A few weeks ago, I started answering a question I hear from lots of SLPs: "What do I actually *do* for cognitive therapy?"

So far, we've covered executive function, attention, and the simple formula that ties it all together.

Today, we'll tackle memory. 🐘

Memory: A Step-by-Step Guide

The framework:

1️⃣ Pick a real thing your patient needs to remember in their everyday life

2️⃣ Choose the workaround: an internal strategy, external memory aid, or both

3️⃣ Use errorless learning: guide them to the correct target each time (no guessing!)

4️⃣ Practice with spaced retrieval: have them recall it after longer and longer intervals

✨ Need a refresher? Read – How To: Spaced Retrieval Training for Memory​

🔄 Layer metacognition on top: coach your patient to predict, plan & reflect

Here's what that might look like in your session:

Let's say you've given your patient homework in the Virtual Rehab Center. Woo hoo! Unlimited practice opportunities at home – and FREE for them! 🤩

But wait. They've been inconsistent, because they can't always remember how to access it... 😫

Let's use our steps from above:

1️⃣ Pick the thing to remember. How to navigate to the Virtual Rehab Center & log in.

2️⃣ Choose the workaround. An external aid is a safe bet. Post step-by-step instructions by the computer – open the browser, go to the site, log in, start the exercise. Or create a shortcut to make it even easier. For mild impairment, you might also anchor it to a routine ("right after breakfast, I open the laptop").

3️⃣ Use errorless learning. Walk them through navigating to the website and logging in. Have them do it with cues, then fade as appropriate. The goal is for your patient to practice the right sequence every time so it sticks.

4️⃣ Practice with spaced retrieval. Go through the steps (using their external aid). Then, do it again after a minute, then five minutes, ten minutes, and again at the end of the session.

🔄 Layer metacognition. This is the hardest part, and will depend on the patient's awareness. Have them try to notice situations where their memory fails. Have them predict ahead of time where they'll run into trouble, and make a plan. Then, reflect afterward on what worked (or what didn't).

Ready-to-go in the Virtual Rehab Center 🎉

Handouts

👤 Strategies for Remembering Names: a handout that walks through RASP (Repeat, Associate, Speak, Picture) to help remember names.

🧠 Strategies for Working Memory: rehearsal, chunking, and other strategies for holding information in the moment.

💊 My Medications Chart: a printable chart for medications with name, dose, timing, and whether to take with food.

🔑 Log into Homework: a step-by-step visual aid so patients can navigate to their homework in the Virtual Rehab Center independently!

Treatments

​
​Verbal Working Memory: A backward digit span task that requires storage and manipulation of information, engaging working memory, attention, and executive control.

​Remembering Names: A treatment that teaches internal memory strategies to help your patient recall unfamiliar names, step by step.

​Spaced Retrieval: A treatment that has your patient recall a personalized target over increasing time intervals. Coming soon! 👀

There are also treatments for memory hiding out in other skill areas that have their own memory strategies built-in, like:

• ​Everyday Listening Comprehension for remembering what you've heard
• ​Read & Remember Articles for remembering what you've read

The Virtual Rehab Center helps guide your therapy, so you can focus on your patient, not the prep. Click below for a free 3-week trial. 👇

🎁 Free for 21 days. Cancel anytime in one click.

The whole goal with memory is making it stick outside your session. Help find the workaround, facilitate errorless learning, space it out – and facilitate carryover to everyday life.

Let me know how it goes!

Warmly,
​-Megan

P.S. If you were wondering... it's true! Home exercises are included in your Virtual Rehab Center membership and FREE for your patients! Assign any treatment for practice between sessions. More reps for them, no prep for you. 🙌