Neuropsychology is a scientific field dedicated to understanding how the mind and brain relate. One could think of the relationship between the mind and brain like the relationship between a computer’s ‘software’ and ‘hardware’. Sometimes, issues with the hardware (the brain) result in changes in the software (the mind), or vice versa!
Though the computer comparison is useful, it doesn’t capture the full story. Unlike a computer, you have a unique feeling of being; it feels like something to be you. When trying to develop an accurate picture of the mind and brain, it is paramount to seriously consider the subjective ‘feeling’ of a person, as well as what we know about their cognitive abilities and the state of their brain. This requires the expertise of someone who understands not only the structure of the brain, but also the mind – the ‘function’ of the brain – with all its nuances; this is precisely what a neuropsychologist like myself does.
At Maia Psychology, my approach to neuropsychology is a considered and sensitive. It involves a rigorous process of understanding a person’s mind and how it may be related to aspects of their brain. I draw from a range of evidence-based fields and sciences such as neuroscience, Lurian functional neurology, and modern psychodynamic theory. Though I do utilise standardised testing when appropriate, I tailor my consultations to the specific need, situation, and disposition of a particular client.
A neuropsychological assessment can take varying lengths of time, depending on the reason for the consultation. For the assessment of most syndromes, a consultation could be between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This includes a thorough history-taking session, (typically 30 minutes) followed by a series of puzzles and questions designed to tap into specific functions of the brain. Afterwards, I write up a report summarising my findings, which I then send to my client and, if applicable, your referring healthcare practitioner. I also offer in-depth explanations of the report, as well as psychotherapy, psychoeducation regarding compensatory rehabilitation, explanations of symptoms, advice, etc.,.
Please note, you do not need a clinical referral to see me for a neuropsychological assessment.
To see the kind of questions neuropsychological assessment can answer, please scroll below to a table reflecting both client concerns and referral questions regarding the same conditions.
| For Clients | For Clinicians |
|---|---|
| “Am I experiencing normal aging or a dementia?“ | “Please investigate whether the client’s memory concerns are due to normal aging or dementia?” |
| “Has my personality changed after my head injury?” | “How has the client’s head injury impacted their mind?” |
| “Have I recovered from my head injury? I still struggle with thinking but not as much.” | “Please assess the long-term consequences of the client’s head injury.” |
| “Can you please tell me why I can’t focus?” | “Please investigate for signs of executive dysfunction and whether this constitutes an attention syndrome?” |
| “Can you explain how my ADHD/Autism/other neurodiverse diagnoses affects my ability to study/work?” | “How has the clients neurodiverse diagnoses influenced their executive functions?” |
| “Can you tell me if these problems with my thinking are due to Long COVID?” | “Is the client’s neuropsychological presentation in line with Long COVID?” |
| “How has the stroke changed my mind?” | “Please assess for mental changes (such as aphasia, agnosia, executive dysfcuntion, etc) due to the client’s stroke.” |
| “Ever since that incident, I haven’t been the same. Can you explain what the change is?” | “How does the client’s current level of impairment compare to their premorbid functioning?” |
| “Can you confirm if I have a problem with my brain? The other doctors are not sure if this is a problem with my brain’s ‘processing’ or a biological issue.” | “Does the patient’s presentation reflect organic brain disease or a functional neurological disorder?” |
| “Can I go back to work?” | “Can the client safely and effectively return to their working enviornment?” |
| “I think my epilepsy, or my epilepsy medication is affecting how I’m thinking and feeling. Can you check this for me?” | “Please investigate whether the patient’s neuropsychological presentation is in line with a seizure disorder or iatrogenic effects due to their medication?” |