CAT Therapy Basics
How to help someone with attention, memory, planning or motivation problems
Sometimes people with behavioral health challenges have trouble paying attention, remembering important information, planning in a step-by-step fashion, or getting motivated to do something. One evidence-based treatment that has been developed to address these problems is called Cognitive Adaptation Training or CAT developed by Velligan and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
CAT uses environmental supports such as signs, checklist, voice alarms, specialized pill containers, and the reorganization of belongings to prompt important everyday behaviors and make individuals more successful in their role functioning. Some examples of CAT strategies include placing night medication right by the bed in a weekly pill container with bottled water as a reminder to take the medication before going to bed. If a person forgets, all they have to do is lean over and get their medication. They don’t have to walk all the way to the kitchen.
CAT also uses a lot of daily checklists to help individuals structure their day.
Sample daily Checklist:
Take medication
Shower
Set out chicken for dinner
Make breakfast
Empty dishwasher
Attend mindfulness class
Practice guitar
CAT has been shown to prevent relapse, and to improve motivation, daily activity, and role functioning. CAT is one of many evidence based therapy techniques used in Amber Lantern residential communities to help our residents function more independently. If you would like to learn more about how CAT can help you or a family member who is living with mental health challenges live a more independent life please contact us.
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About Amber Lantern
Amber Lantern is dedicated to helping people living with serious mental health issues live more independent and fulfilling lives. We operate a network of residential treatment communities in the San Antonio and the greater Bexar County area.
