Working Effectively With Elderly Clients

Thoughtful consideration of the unique bio-psycho-social characteristics of this group can enhance the therapeutic process. This workshop will review this life stage based on adult developmental models, and we will consider the impact of cognitive conditions and physical illness that might impact how a client engages in therapy. We will explore treatment approaches that utilize Adlerian concepts, such as the Life Tasks, as well as concepts of belonging and community.

Participants will learn strategies for working with older/elderly adults, and considerations for assessment and treatment as they differ from those employed with a younger population

Participants will be able to apply adult developmental models to assessment and treatment plans.

Participants will be able to use Adlerian Life Tasks as part of an assessment and treatment framework for older adults.

Participants will learn cognitive and physical illness considerations when working with the elderly.

Participants will learn strategies for utilizing a family systems framework when working with elderly clients.

Trish Fitzgibbons Anderson is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been in private practice since 1997. She is a former faculty member of Adler Graduate School, teaching many courses in the Marriage and Family track of the degree. She has advanced training in Aging/Alzheimer’s and Dementia. She is an LMFT approved supervisor with Clinical Hypnosis and EMDR training specialties.