Cognitive Remediation for Successful Employment and Psychiatric Recovery

Susan R. McGurk, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University, where she is a faculty member at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. She is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist whose research focuses on the assessment and enhancement of cognitive and psychosocial functioning in people with severe mental illness. Dr. McGurk has over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals. She is a recipient of the Gerard E. Hogarty Excellence in Schizophrenia Research Memorial Award from the University of Pittsburgh and the Rehabilitation Practitioner of Distinction Award from the National Rehabilitation Association for her pioneering work on cognitive remediation and employment in schizophrenia.Kim T. Mueser, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University, where he is a faculty member at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. He is also Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Dr. Mueser is a clinical psychologist whose clinical and research interests focus on treatment and rehabilitation of persons with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses. He has 300 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has coauthored more than 10 books and 100 book chapters. He is a recipient of the Michael S. Neale Award from Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Service) of the American Psychological Association.

"This book shows how we can enhance natural recovery by boosting cognitive functions. Cognitive impairment precedes onset of psychiatric illness and is a primary cause of functional impairments. Recovery is learning--and this is especially true in the workplace. This book should be read by all clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, and others who advocate for and support people with mental illness. The authors offer the research background, methods, and specific techniques of cognitive training and cognitive management that lead to success at work. Complete with materials for implementation, this book has everything needed to start using TSW. It is a guide for better learning, greater productivity, and a more fulfilling life for people in recovery."--Morris D. Bell, PhD, Department of Psychiatry (Emeritus), Yale University School of Medicine; Senior Research Career Scientist, VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Service"This book brings TSW--an innovative program to help individuals struggling with the challenges of mental illness--to life. It is extraordinary for many reasons. The book is accessible, clearly written, and replete with numerous tools and examples. Most of all, it describes a program that enables individuals disadvantaged by mental illness and cognitive difficulties to meet their life goals of working."--Lisa Dixon, MD, MPH, Edna L. Edison Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons"This book is important for health professionals who are interested in rehabilitation and recovery--and for their clients with mental health problems who really want to return to some form of work. The authors show how cognitive difficulties affect work, and, importantly, they describe how we can improve both work prospects and job functioning through enhancing cognitive processing. They also describe ways that therapeutic or coaching support can boost the effects of work rehabilitation services. Describing the TSW program in detail, the book is informative for clinicians at all levels of experience."--Dame Til Wykes, PhD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, United Kingdom-

• Foreword, Robert E. DrakeIntroductionI. Background1. Work, Cognitive Functioning, and Vocational Rehabilitation in People with Mental Illness2. Cognitive Enhancement3. The Thinking Skills for Work Program4. Engagement and OrientationII. Assessment and Treatment Planning5. Factors That Can Influence Cognitive Functioning6. Assessment of Cognitive Challenges to Work7. The TSW Service PlanIII. Cognitive Training8. Logistics and Principles of Cognitive Training9. Cognitive Training Methods10. Strategy CoachingIV. Cognitive Self-Management Strategies11. Logistics and General Teaching Approach12. Enhancing Motivation and Self-Efficacy13. Enhancing Everyday Cognitive FunctioningV. Consultation14. Job Search Consultation15. Job Support ConsultationAppendix: TSW HandoutsReferencesIndex