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"The Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation
(NEAR) emphasizes individualized training done in group formats, and combines techniques developed in both neuropsychological
and educational models to target neuropsychological deficits as they affect information processing and cognition. Standing
in stark contrast to other cognitive rehabilitation approaches, the NEAR model recognizes that engaging clients in learning
tasks can be quite challenging because mental and medical illness impact motivation, and makes extensive use of educational
techniques designed to promote learning by increasing motivation and task engagement. This holistic approach incorporates
ideas culled from educational psychology, learning theory, rehabilitation psychology, and neuropsychology to create a comprehensive
approach to remediation. The holistic approach encourages the promotion of an awareness of learning style, the promotion of
self-esteem, and improves social-emotional functioning. In developing the NEAR approach, mass market software titles designed
as educational tools were analyzed systematically on a variety of dimensions (Medalia, Revheim, Herlands, 2002). Required
reading level, required level of computer skill, level of personalization, and cognitive skills trained were among the qualities
rated. Using these criteria, over 20 software titles have been incorporated into the system thus far. The NEAR approach has
been successfully implemented in outpatient and inpatient settings which serve a diverse psychiatric and substance abusing
population (Medalia, Aluma, Merriam, 1999; Medalia, Dorn, Watras-Gans, 2000; Medalia, Revheim, Casey, 2000; Medalia, Revheim,
Casey, 2001, Medalia, Revheim, Herlands, 2002)."
Tiffany Herlands, PsyD
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