Peer Group Counseling for Older People

Brief group psychotherapy at retirement

“…Brief group therapy was carried out only when necessitated by patients' frailty or lack of staff. Only the last two decades witnessed the emergence of outpatient geriatric groups, often with younger and more active, functional and cognitively unimpaired patients (Gallagher, 1981;Lewis & Butler, 1974;Petty et al, 1976;Steuer etal., 1984;Waters et al, 1976).…”

Formal group communication with older adults: A research imperative

“…[67] Downloaded by [Central Michigan University] at 08:34 05 November 2014 65 population has received a disproportionately small share of psychotherapeutic services based on percentage of the population, while statistics reveal a disproportionately high rate of depression, mental disorder and suicides among this age group (Waters et al, 1979;Griffin and Waller, 1985).…”

Older adult paraprofessionals: Working with and in behalf of older adults

“…On the whole, evidence is sparse. Waters, Fink, and White (1976) rated outcome for peer group leaders and found gains in interpersonal skills, expression of feelings, and ability to evaluate one's own performance. Gatz, Barbarin, Tyler, Mitchell, Moran, Wirzbicki, Crawford, and Engelman (1982) reported that community workers increased significantly more in life satisfaction and in knowing where to get information about community resources than did those who were being helped.…”

“…For instance, Toseland, Decker, and Bliesner (1979) did in-home casework, reaching out to older people who were socially isolated and encouraging residents to become involved in community groups. Waters et al (1976) held short-term counseling groups at various community centers such as nutrition sites and union halls, taking services to where clients are.…”