Thinking Well

“Thinking Well has tremendously helped me. I truly appreciate the thought-provoking discussions with the staff as much as using the software to enhance my cognitive abilities. Thinking Well, along with the other programs at Laurel House, have fostered a sense of empowerment and community. I am forever in debt to the wonderful staff and clients at Laurel House.”

~Sam, a Thinking Well Program Participant

Imagine not being able to grocery shop for yourself, hold a meaningful job, or live independently. This is the daily reality for thousands of individuals in our local communities who face challenging mental health conditions or social/emotional issues. For many of these individuals, even if they successfully control or treat the symptoms of their underlying condition, the executive functioning issues caused by the condition remain.

If you or a family member are dealing with this type of executive functioning issue or cognitive impairment, our Thinking Well program can help you regain the skills needed to live a more independent and fulfilling life.

What is Thinking Well?

Thinking Well is a therapeutic evidence-based program that uses brain training computer games, combined with group discussion, to target skill building in attention, working memory, verbal memory, processing speed, and problem solving and reasoning.

The program:

  • Prepares people for the challenges of the workplace, school, and independent living
  • Stimulates learning, or relearning, of cognitive tasks, and by extension, living skills
  • Results in statistical improvement in specific areas of thinking, as well as improved functional outcomes (e.g., getting a job, attending and succeeding in post-secondary education, living independently)
  • Creates a supportive environment for people to learn and to enjoy their lives

How Does Thinking Well Work?

Individual assessments, computer-based exercises and facilitated group discussions are led by skilled Laurel House clinicians trained and certified in the NEAR model. NEAR (Neuropsychological & Educational Approach to Cognitive Remediation) was developed by Alice Medalia, PhD, Director of the Lieber Recovery Clinic at Columbia University.

Laurel House, Inc. is one of only three certified NEAR model cognitive remediation providers in Connecticut and the only one in Fairfield County.

Thinking Well blends two basic techniques to address cognitive impairment: cognitive remediation and compensatory cognitive training.

  • Cognitive Remediation uses individualized drills and group bridging sessions to improve functioning in targeted areas of cognition, such as attention, memory, and problem solving.
  • Compensatory Cognitive Training teaches people real world cognitive skills and strategies, and helps those strategies become habits.

Thinking Well targets five specific cognitive domains: Attention, Working Memory, Verbal Learning, Processing Speed, Problem Solving and Reasoning

In addition to these successful outcomes, let’s consider the impact on the life of a program participant to learn how Thinking Well improved his quality of life.

Michael

By age 24, Michael had already been diagnosed with major depressive and anxiety disorders. While he graduated from college, he was hospitalized soon after. When he was released from the hospital, he showed visible signs of cognitive issues, including difficulty in engaging in conversation with others. Michael participated in 20 Thinking Well sessions. After the completion of his sessions, he demonstrated increased self-esteem and improved attention, time management, and communication skills. For the past year, he has been gainfully employed as a sales associate.

What Results Does Thinking Well Achieve?

Participants experience impressive results after participating in the Thinking Well program:

  • 100% of the 136 FY2025 participants who completed sessions and took a post-assessment achieved improvement in at least 1 of the 5 domains
  • 98% improved in 2 domains
  • 65% improved in 3 domains
  • 37% improved in 4 domains
  • 7% improved in all 5 domains

“I feel like I am quicker in my thinking and memory and it helped me with socializing. I enjoyed the group discussion on mindfulness. My favorite part of Thinking Well was when the facilitator led the group and the interaction between peers.”

~BD, a Thinking Well Program Participant

Ready to Take the First Step?

To learn more about Thinking Well or enroll in our services, contact:

Krista Biello, LMSW
Thinking Well and Supported Education Director
kbiello@laurelhouse.net
203-487-1624

Denise Vestuti, LCSW
Laurel House, Inc. Clinical Director
dvestuti@laurelhouse.net
203-487-1633