Group therapy with older adults

Practicum Week 11

This week, as you explore group therapy with older adults, you examine your own group therapy sessions with older adult clients. You also recommend strategies for improving the effectiveness of this therapeutic approach.

Learning Resources

Required Readings

American Nurses Association. (2014). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Standard 7 “Ethics” (pages 67–68)

Bonhote, K., Romano-Egan, J., & Cornwell, C. (1999). Altruism and creative expressions in a long-term older adult psychotherapy group. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 20(6), 603–617. doi:10.1080/016128499248394

Altruism and Creative Expressions in a Long-term Older Adult Psychotherapy Group by Bonhote, K.; Romano-Egan, J.; Cornwell, C., in Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Vol. 20/Issue 6. Copyright 1999 by Taylor & Francis Inc. Reprinted by permission of Taylor & Francis Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Cheston, R., & Jones, R. (2009). A small-scale study comparing the impact of psycho-education and exploratory psychotherapy groups on newcomers to a group for people with dementia. Aging & Mental Health, 13(3), 420-425. doi:10.1080/13607860902879409

Krishna, M., Honagodu, A., Rajendra, R., Sundarachar, R., Lane, S., & Lepping, P. (2013). A systematic review and meta-analysis of group psychotherapy for sub-clinical depression in older adults. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(9), 881–888. doi:10.1002/gps.3905

​A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Group Psychotherapy for Sub-clinical Depression in Older Adults by Krishna, M.; Honagodu, A.; Rajendra, R.; Sundarachar, R.; Lane, S.; Lepping, P., in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Vol. 28/Issue 9. Copyright 2013 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Reprinted by permission of John Wiley & Sons Ltd. via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Krishna, M., Jauhari, A., Lepping, P., Turner, J., Crossley, D., & Krishnamoorthy, A. (2011). Is group psychotherapy effective in older adults with depression? A systematic review. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 26(4), 331–340. doi:10.1002/gps.2546

Is Group Psychotherapy Effective in Older Adults with Depression? A Systematic Review by Krishna, M.; Jauhari, A.; Lepping, P.; Turner, J.; Crossley, D.; Krishnamoorthy, A., in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Vol. 26/Issue 4. Copyright 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Reprinted by permission of John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Rice, A. (2015). Common therapeutic factors in bereavement groups. Death Studies, 39(3), 165-172. doi:10.1080/07481187.2014.946627

Wang, C., Tzeng, D., & Chung, W. (2014). The effect of early group psychotherapy on depressive symptoms and quality of life among residents of an apartment building for seniors. Psychogeriatrics: The Official Journal of the Japanese Psychogeriatric Society, 14(1), 38-46. doi:10.1111/psyg.12037

Watkins, R., Cheston, R., Jones, K., & Gilliard, J. (2006). ‘Coming out’ with Alzheimer’s disease: Changes in awareness during a psychotherapy group for people with dementia. Aging & Mental Health, 10(2), 166-176. doi:10.1080/13607860500312209

Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice. New York, NY: Springer.

Chapter 18, “Psychotherapy with Older Adults” (pp. 625–660)

Discussion: Group Therapy with Older Adults

As the population continues to age, more and more older adults will require therapy for various mental health issues. While the group setting offers many benefits and makes therapy more accessible to those in need of services, this therapeutic approach may not be effective for all clients. For this Discussion, as you examine your own practicum experiences with older adults in group therapy settings, consider strategies to improve the effectiveness of your sessions.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Analyze group therapy sessions with older adults

Recommend strategies for improving the effectiveness of group therapy sessions for older adults

To prepare:

Review this week’s Learning Resources, and consider the insights provided on group therapy with older adults.

Reflect on your practicum experiences with older adults in group therapy settings.