropsychology, which provides a higher level of understanding and education in brain anatomy, brain function and brain injury and disease. The neuropsychologist also possesses specialized training in administering and interpreting the specific battery of tests included in a neuropsychological evaluation. As a part of the required education to become a neuropsychologist, a neuropsychologist also has years of practical experience working with and treating patients who have had conditions involving the brain.
A neuropsychological assessment is a specialized examination directed to evaluate ones cognitive ability levels and behaviors that may be affected by disease or injury to the brain. A neuropsychological evaluation typically consists of an interview and testing procedures. During the interview information that is important for the neuropsychologist to consider will be reviewed (i.e., school and medical records). The patient will be asked about symptoms, medical history, medications and other important factors. Testing procedures involve taking paper-and-pencil and or computerized tests and answering questions. The level of difficulty of these tests will vary from easy to more complex. The time required for testing depends on the condition being assessed. In general, several hours are needed to assess the many skills involved in processing information. If it is not possible to complete the assessment in one testing session the testing sessions will be divided among different appointments.
Clinical neuropschology is a specialty profession that focuses on brain functioning. A Clinical Neuropsychologist is a licensed psychologist with expertise in how behavior and skills are related to brain structures and systems. In clinical neuropsychology, brain function is evaluated by objectively testing memory and thinking skills. A very detailed assessment of abilities is performed and the pattern of strengths and weaknesses is used in important health care areas such as diagnosis and treatment planning. The clinical neuropsychologist conducts the evaluation and makes recommendations. He or she may also provide treatment such as cognitive rehabilitation, behavior management or psychotherapy. 2001, Division 40, APA
Neuropsychological/Psychological test results can be used to understand a patients condition or situation in a number of ways. Dr. Huy provides a comprehensive feedback session with the patient where she reviews and explains the test results in understandable language linking strengths and weaknesses to everyday functioning. This valuable information is helpful for individuals and family members to comprehend the situation at hand. Dr. Huy may also communicate this information to other health care providers (i.e., primary care physician, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist, etc.) and professionals (i.e., teachers, social workers, attorneys) in order to facilitate understanding and assist in the treatment process of the patient or loved one.
Neuropsychological/Psychological testing may identify weakness in specific areas. It is very sensitive to mild memory and thinking problems that might not be obvious in other ways. When problems are very mild, testing may be the only way to detect them. For example, testing can help determine whether memory changes are normal age-related changes or if they reflect a neurological disorder. Testing might also be used to identify problems related to medical conditions that can affect memory and thinking such as diabetes, metabolic or infectious disease or alcoholism.
Test results can also be used to help differentiate among illnesses which is important because appropriate treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis. Different illnesses result in different patterns of strengths and weaknesses on testing. Therefore the results can be helpful in determining which areas of the brain might be involved and what illness might be operating. For instance, testing can help to differentiate among Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and depression. Your physician will use this information along with the results of other tests, such as brain imaging and blood tests, to determine the most informed diagnosis possible.
In certain cases testing procedures are used to establish "baseline" functioning or to document a person's skill levels before a condition arises or is diagnosed. In this scenario later changes can be mesured and evaluated objectively. An example of this scenario is when parents have a baseline evaluation performed on their children prior to their involvement or participation in competitive sports such as soccer, football and water polo. In part from 2001 APA Division 40, APA
Depending on a patient's specific needs certain abilities and skills may be evaluated in greater detail than others. A patient will typically find the assessment and testing procedures interesting and stimulating. The overall goal and objective of the testing, along with the gathering of detailed information, is to utilize these results to contribute to the care and treatment of the patient. For those patients who use glasses or hearing aids it is recommended that these items be brought to testing sessions.