Home | CenPsyX Limited

ASSESSING BRAIN INJURY to ENABLE POSITIVE RECOVERY

THE RIGHT TOOLS + MEANINGFUL INSIGHT + A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

SERVING the CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND of NEW ZEALAND

QUALIFIED + TRUSTED + PROFESSIONAL

A neuropsychologist investigates cognitive, executive and emotional functions in the brain to determine the impact on behaviour and decision-making in both normal & abnormal brain functioning. This can be done after an injury or illness, or to find out a persons’ intellectual strengths and weaknesses.

A neuropsychological assessment provides information that is used to help you develop insight into how your brain is working after injury, disease or trauma. Neuropsychologists are uniquely trained to give you accurate information on brain function, to give you mental tools to assist in positive recovery, and to help you develop a positive mindset as you adjust to life after brain injury or disease

NeuroPsychology: the scientific

branch of psychology & neurology

that studies the relationship between

brain function & BRAIN behaviour

SERVICES

assess
to equip

NAVIGATE The obstacles in your recovery journey

NeuroPsychology Assessment

A Neuropsychological Assessment assists in examining, diagnosing and managing health conditions that affect the central and peripheral nervous system. It includes conditions like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Cerebrovascular disease & Stroke, Epilepsy, Brain Cancer, or neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease or Parkinsons disease. Neuropsychologists work closely with medical physicians, including Neurologists, Occupational Physicians and General Practitioners, to assist in the diagnosis of brain-behaviour related health conditions.

A full neuropsychological assessment is a lengthy process conducted with a holistic assessment approach. It differs from other psychological assessments as the focus is on assessment of cognitive & executive functions using standardised neuropsychological tests and psychometric tools. The assessment is structured to provide a snapshot of a person’s brain functioning at a point in time, much like a CT scan or MRI scan would be used by doctors. Functions like memory, attention span, speech & language, visual spatial & constructional abilities, executive functioning, and motor abilities are normally measured. In addition, emotional and behavioural domains are also assessed to contextualise the standardised test scores. Serial testing is sometimes required to track improvement or deterioration in brain function over time. Neuropsychologists can also assist in developing cognitive rehabilitation programs and treatment plans to assist patients, family and multi-disciplinary teams. They often act therapeutically with clients to help with adjustment after injury.
Referrals are generally made by medical professionals or service providers such as the ACC, insurance companies, and employers. For private clients an Intake Questionnaire will be sent out to ensure we are the best fit for your needs. You can start the process by completing the CONTACT form below.
Prior to an appointment the neuropsychologist will review any relevant clinical records, and you may be asked to complete some initial questionnaires. In the first part of the assessment, you are asked questions regarding your neurodevelopmental and psychosocial history, as well as your current mental status and functioning. A comprehensive history is compiled through reviewing available records and by talking to other knowledgeable persons on important aspects such as symptoms and events, in addition to your own comments. You will be asked to complete a few short emotional, behavioural, and wellness inventories to inform the next steps. In the second part you will complete a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests & psychological inventories using a combination of questionnaires/computerized cognitive tests/traditional paper & pencil tests/the manipulation of materials such as blocks & puzzles/and more. Testing focusses on a wide range of cognitive functions including attention, memory, language, academic skills, reasoning & problem solving, visuospatial ability, and sensorimotor skills. An appointment is normally scheduled for 5 hours on one day - broken up into Part 1, a lunch break, then Part 2. Where this is not clinically feasible, two or three separate appointments can be scheduled.
Information gained from both these appointments are analysed and formulated. The findings are presented at a feedback consultation, either in person, or via a video call, providing an opportunity to ask questions or address concerns. Options regarding a referral letter, summary report, comprehensive report, or psychotherapy will be discussed.
Options regarding a referral letter, summary/comprehensive report, or psychotherapy are discussed at the first appointment and agreed on at the feedback session.

Where the assessment is completed on the request of a third party such as the ACC, insurance or for an employer, a comprehensive report is submitted to the party concerned.
If referred by the ACC, an insurer or employer the full cost is normally covered.

If referred by a medical professional, the full cost is payable by the client. A quote can be given for submission to a medical aid for them to assess if they will fund in full or in part.

We are not contracted to health insurers – this means the invoice must be paid first and then claimed back where approved.
The total cost is determined by the time spent and level of reporting required. It is best to contact us by completing the CONTACT form below.

keys to
unlock

gain insight to ENGAGE YOUR STRENGTHS

NeuroDiversity Assessment

At CenPsyX we approach neurodiversity assessments with a strengths-based & solutions-focused methodology, looking at the whole person to unlock potential. Rather than pathologize, we attempt to educate and optimise. This can help a person understand and use their cognitive strengths to navigate challenges they may face in various life contexts. The aim is to provide objective clinical data on sensory, cognitive, behavioural, and emotional functioning, and then use that information to develop coping strategies, to assist in decision-making, and to help people thrive. The assessment process is modular and is both person and clinically centred.

At CenPsyX, a neurodiversity assessment is not done for the sole purpose of diagnosing or confirming a specific DSM-5 disorder. However, this can sometimes be part of the outcome if considered clinically appropriate.

Neurodiversity assessments place greater emphasis on understanding a client’s neurodevelopmental trajectory over the life span. It might be that you are a parent who is wondering about your child’s behavioural difficulties in school or social contexts, or you are an adult curious about what your cognitive strengths are so that you can maximise your potential. You also may be an adult who has some challenges in life, feeling like a square peg in a round hole, and you want to know how to manage certain behavioural traits. This assessment is similar to a neuropsychological assessment but is more focused on assessing cognitive strengths and behavioural challenges. While a cognitive assessment forms part of the process, you will also be required to complete behavioural inventories, neurodevelopmental inventories and sometimes a personality questionnaire or sensory assessment. Neuropsychologists who work in the neurodiversity space can often assist with increasing health and wellbeing, by consulting with family members, teachers, support workers or employers, where it is considered appropriate.
We do not require a referral for an appointment. We do ask for a Intake Questionnaire to be completed before we book an appointment to ensure we are the best fit for your needs. You can start the process by completing the CONTACT form below.
At the first appointment the clinician will focus on a Needs Analysis. You will be asked questions regarding your neurodevelopmental and psychosocial history, as well as your current mental status and functioning. A history is compiled through reviewing available records and by talking to other knowledgeable persons on important aspects such as symptoms and events, in addition to your own comments. You will be asked to complete a few short emotional, behavioural and wellness inventories to inform the next steps. The appointment is normally 2 hours long. The focus of the second appointment is on testing and psychometrics. You will complete a battery of standardized neuropsychological tests & psychological inventories using a combination of questionnaires / computerized cognitive tests / traditional paper & pencil tests / the manipulation of materials such as blocks & puzzles / and more. Testing focusses on a wide range of cognitive functions including attention, memory, language, academic skills, reasoning & problem solving, visuospatial ability, and sensorimotor skills. The data is scored, analysed and integrated with the clinical information and observations from the first session. The appointment is normally 2-3 hours long. Where required both these appointments can be done in one day, with a lunchbreak is scheduled between the two sessions.
Information gained from both these appointments are analysed, formulated and the findings are presented at a feedback consultation, either in person or via a video call. It is an opportunity to ask questions or address concerns. The appointment is normally 1 hour.
Options regarding a referral letter, summary/comprehensive report, or psychotherapy are discussed at the first appointment and agreed on at the feedback session.
Typically, these are privately funded assessments. A quote can be supplied to you for submission to a medical aid for them to assess if they will fund in full or in part.

We are not contracted to health insurers – this means the invoice must be paid first and then claimed back where approved.
The total cost is determined by the time spent and level of reporting required. It is best to contact us by completing the CONTACT form below.

accept
& adjust

CREATE space to adapt to a new way of functioning

NeuroPsychotherapy

When an injury or illness is more permanent in nature, or a neurodiverse condition is identified, it can cause a significant amount of distress or sadness. We want to be our ideal selves in our minds, yet we may be faced with imperfections that frustrates and prevents us from achieving our ideals. In these cases, NeuroPsychotherapy is about discovering new ways to create opportunities, by focussing on what we can do and maintaining a positive mindset. It is also about accepting what we can’t change and building resilience and a support system.

Our neuro-, clinical and educational psychologists use various therapy techniques that have shown good evidence for treatment and remediation of the mental and emotional problems that are the result of brain injury and disease. We typically adopt cognitive-behavioural, acceptance-commitment and solutions-focused therapy modalities to help our clients in their recovery journey. However, other therapies like prolonged exposure, graded exposure, narrative and existential techniques are also employed as part of the therapy interventions when considered appropriate.
We do not require a referral for an appointment. We do ask for a Intake Questionnaire to be completed before we book an appointment to ensure we are the best fit for your needs. You can start the process by completing the CONTACT form below.
At the first appointment the clinician will focus on your description of the problem, your current mental status, and will also ask questions relating to your neurodevelopmental and psychosocial history. You will be asked to complete a few short emotional, behavioural and wellness inventories to inform the next steps. This appointment usually takes 2 hours.

Following this a psychotherapy plan will be formulated. Psychotherapy interventions are typically short to medium term, and range between 6 and 16 sessions, usually not exceeding a 6-month time period. Therapy sessions are generally conducted fortnightly. In exceptional cases, we might work long-term with clients, with sessions spaced further apart.
In most cases, clients are equipped with psychotherapeutic tools to self-manage their condition and provided with information on how to access various support groups & agencies. In a small number of cases an additional therapy block may be arranged, with ongoing maintenance therapy only offered in rare instances.
Referral letters to treating physicians, mental health professionals or other allied professionals are part of the therapy process and will be drafted before the final session. Formal reports are not typical outcomes of psychotherapy interventions, although they can be drafted as and when required, with additional costs discussed beforehand.
Typically, NeuroPsychotherapy is privately funded. A quote can be supplied for submission to a medical aid for them to assess if they will fund in full or in part.

We are not contracted to health insurers – this means the invoice must be paid first and then claimed back where approved.
The total cost is determined by the number of sessions scheduled and therapeutic input required. This is determined after the intake session. It is best to contact us by completing the CONTACT form below.

CLINICIANS

Elton Bloye

NEUROPsychologist &

clinical psychologist

Elton is a registered Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist, obtaining his qualification at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa in 2007. He practiced in the fields of medico-legal neuropsychological assessment, immediate post-acute brain & spinal injury rehabilitation, sports concussion management, and in the cognitive assessment of Alzheimer's Dementia & Parkinsonism. He served as the President of the South African Clinical Neuropsychological Association (SACNA) for a term and lectured at the University of Johannesburg. Elton has been practicing in New Zealand since 2018, completing neuropsychological assessments and managing brain injury & concussion for clients such as the ACC, insurance firms, as well as for medico-legal purposes. He is involved in sports-related concussion in New Zealand, working with professional jockeys to inform safer return-to-ride decisions after concussion.

Carolina Centeno

Educational Psychologist & Neuropsychologist in Training

Carolina is a registered Educational Psychologist, qualifying at Victoria University in Wellington. She originally trained in Venezuela as a behavioural specialist, and has worked in New Zealand for 12 years, being integrally involved in the fields of behavioural psychology, neurodiversity assessment and disability management. Carolina is currently training as a Neuropsychologist through Otago University. She works with children, teens, young adults, and their families who face challenges related to neurodiversity, behavioural challenges, and/or learning difficulties. Carolina has also worked on various ACC contracts with adults, delivering psychotherapy in the areas of concussion and pain management.