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Neuropsychology supports patients recovering from neurological illness or injury by assessing how changes in the brain and nervous system may affect thinking, memory, behaviour, mood and day-to-day function. At Faircape Health Institute, neuropsychology forms part of our interdisciplinary rehabilitation approach, helping guide personalised care plans that support recovery, independence and quality of life.
Recovering from a neurological event or spinal injury is not only a physical journey. Many patients may experience changes in memory, concentration, processing speed, planning, emotional regulation, confidence or behaviour. These changes can affect daily routines, relationships, rehabilitation progress and the ability to return to independent living.
A neuropsychologist helps identify and understand these cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes through specialised clinical assessment. Their input supports patients, families and the wider rehabilitation team with practical strategies, realistic goals and informed care planning.
At Faircape Health Institute, neuropsychology is integrated into our interdisciplinary team approach. Working alongside doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dietitians, social workers and rehabilitation coordinators, neuropsychology helps ensure that each patient’s recovery plan considers both physical and cognitive wellbeing.
This service may support patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, neurodegenerative conditions or other neurological diagnoses where thinking, mood or behaviour has been affected. The goal is to help patients and families better understand these changes, improve functional outcomes and support a more confident return to daily life.
Carrie Allen is a Clinical Neuropsychologist who holds a Master’s degree from the University of Cape Town. She completed her clinical training at Groote Schuur Hospital, which afforded her the opportunity to support patients diagnosed with a wide range of medical conditions, such as strokes, neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy and traumatic brain injuries. This experience deepened Carrie’s understanding of the profound ways in which physical health can impact mental health, behaviour and cognition. At Faircape Health Tokai, Carrie provides psychotherapy, tailored neuropsychological assessments and psychoeducation to her patients and their families. She adopts a compassionate, collaborative approach grounded in psychodynamic principles, complimented by her training in other modalities, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Through psychotherapy, Carrie strives to create a supportive space in which patients can explore their inner worlds, gain insight and build resilience.