The Counselling Place’s Director & Registered Psychologist, Ms Ho Shee Wai, interviewed their newest staff, Psychologist Dr Marthe van der Donk, on Cogmed Working Memory Training®
Shee Wai:
I understand you are the only certified Cogmed Working Memory Training Coach in Singapore. Tell us about Cogmed Working Memory Training. What is it?
Marthe:
Cogmed Working Memory Training® is a computer-based intervention that is aimed at improving working memory. Working memory is the cognitive function responsible for keeping information in your mind, manipulating it, and using it in your thinking.
Shee Wai:
Whom is this training suitable for?
Marthe:
This training is suitable for children and adults struggling with ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms, learning difficulties, cognitive deficiency, memory deterioration, stroke and brain injuries. If you or your child has the following symptoms, they will definitely benefit from Cogmed training:
• Doesn’t seem to listen to instructions
• Is easily distracted
• After two instructions already forgets the first one
• Has difficulty starting with a task
• Often asks “What do I have to do?”
• Stops with a task that is halfway done
• Usually the last one to finish a task
Shee Wai:
What does the training entail?
Marthe:
The standard Cogmed training consists of 25 training sessions done online, each 30-45 minutes long, for five weeks with five sessions every week. Variations to that protocol are also available with different versions for toddlers, school-aged children and adults. Each session consists of a selection of various tasks that target the different aspects of working memory. The training is done online at home, in school, or at work.
Shee Wai:
So the individual is left to do this by themselves?
Marthe:
Cogmed uses a coach-driven model. The online reporting system allows you to track your or your child’s performance on Cogmed anytime you want. You can look at the Cogmed Progress Indicator (CPI) to see your or your child’s success in the areas of working memory, following instructions, and mathematics. Plus, I, your personal Cogmed coach, will check in weekly to make sure you are on track.
Shee Wai:
What is the expected outcome of the training?
Marthe:
More than 50 published, peer-reviewed studies done on Cogmed indicated that the training improves Working Memory for 8 out of 10 people. Cogmed delivers substantial and lasting results that have real-life applications. Many users tell us this often translates into better interpersonal relationships at home and school, improved performance, and more self-awareness and confidence.
Shee Wai:
What is the procedure if someone wants to sign up for this training?
Marthe:
They can go online and book an initial session with me. In this initial session, I will conduct a short interview, do some quick assessment on their working memory and cognitive functioning, and give a demonstration of the program. We can then determine whether to proceed with the training.
Ms Ho Shee Wai, Director & Registered Psychologist, is the Founder of The Counselling Place. The Counselling Place specializes in serving the Expats and local professional in counselling, life coaching, psychological assessment, and related services. Their international team enables them to provide services in English, German, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Their skype sessions mean that now clients can access services up till 11pm (Mondays to Saturdays).
Dr. Marthe van der Donk is a Psychologist from Netherland. She has a Doctorate degree in Developmental Psychology and specialize in children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with cognitive problems such as staying focused, planning and organizing or working memory failure. She is the only certified Cogmed coach in Singapore.
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