Psychotherapy for
Neuropsychological Challenges

Albert S. Aniskiewicz, PhD, ABPP

About the Author   Albert S. Aniskiewicz, PhD, ABPP is professor of psychiatry and neurology at Michigan State University. He is a diplomate in clinical psychology with the American Board of Professional Psychology, and a diplomate in assessment psychology with the American Board of Assessment Psychology. He is a fellow with the Academy of Clinical Psychology.

From Choice (American Library Association):  “In his introduction, Aniskiewicz states his intent to review the nature of several neuropsychological challenges and to offer guidance for treatment of these disorders.  He succeeds at both in this inspiring volume…, this is a powerful study of the application of mindfulness to a difficult and chronically challenged population.” 

From PsycCRITIQUES (American Psychological Association):  “It is the substance of this monumental text that distinguishes it from its contemporaries…  Aniskiewicz has masterfully crafted a novel text of broad and enduring appeal to clinicians of varied orientations and degrees of experience… Aniskiewicz details specific treatment strategies for people living with neuropsychological disorders and their caregivers… Mind you, all of this is tendered in the context of research supportive of mindfulness in enhancing the mental health and coping efficacy in individuals with neuropsychological challenges… Aniskiewicz smartly weaves together a seamlessly integrative stance borrowing the best elements of narrative, psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and existential therapies to shape a comprehensive whole.  This latter achievement is likely to represent the enduring contribution of this exceptional text.., this colossal achievement…”

 "Aniskiewicz’s book, Psychotherapy for Neuropsychological Challenges, is a fine and intelligent book about psychotherapeutic treatment.  It is both literate and compassionate… There is also a high degree of experience and sensibility throughout the book that let the reader know that he or she is in the hands off a good clinician…  Aniskiewicz's book provides an effective and sophisticated psychotherapeutic view, well informed by his experience, kindness, and wide ranging interests.  He identifies and integrates ideas from science, literature, philosophy, and psychology, including psychoanalytic thought, a rare and much appreciated achievement." —The Clinical Neuropsychologist 

"An engaging tapestry weaving philosophy, poetry and science that brings the reader closer to understanding the riddles of mind and brain through the eyes of those fighting to regain meaning and purpose as a function of neuropsychological challenges."—Antonio E. Puente, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

"A book that takes us back to the future. As medicine travels with ever-increasing speed to discover the perfect biomedical cure for the many varieties of human illness, it moves further and further away from the impact that these illnesses have on the human condition. The word "suffering" seems to have lost its original meaning and has come to imply that someone has this or that condition. Yet suffering is what brings patients to caregivers and each person suffers in a unique way that is entirely their own. The loss of control over one's body and one's actions causes one person to despair while another may become more determined than ever before. It is not the pill that ultimately makes the difference in a person's life or their suffering--it is what we as caregivers 'wrap' around it that does.

This book is a tour de force. It is a true return to the biopsychosocial model that pioneers like George Engel spoke of fifty years ago. This book addresses not only the neuroanatomical and neuropsysiological deficits that stem from neurological illnesses, but also the impact of these deficits on the coping ability of the individual. This book tells us how to help the individual overcome these deficits and to develop effective coping strategies that help them recover their potential. Most importantly this book tells us not simply how to 'fix' things but how to help people heal."—Sumer Verma, MD, Director, Geriatric Psychiatry Education Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA; lecturer on psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University Medical School

"This superbly written book offers a thoughtful and compassionate approach to the psychological treatment of patients with neurological disorders. Dr. Aniskiewicz has poignantly captured the struggles that such patients face each day, and he provides a unique perspective on how even the most devastating disabilities can also present opportunities for growth and personal fulfillment. This book is truly inspirational and I would highly recommend it to all health professionals treating patients with chronic medical conditions."—James Blumenthal, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University Medical Center

"This book provides a compelling argument for a mindfulness-based approach to psychotherapy with a challenging population--patients with neurological disorders and disability. It explains the essentials of typical disorders in a manner informative to both the general psychotherapist and the neuropsychologically initiated. It fills a need for a text that explores the interaction between personality, personal history, illness, disability, and the psychotherapeutic relationship. It does so in language that does not sacrifice clarity for the realistic complexity of people in life-changing circumstances. An instructive, humane, and greatly satisfying book."—Jeffrey E. Evans, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Residential College, University of Michigan

"Psychotherapy is crucial for many neurologically impaired patients, who are emotionally devastated by their condition. Yet until now there has not been a source that the many psychotherapists not expert in neuropsychology could consult. Such a book had to await the rare writer who knows and cares about both fields, someone who could discuss psychotherapy with people suffering the effects of all the "neuropsychological challenges": traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, degenerative dementias, and other conditions. Al Aniskiewicz, a seasoned neuropsychologist and notably compassionate master psychotherapist, is that rare person. And Psychotherapy for Neuropsychological Challenges is a significant contribution that will be read gratefully by psychotherapists of every orientation and level of experience. In carving out new territory it will inevitably inspire new course offerings, thereby broadening the minds of young psychotherapists and widening the populations they serve. "—Donnel B. Stern, PhD, Editor, Contemporary Psychoanalysis

PART 1.  AN ATTITUDE OF MIND

Introduction

Chapter 1       Sources and Teachers

Chapter 2       Uncertainty and Acceptance

Chapter 3       An Attitude of Mind

PART II.  NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CHALLENGES

Chapter 4       Conditions and the Neuropsychological Domains

Chapter 5       Multiple Sclerosis

Chapter 6       Traumatic Brain Injury and Postconcussion Syndrome

Chapter 7       Cerebrovascular Disorders

Chapter 8       Degenerative Dementias

Chapter 9       Elusive Diagnoses

PART III.  PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTION

Chapter 10     Foundations for Therapy

Chapter 11     Individual Psychotherapy

Chapter 12     Caregiving Challenges and a Group Approach

Chapter 13     Epilogue: An Unfolding Path

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