ÖZEL DOĞU ANADOLU HASTANESİ / DEPARTMENTS

Clinical Psychologist

Cognitive Assessment System (CAS)

The Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) was developed under the leadership of Istanbul University and has been adapted into Turkish through standardization in Turkey. The CAS analysis provides the ability to assess a child based on their natural learning performance, without the need for additional information acquired later through education. This ensures that the child will not fail in tests due to a lack of information but will demonstrate their natural learning ability.

The CAS analysis, which performs evaluations both clinically and neurologically, is a current measurement technique with a wide range of assessments.

The Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) is designed to assess the cognitive processes of children aged 5-17. CAS is derived from the PASS Theory (Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, Successive). The areas of application for CAS include:

  • Evaluation of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Evaluation of Learning Difficulties
  • Evaluation of Intellectual Disabilities
  • Evaluation of Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Evaluation of Severe Emotional Disorders
  • Evaluation of Gifted Children
  • Identification of Planning Problems
  • Prediction of Success

Following the application of the analysis, the specified areas are evaluated and interpreted in detail, highlighting the student's strengths and areas for development that will lead to academic success.

Attentioner and Attention Improvement Program

The Attentioner and Attention Improvement Program was developed as a neuropsychological-based program at Bremen University, Germany. This program is grounded in learning psychology and neuropsychological principles.

Who is it for? It is an individual and group training program that effectively improves attention and all executive functions in children aged 7-17. It is supported by engaging, age-appropriate activities.

Program Effectiveness: The program systematically increases cognitive function levels by exposing the brain to gradually increasing levels of multiple stimuli. It creates new active solutions in the brain and updates outdated or faulty solutions.

Who is it for?

  • Children aged 7-17 (from 2nd grade onwards)
  • Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Children without a formal diagnosis but aiming to improve focus (pre-exam support)

Program Goals:

  • To help children improve their attention and sustain it better.
  • To support their problem-solving skills independently.
  • To provide specific help through the symbol provided by the practitioner.
  • To improve problem-solving and anger control skills.
  • To simulate daily life throughout the program.

PASS (Cognitive Intervention Program)

PASS theory is based on the initials of the English concepts: Planning, Attention, Successive, and Simultaneous. These concepts describe cognitive processes related to learning. In this theory, these concepts are interdependent, but each has its own distinct cognitive processes.

Research indicates that 10-20% of children experience difficulties in their learning processes. These difficulties manifest as struggles with verbal or written expression, reading, writing, and mathematical skills. These problems can disrupt educational processes and lead to adjustment issues.

Recent research on learning and the brain highlights the importance of understanding cognitive processes. The "Information Processing Model" in cognitive psychology, which integrates neurology and psychology, forms the basis of such theoretical approaches.

PASS Theory reconceptualizes intelligence as cognitive processes. It posits that human cognitive functions are based on Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, and Successive processes. According to this theory, cognitive activities consist of:

  • Planning: Ensures cognitive control.
  • Attention: Involves the use of cognitive processes to achieve goals, stability, self-control, and focused, selective cognitive activity.
  • Simultaneous and Successive Cognitive Processes: The two forms of processing information.

What will PASS Theory contribute to our children?

  • Provides an effective learning experience based on cognitive functions.
  • Aims to support children's fundamental cognitive development in planning, attention, sequential and simultaneous processing.
  • Helps identify areas that need development according to academic needs.
  • Assists in reinforcing weak areas through educators.
  • Aims for lasting learning processes by enhancing the brain's multiple functions.
  • Supports children in transferring learning processes to other subjects and their lives.

Children who learn PASS Theory will be able to develop intelligent solutions to problems, demonstrate appropriate cognitive behaviors in various situations, and achieve success in problem-solving academically. It will aid in holistic brain functioning and cognitive awareness.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychotherapy method based on the "cognitive" model in psychology. Its aim is to facilitate positive and balanced outcomes by organizing structures within the thought-emotion-behavior triangle. According to the cognitive model, we perceive the world through our own lens and categorize events accordingly. Negative thoughts can influence behavioral patterns, making it difficult for individuals to adopt constructive attitudes in challenging situations.

CBT is a modern psychotherapy method proven effective in both adults and children. It is a safe, short-term, problem-focused, and effective method. It is particularly important and widely used to help children and adolescents develop healthy thought structures and become well-adjusted individuals.

CBT is one of the most frequently used psychotherapy methods today. Its effectiveness is globally recognized, making it a preferred method for addressing psychological issues in children, adolescents, and adults. CBT helps individuals learn to approach problems from different perspectives, making them calmer and more adaptable.

In CBT, the following questions are addressed:

  • When does the problem occur?
  • What triggers the problem?
  • How is the problem assessed?

Effective treatment methods include:

  • Psychoeducation, relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, confrontation, and systematic desensitization.
  • Parent consultations in children and adolescents.

Success in the Process and Applications:

  • Active participation in therapy and regular completion of homework are critical to the success of CBT.

Applicable Issues:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Hypochondriasis
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Depression
  • Sexual dysfunctions
  • Couples and family therapy
  • Alcohol and substance abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Somatoform disorders
  • Social phobia
  • Specific phobias
  • Various behavioral problems such as tics
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anger management
  • Personality disorders
  • Pain management
  • Adjustment to various health issues
  • Sleep disorders
  • Adjustment and behavioral disorders in children, adolescents, and adults
  • General anxiety, pessimism, lack of motivation
  • Shyness in social environments
  • Fear of loneliness
  • Speech disorders
  • Disruptive behavior disorders
  • Strategies for improving self-esteem in adolescents
  • Understanding and managing attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Oppositional defiant disorder, etc.

Duration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The duration of CBT varies for each individual. If there are serious past traumas or additional psychological issues to address, the duration may be extended. The clinical psychologist should determine and guide the number and length of sessions.

Child-Focused Family Counseling

A child is often seen as a reflection of their family. A healthy family environment is crucial for the child's healthy development. In child-focused family counseling, the family is evaluated as a system. As a famous physician said, “the patient is actually the family.” Therefore, issues observed in child-focused family counseling are assessed systemically, and work is done with all family members.

In child-focused family counseling, the family's adaptation to the current life stage and parenting skills are supported. Parents are made aware of the negative effects of well-intentioned but incorrect behaviors on their child. The family's strengths are identified to increase functionality. Dynamics disrupting family communication are investigated. Skills for managing change are taught to the family.

Involving all family members (parents, siblings, primary caregivers, etc.) in the process facilitates faster and more functional solutions. Supporting children in overcoming difficulties is also crucial for their healthy personality development and self-perception.

School Adjustment Problems

For a child to start school, adjust, and succeed, they need to reach sufficient emotional, social, and cognitive maturity. A child who cannot express themselves, is not accustomed to social interactions, and struggles to grasp lessons may face difficulties in both academic and social activities, leading to failure and loss of self-confidence. It is important to assess whether the child has reached sufficient maturity before starting school.

Potential Issues for School Adjustment:

  • Children with low self-confidence, excessively dependent on parents
  • Children who are developmentally behind peers
  • Children who spoke later than their peers
  • Children with attention and focus issues
  • Egocentric children or those who do not follow rules
  • Children who struggle with social integration, are isolated, or asocial
  • Children who resist being blocked, exhibit anger responses, or cannot delay gratification
  • Children struggling with basic academic skills like numbers, colors, and shapes
  • Children who have not benefited from preschool education and are separating from family for the first time.

Children who start primary school without being ready face a higher risk of failure, which can negatively impact their future. It is crucial to address these issues early to prevent long-term effects.

Play Therapy

Play therapy is one of the most important methods used, especially in early childhood. It is a developmental therapy aimed at helping children live harmoniously and happily. Play therapy is based on the natural environment where children express themselves through play. It uses toys and games to communicate with children and help them modify negative behaviors.

Play therapy allows children to express their emotions through play and helps solve their problems. Professional therapists create a safe environment for children, enabling them to be more courageous. During play therapy, therapists use toys to facilitate emotional expression, allowing the therapy to flow naturally.

Play therapy is suitable for children aged 2-11 and helps them express themselves, relax, and receive substantial support for resolving their issues. The lower limit of 2 years is due to children starting symbolic play around this age.

Intelligence Tests

Intelligence tests were first developed by the clinical psychologist Weschler in the