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Cogmed is a computer-based program designed to improve working memory through intensive, systematic training. It offers a series of memory exercises that are tailored to the user’s age and initial performance level.
Here at Masterpiece Psychology, we use this program to help individuals with ADHD or with attention and memory difficulties.
Our goal is to not only administer the Cogmed program but also to ensure that the benefits of this training translate into tangible improvements in your daily life and overall well-being.
We’ll ask you to log into the Cogmed platform on a computer or a compatible device. The program usually starts with a brief overview or instructions for the day’s exercises.
You will engage in a variety of tasks designed to challenge your working memory. The difficulty levels of these tasks adjust in real-time based on the participant's performance. For example, if a task becomes too easy, the program increases the difficulty to ensure continuous challenge and progress.
The exercises also vary daily to keep the training engaging. Some of the exercises may include:
Throughout the session, the participant receives immediate feedback on their performance. This feedback can be in the form of scores, progress bars, or auditory cues, providing motivation and insight into their improvement over time.
A typical Cogmed training session lasts about 30-45 minutes and is recommended to be completed five times a week for a period of 5 weeks, though this can vary based on individual needs and schedules.
Here at Masterpiece Psychology, participants are supported by a trained coach throughout the Cogmed program. We will help you overcome your challenges and progress through the course.
Inattention, a struggle to focus and stay on task, can be a major roadblock for both children and adults. It disrupts learning, work, and daily activities. The good news is that Cogmed offers a research-backed approach to improve attention.
Research has shown that it is indeed possible to expand your working memory, and thereby increase your ability to control attention, focus on difficult tasks, and solve complex problems.
Traditionally, working memory was considered fixed. But research in the 1990s revealed our brains are more adaptable (neuroplasticity). This discovery paved the way for Cogmed’s development.
Imagine your working memory as a mental whiteboard. It holds information you’re currently using, like following instructions or remembering what page you’re on while reading. When this whiteboard is cluttered, it’s harder to focus and keep things straight.
By strengthening your working memory, you can hold onto information for longer, which translates to better attention in daily life.
Cogmed targets the root cause of inattention – weak working memory. When it’s weak, focusing is difficult.
Cogmed strengthens working memory through brain training exercises. Imagine them as workouts for your brain. They progressively challenge you, building stronger neural connections within your working memory network.
Because attention and working memory are linked, strengthening one improves the other. With a stronger working memory, you have more mental space to focus and filter out distractions. This translates to real-life benefits like:
Studies show Cogmed is more effective in enhancing attention than traditional ADHD medications or even cardiovascular exercise.
Book an appointment with us so we can figure out your needs and find the best psychologist for you.
We offer a range of evidence-based, drug-free treatments for anxiety , trauma, neurodiversity, poor sleep and chronic pain.
Masterpiece Psychology was founded by Renee Mill, a clinical psychologist and occupational therapist with 40 years of clinical experience. She is a dedicated researcher on anxiety solutions.
She has written three books and a treatment manual on anxiety and has presented to various
organisations and media outlets.
Renee has handpicked her team of highly qualified
psychologists, psychotherapists, and hypnotherapists
and guarantees you will receive quality services and
professionalism.
From our practitioners to our reception staff, the whole team is empathic and supportive to ensure that you feel understood and cared for throughout your therapy journey.
Our psychologists have varying fees that can suit every budget. This allows us to help more people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Choose sessions that best fit your schedules and preferences. We can help you even if you live in far locations, have mobility issues, or prefer the comfort of your own home.
Location: Suite 18, Level 3, Edgecliff Mews, 201 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff NSW 2027
Public Transportation: Masterpiece Psychology is only a 1-minute walk from Edgecliff Station. Several bus routes go past the offices of Masterpiece Psychology.
Parking: On-street parking is available, and paid parking stations are nearby.
Cogmed is suitable for individuals of almost any age who are looking to improve their working memory. This includes children, adolescents, and adults who may be experiencing difficulties related to ADHD, learning disorders, brain injuries, or cognitive decline.
However, a thorough assessment is necessary to determine if Cogmed is the right intervention.
Progress is measured through built-in assessment tools within the Cogmed program, which track changes in performance over time. Additionally, feedback from parents, teachers, or the individuals themselves regarding improvements in daily functioning and cognitive tasks can also indicate progress.
Many users experience long-term benefits from Cogmed training, but like any cognitive or physical exercise, maintenance may be needed. Some individuals choose to revisit the training periodically to reinforce the gains.
Cogmed is often one component of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medication, behavioural therapy, educational support, and other interventions. It’s important to integrate Cogmed with these other strategies for the best overall outcome.
Yes, Cogmed training can be completed at home. It’s a computer-based program, requiring only a compatible device and internet access. Regular check-ins with a Cogmed Coach, often done virtually, are part of the program.
In order to remove symptoms of anxiety, pain, and trauma, one needs to unwire old neural pathways and rewire the brain with new, functional pathways. Traditional counselling does not do this. That is why we have introduced up to date, evidence-based technologies to facilitate this and supplement conventional treatments.
At Masterpiece Psychology we see our clients as individuals with needs, with a voice and with concerns. We take our time to get to know you so that we do not simply provide a one-size-fits-all solution.
We recommend a 3-session assessment in which you meet your psychologist and get to know each other. In the third session, you are given options and psychoeducation so that you are part of the treatment plan. A good relationship with your practitioner and feeling understood and cared for are essential parts of successful treatment.
No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist. However, if you wish to receive a Medicare rebate, you do need to consult with a GP and obtain a mental health care plan.
Individuals, couples, and families commonly see us without a mental health care plan. Many people have been referred directly by word of mouth, with recommendations from their family, friends, or school, or visiting our website online.
In order to receive a Medicare rebate, you will need to first go to your GP who will determine your eligibility for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). You have the right to choose the Registered or Clinical Psychologist you wish to see. You must bring your MHCP to your initial appointment.
Please note, it is up to your GP to grant the Mental Health Care Plan as well as the number of sessions you are eligible for. The Intake Specialists at Masterpiece Psychology Practice will do their best to assist you. It is not their fault if a GP does not give the documentation you require, or Medicare refuses a payment. Please be courteous and respectful to our staff.
Acquiring a new Mental Health Care Plan is necessary for each calendar year and involves ongoing reviews with your GP. Currently, you need to go at least twice to your GP in a calendar year. You need to go initially to get the plan and after session 6 for a review for a further 4 sessions.
Our Intake Specialists are available to assist you with this complicated process.
Fees are consistent with the Australian Psychological Society’s recommended rates. Session fees are payable at the time of the consultation. We accept Mastercard, Visa, Eftpos, and AFTERPAY.
We take full payment from you. We can process the Medicare claim for you as long as you have provided us with your Medicare Card details. For private health fund rebates, the onus is on you to claim your rebate.
If you have a mental health care plan from your GP, you can receive a Medicare rebate of:
When you call to make an appointment, you will speak with one of our friendly and caring Intake Specialists. They will answer any questions you have and work with you to find a time that suits you for an appointment. If you do not have a specific therapist in mind, they will need to ask a few brief questions to determine which psychologist is best suited to your needs.
If you have not seen a Clinical Psychologist or Psychologist before, it is common to feel a little anxious or hesitant about making the initial appointment. Most people feel more at ease once they have made that initial contact and attended their first appointment. We provide a warm, caring, and supportive atmosphere and are happy to answer questions at any time.
We recommend that you book at least 10 appointments when making your initial appointment, to avoid delays in follow-up appointments. Psychologists usually recommend seeing a client weekly to start to obtain the best results. Later, sessions may be spaced out depending on your individual needs. You and your psychologist will determine this together.
Our current policy is not to make a single booking for a new client. We have learnt from experience how demoralising it is to find a psychologist you like, be ready to proceed with treatment but cannot, as there are no available sessions. Our policy is for your benefit and well-being so please cooperate with the Intake Specialist.
We have limited capacity for bulk billing. However, as we are a placement for provisional psychologists, we do offer sessions for $140 per session with the student or pro bono in cases of financial need.
In rare cases, when we do bulk bill, it is only for individuals who have a Centrelink/Concession Card (Commonwealth Government Health Care card), a valid Medicare card and a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
To encourage people to keep all their appointments, we have regrettably brought in a cancellation fee for bulk billing clients and clients working with a student. This fee of $50 is applicable for all clients who do not cancel 24 hours in advance.
We like to work with committed patients who demonstrate their commitment.
Bulk billing clients, or pro bono clients, who do not show up for their initial appointment will be removed from the calendar. If 2 consecutive sessions are missed without proper cancellation, all subsequent appointments will be removed from the system.
Clinical Psychologists are Registered Psychologists who have extended their training. Clinical Psychologists have a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with a further two years of supervised clinical practice after receiving their degree. Clinical Psychologists have Clinical Psychology endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia and are Clinical Psychology providers under Medicare.
All our psychologists are experienced clinicians and are supervised by the Principal, Renee Mill ensuring high-quality psychological care.
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your first appointment to complete any required paperwork.
Your first session is dedicated to obtaining some background information, a detailed understanding of the nature of your concerns and the areas where you would like our help. Sometimes a plan of treatment is discussed in the first session but often it is not. A lot of background detail may be required before treatment formulation is complete. Your psychologist will answer any questions to provide clarity and confidence in the way forward.
If you are coming about your child, our Intake Specialist will inform you about who needs to be at the first session and what is required.
If you are seeking couple counselling, there may be specific requirements that you will be told about.
We live in a society where the medical model prevails. It is a sickness model. You go to the doctor when things are not working and they “fix” you, usually with medication. While medication for ADHD is highly successful for many children, they are not for everyone.
Masterpiece Psychology utilises other, well-proven, researched treatments for ADHD.
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