Psychotherapy with the elderly.

Abstract

This paper raises the question of whether or not we can do psychotherapy with the elderly. Age per se indicates nothing definite about the client's power or will to change. The question of what kind of therapy to offer is discussed in relation to four problem categories: 1) Problems related to organic brain syndromes. 2) Problems that are chronic. 3) Crisis related to losses. 4) Existential tasks that may be specially central to the elderly. The relationship between the therapist and the elderly client is discussed. PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH THE ELDERLY Can we do psychotherapy with elderly people?To some the answer is obviously "no." This answer is based on the assumption that the elderly are not able to change and mat they have a right to be left in peace from psychological intervention. This paper will discuss these assumptions. In addition to the ability and the motivation for change, it will discuss some of the problems to which the elderly are particularly susceptible, and will also consider which kinds of psychotherapy are applicable to particular cases.

Aldersdemens i parforhold

“…Det store misforholdet mellom forekomst av psykiske plager i den eldre befolkning og de som får psykologisk/psykiatrisk behandling, er et eksempel på dette. En forklaring kan vaere at en ofte har forklart plagene som en naturlig følge av alderen og/eller konkludert med at det er for sent å foreta endringer i høy alder (Ingebretsen 1977, Nordhus et al 1998. Aldersforandringer og at livet går mot slutten, har blitt brukt som begrunnelser for resignasjon og unnlatelser i forhold til problemer i eldre år.…”

Ego Development and a General Model for Counseling and Psychotherapy

“…Much of the therapeutic literature, however, has ignored these kinds of questions, perhaps because most people seeking help are at less complex stages of development. It may be that as psychotherapy is extended into the older population (Ingebretsen, 1977), therapy concerned with existential problems will become more widespread, and therapeutic techniques appropriate for these kinds of problems will be more widely expressed. The life review technique of Butler and Lewis (1973), developed especially for working with older people, may be a harbinger of new developments to come.…”

Art therapy as a mechanism for increasing life satisfaction in later life

“…Other practitioners and gerontologists make a plea for society to aggressively and creatively develop innovative therapeutic services for the elderly which would lead to more effective and adaptive methods of coping with losses related to reduced physical, mental, social, and cultural capacities. The focus of therapy on the aged should be toward helping them find a sense of identity, autonomy, and fulfillment (Birren & Woodruff, 1973;Davis & Klopfer, 1977;Eisdorfer & I.a.wton, 1973;Gurland, 1973;Ingebretsen, 1977;Jarvik & Cohen, 1973;Krasner, 1977Krasner, : I.a.wton, 1973McGee & I.a.kin, 1977;Nouwen & Gaffney, 1976;Riegel, 1973;Zubin, 1973).…”