This webinar will dispel the all-too-common assumption that psychotherapy and counseling are not effective treatment modalities with senior adults. Contrary to the belief that seniors are "inflexible and stuck in their ways" as well as having diminished cognitive and reflective capacity, studies indicate that they can benefit as much from these modalities as younger persons, albeit with some different approaches, techniques and goals. In this workshop we will consider the special strengths and challenges of senior adults, the place of their particular life cycle issues and how to understand and use transference, resistance, support and interpretation in working with this population. Many case examples and exercises will be offered. Participants are encouraged to bring cases (without identifying information) for discussion [Elective for Gerontology Certificate Program]
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
Apply to one's practice a model for "successful aging" in the psychological, physical and social dimensions of the older adult
Identify cultural (social, religious, ethnic) dimensions of older adult experience of aging and incorporate these into the counseling process
Identify the psychological and social task and challenges facing older adults that may require intervention
Identify and apply to practice the four dimensions that are considered in working with the older adult: context, cohort, maturation, and specific challenges
Identify and apply four evidence-based treatment modalities that are effective with older adults
Recognize transferential and counter transferential dynamic patterns that can affect the treatment relationship with older adults
10:00 am Welcome/Introductions
10:05 am A Model for Successful Aging
- Application of Erikson’s Stage Model to Understanding Psychosocial Issues of Older Adults
- Cultural Dimensions of the Aging Experience
10:35 am Developmental Tasks and Challenges
- Strengths that can be Specific for Seniors
- Cognitive/Biological Factors
- Therapy based on Cohort, Context, Maturation, Specific Challenges
- How Culture Affects these Tasks and Challenges
11:05 am Psychodynamic Issues Between Therapist and Client
- Transference/Countertransference
12:00 pm Interventions and Techniques
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Interpersonal/psychodynamic Therapy
- Life Review/Reminiscence
- Group Therapies
- Use of Medications
12:15 Discussion of Cases/Conclusion