Dr Cecily Brasch DPsych
(Clin & Clin Neuro), BPsySc (Hons), MAPS
I am a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist who brings over a decade of experience in neuropsychological assessment, diagnostic formulation, and cognitive intervention across various healthcare settings, including tertiary hospitals and private practice. I am passionate about providing evidence-based, patient focused psychological care to adults and older adults and have a particular interest in optimising the care provided to those experiencing cognitive decline. I advocate for and practice holistic neuropsychological care that encompasses not only assessment but tailored intervention to improve outcomes.
Clinically, I have experience working with individuals across the lifespan conducting comprehensive assessment for diagnostic clarification, WorkCover/insurance claims, cognitive rehabilitation/remediation, and for the evaluation of decision-making capacity. As a senior clinician in the public health service for over 10 years, I have worked alongside individuals with complex medical/neurological conditions, acquired brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as five years in the acute mental health setting. As a clinical neuropsychologist, I understand the importance of adapting evidence based psychological intervention to meet the needs of individuals with identified cognitive challenges. My particular area of interest is in the assessment of neurodegenerative conditions in older adults.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Hons I)
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology)
Diploma of Professional Leadership Coaching (Australian Institute of Professional Coaching)
Generally registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Endorsed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist
Medicare-registered provider of clinical psychology services
STAP Accredited Psychology Supervisor
Conference Presentations and Publications
Brasch, C. (2022) Psychometric Assessment. Lecture for PGT Psychiatry, Brisbane, 2022.
Eeles, E., Teodorczuk, A., Abdalla, L., Dissanayaka, N., Ward, S., Bhat, R., Dakin, L., Brasch, C., & Burianova, H. (2021). The hard problem of consciousness? A research protocol to develop clinical tools designed to measure consciousness in delirium. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Directing stroke rehabilitation research from a consumer perspective: a Citizens’ Jury approach. (2021). Participation as a Research Expert Witness. Topic: Mental Health/Well-being.
Brasch, C., & Veretennikoff, K. (2021). Dementia Diagnosis: Education in Partnership with Patients and Caregivers. Presentation at the Statewide Dementia Clinical Network Forum.
Lin, H., Pandy, S., Pinsker, D., Brasch, C., Yerkovich, S., & Eeles, E. (2014). Screening of delirium: A pilot study of two screening tools, the single question in delirium (SQiD) and the simple query for easy evaluation of consciousness (SQeeC). Australasian Journal on Aging, 33, 34.
Brasch, C. (2013). Understanding Clinical Neuropsychological Assessment. Presentation at Cognisence Brisbane, November 2013.
Kritikos, A., & Brasch, C. (2008). Visual and tactile integration in action comprehension and execution. Brain Research, 1242, 73-86.
What is a neuropsychological assessment?
A neuropsychological assessment examines various aspects of cognitive functioning such as learning and memory, attention, processing speed, executive functioning and general intellectual abilities, as well as emotional wellbeing and behaviour. Evaluations typically take place over at least two sessions, however this may vary depending on the complexity of the presenting concern.
Initially, a clinical interview is conducted with the client and, if appropriate, a family member, to gather important collateral information regarding an individuals specific concerns. Following this, the client will complete assessment tasks with the neuropsychologist to identify a profile cognitive strengths and areas of challenge.
Upon assessment completion a formal feedback session will be offered to explain the assessment findings to the client and any other relevant supporting parties. Depending on the results, possible treatment recommendations will also be offered. At Canvas Neuropsychology all services are provided in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics.
Who would benefit from an assessment?
A clinical neuropsychological assessment may be useful to investigate the following possible concerns:
Acquired brain injury
Memory problems
Neurological conditions
Cerebrovascular problems such as stroke
Learning difficulties
Dementia
Drug and alcohol related brain change
Decision making capacity
Medico-legal consultations
How will the assessment help?
Clinical neuropsychologists are trained to examine specific cognitive profiles of strengths and weaknesses and to interpret how the brain is functioning. Assessment results can assist clinicians, clients and referring practitioners in the following ways:
To aid potential differential diagnosis
To identify areas of cognitive strength and challenge
To assist with rehabilitation planning
To measure change from baseline levels of functioning
To assist individuals in maximising their cognitive, emotional and behavioural potential
To assess competence and decisional capacity