The Science Behind Cognitive Function Development Therapy to Build a Healthier, More Connected Community
By Heather DeSousa
When educator and therapist Jen Beyst co-founded the Cognitive Function Development Institute, she was responding to both personal and professional callings. As a mother of three neurodivergent children and the granddaughter of a man who lost himself to Alzheimer’s Disease, Jen searched for answers where traditional methods fell short. This mission led her to neuroscience and the creation of Cognitive Function Development Therapy (CFDT).
“CFDT is like physical therapy for the brain,” Jen explained. “We identify weak functions through objective assessments and target them with engaging, structured activities. It’s like fine-tuning an orchestra; every part of the brain needs to play in sync for optimal performance.”
While most folks can understand physical therapy practices and results, CFDT takes a similar approach while addressing all the parts of the brain
“What we do is we start with an objective brain function,” Jen said. “Are the wind instruments able to stay in tune? Is the conductor getting distracted? From that objective assessment we’ll discover areas that we need to target to make stronger. We want everyone to play the same symphony at the same time and in the same key, so the whole orchestra is working together.”
Rather than relying exclusively on talk-based approaches, CFDT uses strategic engagement exercises to challenge and strengthen cognitive processes such as working memory, focus, and executive function. Jen noted that this method is especially effective for ADHD, anxiety, PTSD and emotional dysregulation conditions where the nervous system often overrides logical reasoning.
“You can’t always talk someone out of dysregulation,” she said. “CFDT gives the nervous system a new pathway to follow.”
These engagement activities test the brain’s cognitive function to memorize or multiply information that’s changing at inconsistent speeds. They exercise the brain and lower the neuro-inflammation. Over time, this helps to decrease anxiety triggered by past or current experiences our nervous system has stored.
The therapy has also shown promise with individuals on the autism spectrum and those experiencing early signs of dementia. A study on CFDT’s impact on early-onset dementia is currently in the works, driven by Jen’s commitment to bridging neuroscience and compassionate care.
What sets CFDT apart are the measurable outcomes. Each session tracks progress across key brain networks, including alerting, orienting, and executive functions as well as working memory and encoding memory, making CFDT a data-informed complement to other therapeutic approaches.
With a strong foundation in education, Jen sees CFDT as a bridge between learning challenges and mental health. “So many people with learning issues struggle emotionally, too. CFDT connects the dots between how the brain works and how we feel without reliving the trauma.”
Despite the heavy lifting behind the scenes, Jen remains energized. “It’s rewarding to see lives change: clients, families, and even the practitioners themselves. That’s what keeps me grounded and inspired.”
She shared some moving feedback she has received over the years:
“I just wanted you to know that our son benefited from your program immensely. He was in speech therapy, special education, and struggling with reading and processing skills before your program at age eight. Now, he is a junior, on the mock trial team, loves to read and write, thinks critically, and loves to learn in general. He is already preparing for college and is a diligent student…I am so grateful we trusted you and followed the program because it has
made a huge difference in Rylan’s life.”
“Neuroplasticity is more readily activated in younger people versus adults,” Jen explained. “Though adults might have more motivation with this style of therapy. Sometimes we find adults can be frustrated because they used to have a better memory and now it’s harder. It’s best when you start this early on. Consistency is key. Get into it before you’re 50 if you can.”
Community and accessibility are central to Jen’s mission. Through the Cognitive Function Development Institute, she invites volunteers, sponsors, and practitioners to join the movement. Scholarships are available ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 help make CFDT more accessible, covering the cost of intensive therapy sessions over several months.
“We’re not just working on individual brains,” Jen said. “We’re building a healthier, more connected community, one function at a time.”
Learn more at https://www.cfdinstitute.com.