MACP Newsletter 2.pdf - Shireburn Software Ltd

proach for instance, with its focus on issues such as
loss, childhood experiences and transference, has
been reported to have categorical constructive outcomes
in the work with older individuals (Blando,
2011). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is also considered
to be an effective and efficient approach
with older adults (Blando, 2011). Its concentration
on the present, the fact that it is highly structured,
practical, goal-oriented, emphasizes skill enhancement
and self-monitoring and is also psycho-educational,
make CBT another favoured technique
(Blando, 2011; Haight & Gibson, 2005; Myers, 1990).
According to psychiatrist and geriatrician, Robert N.
Butler (1975), Reminiscence Work is considered as
a very generative and restorative approach when
working with elderly clients. Although it can be
organized individually, it is customarily conducted
in groups and may operate effectively at different
levels (Blando, 2011). It not only increases
social interaction, but fosters a sense of accomplishment
and self-worth; it encourages creativity,
and amplifies feelings of belonging and togetherness,
often also aiding in alleviating
depression (Blando, 2011; Knight, 2004; Orbach,
2003; The Benevolent Society, 2005).
Similar but not quite the same, is the procedure of Life
Review, also introduced by Robert N. Butler. This approach
has a more structured slant and is frequently
carried out individually (Blando, 2011). Founded on
Erikson’s principles of human psychosocial development,
the challenge in the particular life stage is
Age is a question of mind over
matter. If you don’t mind, it
doesn’t matter.
Leroy Paige
to strive towards integrity, to put life in perspective
and to assimilate past psychological themes into a
new level of psycho social understanding and meaning,
hence the term Life Review (Woodward, 1997).
Striving to make sense of the life lived, encourages
and supports reorganization, reconciliation and
resolution (Butler, 1975; Woodward, 1997). The
emphasis here therefore is on analytic and cognitive
functioning and understanding (Blando, 2011).
Resolving feelings about past failures or guilt about
mistakes, grieving changes and losses encountered
throughout life, remembering and celebrating successes
and the many positive things that have happened
during the years, are amongst the issues that
are contended with during a Life Review session
MACP Newsletter - July 2013
(Blando, 2011; Kunz & Gray Soltys, 2007; Myers, 1990).
Another analogous approach is that of Guided
Autobiography, developed by James E. Birren, a
gerontological theorist in the area of neuro-cognition
and psychology. This approach encourages
individuals to write their personal life story over
a number of sessions and share it with others in
the group (Birren & Cochran, 2001). This method
not only facilitates a deeper and more profound
understanding of the past but also supports the
rich ness, intricacies and appreciation of how individual
personal identity is fashioned by the
“crosscurrents” in life (Birren & Cochran, 2001, p. 5).
Contrary to what seems to have been a long-standing
belief that counselling with older adults is futile, in
effect is, or could be, a viable and promising prospect
of service. As Blando (2011) so aptly claims, focusing
on wellness, on strengths, on resilience and on the
qualities that believe and allow people to grow and
thrive, may not only result in the improvement of
the overall functioning of the ageing individual, but
may, in addition, be a positive and constructive development
within the counselling profession itself.
In view of the changing demographics and the remarkable
increase in the projected global number
of older persons (Lanzieri, 2011; Longman, 2010;
Myers, 1990; Riedel-Heller, Busse & Angermeyer,
2005), described by Maples (2006) as “The Silver
Tsunami,” it may be timely, and of the essence, that
this predicament be given heed, and that counselling
services are made more available and accessible
to elderly individuals who live in the community as
well as to those who live within a residential setting.
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