Neuropsychological consultation
You can turn to a neuropsychologist with questions or noticed changes related to memory, attention, concentration, speed of thinking, planning and other cognitive functions.
You are also welcome to come if things tend to slip your mind, concentrating has become harder, mental work tires you more quickly than before, or organising everyday activities takes more effort.
Cognitive difficulties may be related to a neurological illness, traumatic brain injury or another health condition, but memory and attention are also affected by stress, emotional overload, anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences and sleep problems.
At the first meeting, the complaints are mapped out, along with how they have developed and how they affect everyday functioning. Where needed, short cognitive tasks and questionnaires are used.
A neuropsychological consultation does not automatically mean a comprehensive psychodiagnostic assessment. Based on the consultation, we can decide whether a more thorough neuropsychological assessment or a consultation with another specialist is needed, or whether supportive practical recommendations and a suitable intervention are called for.
ADHD and neurodiversity
You can consult a neuropsychologist with questions related to ADHD or another neurodevelopmental difference – both with an existing diagnosis and when a person is still trying to understand their own patterns of attention, self-regulation, learning or everyday functioning.
Difficulties with attention and concentration do not always mean ADHD. Similar difficulties can have various causes. In an assessment, it is important to look comprehensively at the person's developmental history, cognitive functioning, emotional state and everyday coping.
If ADHD or cognitive functioning assessments have already been carried out, the existing results can be taken into account at the consultation. Not all assessments need to be automatically repeated.
The aim is not only to describe difficulties or clarify a diagnosis. It is just as important to help the person understand their individual way of functioning, their strengths and more vulnerable sides, and to find practical ways to support learning, work and everyday life.
Trauma, EMDR and recovery from trauma
A neuropsychologist also works with people who have experienced traumatic events or prolonged psychological strain.
Trauma can affect a person's sense of safety, emotion regulation and relationships, as well as sleep, attention, memory and how one feels physically.
Trauma therapy is guided by the person's needs, readiness and a pace that suits them. The work does not have to begin with recalling the difficult experience in detail. Often the first priority is to support a sense of safety, self-regulation and everyday coping.
In her work, neuropsychologist Sirje Rass uses a trauma-informed approach and EMDR therapy, and she also sees clients of the trauma recovery psychological support service provided by the Victim Support department of the Estonian Social Insurance Board.