Therapist uses innovative approach with “soap opera therapy” to regain cognitive skills.

“The keys to relearning and retraining are finding something that interests the client”, stated Dr. Sheri Feldman Ed.D. CCC-SLP,  Speech Pathologist, at Golfcrest Healthcare in Hollywood.  Through questions and answers from staff on the therapy team as well as contact with the patient’s family members, it was determined that the soap opera ,”General Hospital” was an integral part of the patient’s life prior to her hospitalization.

Rehab Services Manager, Lisa Panning, MSPT stated,” If it’s General Hospital that she wants, it is General Hospital that she gets!”   With that, Ms. Panning turned her computer into a cognitive learning experience.

Ms. Panning negotiated the web until she found a site with a substantial amount of pictures of the client’s favorite character, Sonny.   Dr. Feldman directed the patient to answer questions based on the photographs that she saw.  In addition, more photographs were obtained for their communicative and conversational intent.  Then with a smile and twinkle in her eye, the patient immersed herself in long conversations with the staff regarding the ongoing saga of the soap opera.