Psychotherapy with seniors: objectives, possibilities and limitations

Abstract

Age should not be considered a detriment to entering into a therapeutic relationship as psychotherapy with those in the 60+ age group has been shown to be useful and yield successful longterm results. Beyond the therapeutic method used, working with seniors (or the elderly) demands additional generally achievable objectives. Specifically, those from the field of psychoanalytic theory employ treatment methods such as relaxation and creative processes which have been found to be helpful and well-received by seniors. Focused short-term therapy and group therapy are the dominant methods used with this age group. It is important to note that the pairing of a senior with a younger therapist may constellate particular emotional difficulties on the part of the therapist. In particular, the therapist needs to be aware of her/his own unfamiliarity with the patient's earlier life phases, as well as the therapists's fear of her/his own aging process and a reverse unconscious transference. However, chronological age in and of itself is not a contraindication for a successful psychotherapy.

Keywords Psychotherapy; Seniors; Objectives; Beneficial therapeutic outcome; Treatment methods; Reverse unconscious transference.