Research continues to highlight that many factors associated with cognitive health can be influenced through supportive lifestyle, health, and behavioural approaches. This provides opportunities to better understand individual strengths, address challenges, and support cognitive functioning over time.

If you are:

• worried about memory problems or memory loss
• unsure if this is “normal ageing”
• not sure whether the changes you are experiencing are within the normal range of cognitive functioning
• Wanting to understand what may be affecting your cognitive functioning and how to address the challenges you are experiencing

👉 Discuss Your Memory and Cognitive Concerns with Dr. Heike →

• ✔ No referral needed
• ✔ For adults across BC (online sessions)
• ✔ Focus on understanding and improving cognitive function

Support is available whether you have received a diagnosis, are experiencing cognitive changes, or simply have concerns about your cognitive health.

What This Service Offers

This service provides individualized, clinically grounded support for understanding and adapting to cognitive changes—while also addressing the emotional and practical impact.

We work together to:

• Understand the nature of your cognitive concerns (e.g., attention, memory, processing, mental fatigue)
• Identify contributing factors (e.g., stress, health conditions, life demands, recovery processes)
• Develop realistic, personalized strategies that fit your life
• Support adjustment, confidence, and sense of self when things feel different

This is not a one-size-fits-all brain training program.

Cognitive exercises and activities may be incorporated when appropriate, based on your individual goals, cognitive needs, everyday functioning, and preferences. If clinically appropriate, Dr. Heike may suggest structured cognitive exercises, apps, games, or other meaningful activities that provide an appropriate level of challenge.

The focus is on applying evidence-informed approaches in a personalized way—using strategies that are meaningful, practical, and connected to your everyday life.

It is about making sense of change, learning how to address it, and supporting meaningful daily functioning.

A Neuro-Informed Approach

Your cognitive functioning does not exist in isolation.

This approach integrates:

• Cognitive functioning (attention, memory, executive functioning)
• Emotional responses (e.g., anxiety, frustration, self-doubt)
• Daily life demands (work, responsibilities, routines, roles)
• Personal meaning and identity

Together, these factors create a whole-person understanding of your experience and guide more effective and sustainable strategies.

What This Is Not

To help clarify fit, this service is different from:

• Group-based cognitive wellness programs that provide general education, activities, or social engagement opportunities without individualized assessment and strategy development
• Adult day programs that provide structured daytime support and activities
• Standalone brain-training tools or cognitive apps used without individualized assessment, guidance, or connection to personal goals and everyday functioning
• Standard psychotherapy approaches that do not specifically address cognitive functioning needs
• Couples or family counselling focused on relationship patterns or longstanding interpersonal concerns

While those supports can be valuable, Dr. Heike provides individualized clinical guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Relationships and family systems may be affected by cognitive changes. This service can help individuals and families understand those changes and develop practical adaptations.

When the primary concern involves relationship conflict or longstanding family dynamics that are not primarily related to cognitive changes, couples or family counselling may be a more appropriate service.

If you are unsure whether Dr. Heike’s approach is the right fit for your situation, you are welcome to book a consultation to discuss your needs.

Learning More About Brain Health

Understanding factors that support brain health can be an important part of adapting to cognitive changes and maintaining cognitive functioning over time.

The following talk provides general information about lifestyle and behavioural factors associated with brain health. It is intended as an educational resource and does not replace individualized assessment or support. Each person’s cognitive functioning, health history, circumstances, and goals are unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is forgetfulness a normal part of ageing?

Some changes in memory and thinking can occur as part of normal ageing. For example, occasionally taking longer to recall information or needing more time to process new information can be common.

However, changes that interfere with everyday activities, feel significantly different from your usual functioning, or cause concern may benefit from further exploration.

When should memory changes be assessed?

Consider seeking support if you notice changes in memory, attention, problem-solving, or mental clarity that:

• affect your daily routines, work, or relationships
• require significantly more effort than before
• create worry or uncertainty about your cognitive health
• are changing over time

A healthcare provider can help determine whether further medical assessment is needed.

Can stress affect memory and concentration?

Yes. Stress, anxiety, sleep difficulties, emotional strain, and major life changes can influence attention, memory, mental flexibility, and cognitive stamina.

Understanding the relationship between stress, emotions, and cognitive functioning can be an important part of developing effective strategies.

Do I need a diagnosis to seek support?

No. Many individuals seek support because they notice changes in memory, focus, or mental efficiency but do not have a formal diagnosis.

This service focuses on understanding your concerns, identifying contributing factors, and developing individualized strategies to support everyday functioning.

What is the difference between neuro-informed counselling and brain training?

Brain training programs typically involve structured cognitive exercises designed to challenge specific skills.

Neuro-informed counselling integrates counselling approaches with cognitive rehabilitation principles to focus more broadly on understanding an individual’s cognitive strengths and challenges, then developing personalized strategies that support meaningful activities, independence, and everyday functioning.

When appropriate, cognitive exercises may be incorporated as one part of a broader individualized approach.

Support for Family Members and Caregivers

Cognitive changes can also affect partners, children, and others involved in daily support. When part of the counselling process, caregiver support may include:

• Understanding how cognitive changes (including dementia-related changes) may affect communication, behaviour, and daily interactions
• Developing practical approaches to support a loved one while maintaining realistic expectations
• Identifying sources of stress and learning strategies to reduce day-to-day strain
• Recognizing and supporting your own needs as a caregiver

If you are a caregiver and need support, explore our [Caregiver Counselling & Support] and [Caregiver Resources] pages for additional information.

When to Seek Additional Assessment

If there are significant or rapidly progressing changes, or concerns about neurological conditions, collaboration with your physician or specialist is recommended. This service can complement—not replace—medical care.

Getting Started

If you are noticing changes in how you think, focus, or function—and would like a clearer understanding of what is happening and what can help—this service offers a structured and supportive place to begin.

Book an Initial Consultation
to discuss your concerns and determine whether this approach is a good fit.

An Evidence-Informed Approach

Dr. Heike’s approach integrates evidence-informed principles from cognitive rehabilitation, psychology, neuropsychology, and neuroscience to provide neuro-informed counselling.

Cognitive rehabilitation approaches are supported by research in both clinical populations and healthy ageing contexts. This service can help individuals better understand their cognitive functioning, develop effective strategies, and maintain independence in everyday life.

Rather than focusing on generic “brain training” alone, this approach emphasizes individualized, meaningful strategies and, when appropriate, targeted cognitive activities that are relevant to your daily life and personal goals.

Psychological approaches, including cognitive behavioural strategies, may also support adjustment, coping, emotional responses, and problem-solving when cognitive changes affect daily life.

Together, these approaches provide individualized support that considers cognition, emotions, behaviour, and meaningful functioning.