Psychotherapies with older people: an overview

Psychotherapies with older people have been slow to develop, both theoretically and operationally, in the UK. This is due to ageism and the predominance of models of psychological development relevant to children and younger adults. Despite this, many have applied their practice and skills to psychological work in old age psychiatry, countering the dominance of the ‘organic’ model. An evidence and practice base exists to suggest that cognitive–behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, cognitive analytic therapy, psychodynamic and systemic approaches can help in a range of psychiatric problems in older people, including affective disorders, personality disorders and dementia. The inclusion of older people in existing psychotherapy services and the development of networks of practitioners whose support and supervision are encouraged are likely to be positive ways forward. Jason Hepple is a consultant psychiatrist and Medical Director of Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust (Magnolia House, 56 Preston Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2BN, UK. E-mail: [email protected]). He is a clinical research fellow of the Peninsula Medical School and is a cognitive analytic therapy practitioner and supervisor.