ABCR - Action Based Cognitive Remediation
Action Based Cognitive Remediation (ABCR) is an evidence based therapy that uses core principles of cognitive remediation, including cognitive training and the development of new problem solving strategies. ABCR uniquely adds a number of techniques related to other cognitive behavioural therapies, including collaborative goal setting, cognitive activation (behavioural activation with a focus on enriching the cognitive ecosystem by going after cognitive challenges), and using role-plays that simulate real world activities one might encounter in the home, socially, or at work.
The ‘action’ part of ABCR refers to the notion that cognitive training opportunities will be maximally effective in producing substantial and sustained real world behaviour change when the skills and strategies that are learned in sessions are also directly applied to real world scenarios and the person has concrete plans for engaging with cognitively enriching experiences outside of therapy sessions.
What are the benefits of ABCR?
ABCR is a manualized group-based intervention designed to address the challenge of transferring cognitive gains to improve quality of life and reduce disability. ABCR combines traditional drill and practice cognitive training with strategic learning, collaborative goal-setting, and cognitive activation to facilitate the transfer of cognitive skills through role-play and real-world simulation tasks. Previous studies suggest that, when this type of skills training component is included, individuals with severe mental illness are more successful in generalizing functional gains to real-world behaviour.
ABCR treatment involves not only directly improving cognition, but also helping participants find ways to use the skills they are learning to make immediate and lasting changes in their lives.
Is ABCR right for me?
ABCR is for people who:
Have difficulties with attention, memory, planning, multi-tasking and understanding other people
Are ready and motivated to work on functional goals (e.g. returning to school, volunteering, or employment; increasing independent living skills)
Are able to participate in weekly group sessions for 8 weeks.
What does a session in ABCR involve?
In ABCR, there are 4 modules, each containing 4 sessions. The modules address different cognitive domains (attention, memory, executive functioning and social cognition). Group sessions with an ABCR therapist take place twice a week for two-hours. At the end of each module, group members complete individual goal setting with a group therapist.
Each session contains:
a theme of the day
a computerized cognitive training exercise and in session practice
strategy discussions on developing, monitoring and flexibly adjusting problem-solving strategies
hands on activities
discussions on how cognitive skills and strategies are transferred to everyday life.
How can I provide ABCR to my clients?
The first step is training to be an ABCR therapist. This training can be found at e-cog.ca
Multiple sites across Canada are currently participating in an implementation study called ‘A national collaborative effort to implement online cognitive health interventions’. In order to facilitate the delivery of these therapies (such as ABCR), an online training platform was developed for mental health professionals to standardize training. One of the outcomes from this research will be to provide a platform to train interested therapists to deliver ABCR nationally.
Esplora la ricerca su questo programma
Disseminating action‐based cognitive remediation to an early psychosis network: Clinician perspectives on feasibility and implementation barriers.
Wood‐Ross C, Milanovic M, Vanrooy T, Bromley S, Bowie CR. (2024)
Implementation of Action-Based Cognitive Remediation in First Episode Psychosis: A Multi-Method Evaluation of Feasibility and Efficacy.
Murphy C, Hogarth J, Reynolds K, Wood-Ross C, Vanrooy T, Bowie CR. (2023)
A randomised controlled trial of psychotherapy and cognitive remediation to target cognition in mood disorders.
Douglas KM, Groves S, Crowe MT, Inder ML, Jordan J, Carlyle D, Wells H, Beaglehole B, Mulder R, Lacey C, Luty S, Eggleston K, Frampton C, Bowie CR, Porter RJ. (2022)
Change in prefrontal activity and executive functions after Action-Based Cognitive Remediation in bipolar disorder: a randomized controlled trial.
Ott C, Macoveanu J, Bowie CR, Fisher P, Knudsen G, Kessing L, Miskowiak K. (2021)
Effect of Action-Based Cognitive Remediation on cognitive impairment in patients with remitted bipolar disorder: a randomized controlled trial.
Ott CV, Vinberg M, Kessing LV, Bowie CR, Forman JL, Miskowiak, KW. (2021)
A comparison of compensatory and restorative cognitive interventions in early psychosis.
Kidd SA, Herman Y, Virdee G, Bowie CR, Velligan D, Plagiannakos C, Voineskos A. (2020)
Effect of action-based cognitive remediation on cognition and neural activity in bipolar disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Ott CV, Vinberg M, Bowie CR, Christensen EM, Knudsen GM, Kessing LV, Miskowiak KW. (2018)
Action-based cognitive remediation for individuals with serious mental illnesses: Effects of real-world simulations and goal setting on functional and vocational outcomes.
Bowie CR, Grossman M, Gupta M, Holshausen K, Best MW. (2017)
Explore notable news and testimonials around this programme
“Cognitive skills are like the base of the pyramid. My base was really weak when I started, but I can feel that my base has gotten stronger and now I’m ready to work on the other things in my life.”
Dr. Bowie has trained over 25 clinical sites as part of the Early Psychosis in Ontario Network, as well as colleagues in New Zealand, Ireland, Ohio, Minnesota, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, San Diego and clinicians who are part of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society.
“Things used to seem so overwhelming. Now that I break things down into smaller goals and get it from my head onto paper I can actually see myself making progress”
Contact ABCR
Informazioni sul Cognitive Remediation Experts Workshop (CREW)
Siamo una rete internazionale di professionisti dedicati al progresso della riabilitazione cognitiva. La nostra competenza riguarda la riabilitazione cognitiva per i disturbi dello spettro della schizofrenia e altre gravi condizioni di salute mentale. Attraverso la ricerca, la formazione e la collaborazione, miriamo a migliorare la qualità delle terapie di riabilitazione cognitiva e a renderle accessibili.