I was curious about Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) and was interested in ways I could improve my memory. I also wanted to improve my self-confidence. The therapy definitely worked, motivating me to graduate and earn a first major accomplishment under my belt.
During CET three of the most significant social cognition talks to me were the “Frontal Lobe and Limbic System”, “Perspective Taking” and “Flexibility. Learning about these talks has improved my ability to make better decisions, regulate my emotions and have an improved ability to understand someone else’s point of view. I no longer find myself making small problems into a catastrophe, allowing me to concentrate on more important areas of my life, like returning to school.
Now that I’ve stuck with CTE, the concepts are a little easier to understand, and I’ve been able t to generalize it to my life. For example, I feel more confident in speaking in front of a crowd, I am even a Sunday school secretary at church where one of my primary roles is speaking to the congregation! I even had the courage to move out of my AFC home into semi-independent living. Without CTE I don’t know if I would be able to make that decision. I’ve also become more hopeful for being successful in my life. First I’d like to return to school to become a CNA and have a family of my own one day. I have learned to try harder and not give up so easily. The support of my case manager, family and friends will keep me on the path to make my goals a reality.
In closing I would like to thank Stephanie Williams, my case manager for motivating me. She has been very encouraging. She has helped me think things out step by step and helped guide my decision making. Other influential people include mother banks, from church and mom and dad. Lastly, I would like to thank Megan Latimer for introducing me to CET.
