HappyNeuron Pro Case Study: RCHI Group
Industry: Mental Health
Type: Cognitive Rehabilitation Services for Adults
Location: Greenwich, CT, USA
Size: Private Practice
HappyNeuron Pro user since: 2013
Clinic's challenge:
RCHI needed a cognitive therapy tool to build a cognitive remediation program.
Introduction to RCHI
The RCHI Education Group (RCHI), formerly known as (The Restoring Cognitive Health Institute), is located in Greenwich, CT. RCHI provides support for individuals who are transitioning from high school education to college. Their expertise lies in “finding the best fit for your student when the need is just a little different.” They offer guidance, support, and cognitive remediation for students who are struggling with the transition. RCHI Education Group was looking for a digital cognitive therapy tool to use alongside its LINK program.
The founder, Gregg Pauletti, MS, is a rehabilitation counselor. He received advanced training from Dr. Alice Medalia in the NEAR model of cognitive remediation therapy and founded the RCH Institute. RCH Institute was the first non-residential cognitive remediation program in Connecticut. Before RCH Institue expanded to offer additional services, Pauletti developed the LINK program.
The LINK program is a NEAR model of therapy that incorporates motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and positive psychology techniques. During the week, clients will have one-on-one sessions with Gregg. He will work on different cognitive or emotional techniques. Being trained by Alice Medalia, Pauletti knew he needed a digital cognitive therapy tool that could help him work on cognitive skills with his patients both in and out of a cognitive session. Gregg prescribes HappyNeuron Pro homework so that clients can continue therapy outside the clinic.
How RCHI Changes Lives
Pauletti is aware of the interplay between cognition and emotion. Many people living with cognitive impairment experience depression, anxiety, and frustration as they have difficulty performing everyday tasks and are at risk of losing their independence. With his training in NEAR, Pauletti saw the importance of providing cognitive remediation therapy.
“Many therapists do not know about cognitive remediation therapy. Being founded in the northeast US, its practice is primarily concentrated here. More therapists need to be doing cognitive remediation with their clients.“ – Gregg Pauletti
Gregg Pauletti, MS
RCHI Education Group Founder and Director
Many clients come to Pauletti when they notice difficulty remembering where they placed objects in their home, have trouble focusing while reading, and do not perform well at work or school. Pauletti believes that therapeutic intervention must be tailored to clients’ cognitive and emotional states, which is why he incorporates elements of positive psychology into his treatment plans. By doing this, Pauletti ensures a safe learning environment for his clients that reduces stress and encourages exploration and cognitive growth.
Why RCHI Chose HappyNeuron Pro
Gregg started using HappyNeuron Pro when he worked at a non-profit. So when he started his private practice, the RCH Institute, in 2013, he continued to use HappyNeuron Pro to assist his clients in receiving the most out of their therapy.
RCHI Group uses HappyNeuron Pro’s digital exercises to target different areas of cognition. In the digital workspace, Gregg creates exercise plans for his clients that they can do with him side-by-side in individual sessions, during group sessions, or for home practice. The ability to create and schedule exercise plans at any time is a feature that Pauletti values for its versatility and flexibility according to clients’ needs.
In addition to our digital tool, Pauletti uses our worksheets during group therapy sessions. “The worksheets provide an easy transition from discussion to exercising without having to log back onto the computer“, says Pauletti.
How HappyNeuron Pro Helps
During his sessions, Gregg evaluates his clients and gets an understanding of what difficulties they are having in life. He then uses his training to understand how these problems relate to cognitive function, and how they impact brain health. From there, he goes through HappyNeuron Pro’s exercises to develop a customized exercise plan that focuses on building the foundations of cognitive skills his clients are struggling with. When using the digital platform, Pauletti ensures his clients have a solid introduction to HappyNeuron Pro. This includes working side-by-side with them, reviewing examples of the exercises, demonstrating how the exercises work, and having his clients perform a trial run.
“With clients, I start them on HappyNeuron Pro by working with them side-by-side. That way, clients can be eased into using a software program and gain confidence using the platform”. – Gregg Pauletti
For people with cognitive dysfunction, this process of acclimating to using a new tool is critical for client reception. By working with his clients side-by-side, Gregg is able to show clients that they can not only use technology but also have fun using a new therapeutic tool.
“Cognition is about learning. The key to improving your daily life is not about drinking a magic shake or taking a brain-charging pill. It is about ‘working out’ your brain to enhance your cognitive wellness. Re-teaching your brain to think and being comfortable in who you are, is critical in your journey to restoring your cognitive health to where it once was”. – Gregg Pauletti.
Solution:
Incorporating HappyNeuron Pro’s digital program and worksheets into RCHI’s cognitive remediation treatment plans.
Outcomes:
Since the implementation of HappyNeuron Pro in his practice, Pauletti has been able to grow his practice from a small practice to a team helping students transition from high school to college with ease.
For more information...
Gregg works with clients ages 16+. Many clients come from the Greater New York City area and Connecticut suburbs. You can visit the RCH Institute website at www.restoringcognitivehealth.com. You can contact Gregg to learn more about therapeutic options here.
To learn more about HappyNeuron Pro, you can explore our website. You can also access our free resources here.
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