Last week's email about executive functioning got a lot of positive feedback. Many of you asked for the step-by-step version of attention and memory too.

My answer is a resounding yes! Those are coming.

But first, let's talk about a formula I use for all cognitive therapy, because I think once this clicks, every domain gets less overwhelming.

A quick review:

• Restorative approaches: improve or restore the impaired underlying cognitive process through repeated, graduated exercises and drills
• Compensatory approaches: teach the patient to work around the impairment, using internal strategies or external supports

Here's where I think we get tripped up...

We treat these like rival teams you have to pick between. Restorative or compensatory. Drills or strategies.

👉 Here's my take: Don't pick. Combine (as appropriate). Then multiply by metacognition.

✨ A simple formula for cognitive therapy ✨

Let me break it down.

First, ask: what is the patient trying to do that they can't right now? Everything you choose should work together toward a functional outcome.

Then consider all appropriate restorative AND compensatory approaches.

Then multiply by awareness. Metacognitive strategy training isn't a third thing you add – it's what you multiply everything by. Teaching your patient improved self-monitoring across ALL tasks is what helps with generalization.

👉 If cog therapy feels overwhelming, stop asking "restorative or compensatory?" and start asking:

• Am I targeting a functional task?
• How can I rebuild the skill (when appropriate) and make it easier?
• Am I building the awareness that makes it transfer?

📐 The whole formula: ready to go

Want an easy way to get started? This is already in the Virtual Rehab Center 🙌

All interactive cognitive exercises have strategies and reflection built in. Patients use strategies, rate their effort, and reflect on their performance. You're never handing them something disconnected and just hoping it sticks. 🤞

Plus, that practice is embedded in functional, everyday tasks:

💳 Filling out credit card information while your phone rings (Working with Disruptions)

💊 Sorting medications into a pill organizer (Managing Medications)

📋 Making a customized step-by-step checklist – for using the coffeemaker, texting a friend, or paying the utility bill (Planning Your Tasks)

⚠️ Identifying external distractors to optimize focus (Managing Attention)

🧑🏽‍🦳 Practicing the RASP strategy to recall people's names (Remembering Names)

➕ And more!

In other words: the Virtual Rehab Center already has the whole formula, ready to go. Functional tasks, both approaches, and the metacognitive layer built in.

Plus, you can assign any of it for homework – included in your membership and free for your patients. 🎉

Try it free for 21 days. Cancel anytime with one click.

Evidence-based cog therapy made easy! 🥳

I know cog can feel overwhelming, but I think this formula can make it easier. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
​
Warmly,
​-Megan

P.S. We've all kicked ourselves for jumping into a therapy task and skipping the predict-plan-reflect part. But when it's built in, you can't forget! Learn more about the metacognitive framework in the Virtual Rehab Center here. 👈