Getting CFD Therapy
Whether in-person or via videoconference, the CFDS can provide you with CFD Therapy
Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT) is getting attention as an effective therapeutic modality - and rightly so.
Why would you want CFDT?
Is CFDT really that different from other modalities and practices?
Short answer: YES! CFD Therapy really is different from other modalities:
- CFDT has a much larger ability to effect change in clients than other modalities. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), often heralded as the "gold standard" of evidence-based practices, has a moderately large effect size compared to doing nothing (Cohen's d of 0.78 - larger is better). CFD Therapy, however, has demonstrated what can be called a large or "obvious" ability to change client behavior (Cohen's d of 0.91)
- CFD Therapy is designed specifically to work naturally with the nervous system. Thus, for example, rather than seeking to uncover and talk about a painful life event, CFDT strengthens the nervous system's ability to heal from painful life events - without requiring that the event be remembered.
- CFDT focuses on the positive and moving into a desirable future. Other modalities seek to correct what has gone "wrong" in a person or to teach effortful "accomodations" for chronic conditions. CFDT, on the other hand, seeks to build upon what is right in the nervous system while strengthening areas of weakness.
- CFDT is intentionally enjoyable for the client. Re-wiring the brain for positive, hopeful, desirable behavior and the ability to overcome challenges is best accomplished by increasing the nervous system's desire for and tolerance of positive experiences. Thus, we don't dwell on the past hurts, failures, or injuries. We focus instead on measurable improvements in an enjoyment-filled atmosphere.
Steps to Getting CFD Therapy at the CFDS
The following steps will see most individuals through their CFD Therapy process from start to finish
Step 1
initial assessments
All CFD therapy sessions are informed by objective assessments that demonstrate your current cognitive function strengths and weaknesses. These are the means by which the CFDT treatment plan is created.
Step 2
Schedule & Attend your sessions
The nervous system can change to a more desirable state through neuroplasticity within a therapeutic space. CFDT believes there are no inherently chronic conditions, only limitations in our understanding of how to induce desired changes. To get the benefit of CFD therapy, clients need to attend their scheduled sessions as scheduled. The better clients stick to a regular schedule, the better their overall results.
Step 3
Progress objective assessments
As your CFD therapy progresses, your therapist will schedule progress assessments at intervals of approximatly 24 hours of therapy completed. These are important to determine what has changed in the brain's "wiring" and where additional therapeutic attention is still needed. Most people are absolutely amazed to find how much change can occur after just 24 hours of therapy.
Step 4
Complete your Program
The CFD therapy program is considered complete when the objective assessments, subjective questionaires, and - most importantly - observable behavior demonstrate the client's nervous system has been successfully "rewired." For most clients this occurs within the usually prescribed 24 hours of therapy. However, this is not a universal absolute. For some individuals, more therapy is needed to achieve the desired long-lasting, far-reaching transferrence effects typical with CFDT. Some individuals can achieve lasting results with fewer sessions. The important thing is to look for the change. Unless there is ongoing negative input that needs to be addressed, positive change almost always results.
Who Benefits from CFDT?
CFDT focuses on improving cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. It can benefit individuals of diverse ages (6 and above) who want to enhance their cognitive functions or those who have experienced a decline in cognition due to aging or injury. Some of the categories that can benefit from CFDT are:
People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Individuals with traumatic brain injuries or neurological disorders
Professionals who wish to enhance their cognitive functions for career advancement
Elderly individuals experiencing cognitive decline
Athletes desiring to improve their mental capabilities for sports performance
Success Stories
CFDT has successfully improved cognitive functions in various individuals, including those with cognitive impairments, traumatic brain injuries, and even neurological disorders. Some success stories include enhanced memory, attention, problem-solving skills, athleticism, academic and professional performance, and overall quality of life.
The Ideal CFDT Client Profile
The ideal client for Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT) is someone who is experiencing dysregulation, where their nervous system is out of balance due to internal and external factors. This imbalance can manifest in a variety of symptoms, such as attention deficit, anxiety, depression, trauma-related issues, or other emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Other important components include:
- Outpatient Status: CFDT is an outpatient modality, so the ideal client profile includes individuals who can attend regular therapy sessions while maintaining their regular daily activities.
- Medical Stability: While this may be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, clients should be medically stable and able to participate in sessions.
- Age 6+: While the recommended age for CFDT is six years or older, adjustments are sometimes possible for younger children.
- Positive Agency: Positive agency is essential for clients as they need to be willing and committed to participating in the therapeutic process actively.
- Verbal Communication: Finally, verbal communication is preferred, but modifications can be made for deaf/mute clients.
About Us
The CFD Institute is an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the field of Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT). Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people throughout the United States and Canada by training and certifying individuals to provide this transformative therapeutic modality.