Cognitive Communication Therapy Activities
Cognitive communication therapy is a type of treatment that strives to enhance verbal and nonverbal aspects of communication. It typically provided by a speech-language pathologist who has expertise in various therapy techniques.
Cognitive communication disorder may present with difficulties with attention, memory, organization, problem-solving and reasoning skills, processing speed and language. This makes it difficult for patients to perform daily tasks and complete academic assignments with ease.
Acquired cognitive-communication deficits may develop after a stroke, tumor, brain injury, progressive degenerative brain disease or other neurological damage. These impairments lead to difficulty thinking, using language and interacting socially.
One of the most widespread cognitive-communication disorders is aphasia, which can develop following a stroke or other brain trauma and affect speech and language. With aphasia, patients often have difficulty recognising words and having trouble remembering people’s names or places.
Many patients with aphasia also struggle to comprehend and respond to others, making it challenging for them to express their needs to family, friends, and healthcare providers.
Cognitive communication difficulties can impact a patient’s functioning at work, school and in the community. During therapy sessions, a speech-language pathologist works with clients to build their confidence and communication skillset.
Reminiscence therapies are an integral part of cognitive communication therapy, helping clients recall past events and memories. They may involve back-and-forth conversations between a client and clinician or be structured with open-ended questions.
Reminiscence therapy should always remain meaningful and enjoyable for patients, whether that means encouraging them to connect with a loved one or bringing up pictures from their past.
Reminiscence therapy can begin by having the patient sit comfortably in a chair and search for their favorite items around the room. Then, ask them to describe what they see.
For instance, the patient might be fixating on a picture of their dog. The therapist could ask them to recall its name or have them say some words that bring back memories of the furry friend.
Next, the therapist may ask the patient to describe a time in their life when they felt contented. This could include asking them to share stories from their favorite past moments or simply describing how their day went.
When conducting this task, it is beneficial to have the patient repeat each question back to you several times. Doing this allows the therapist to assess their level of concentration and decide whether or not they are ready to join in on the activity.