Group Therapy With Older Adults
Group Therapy With Older Adults
Week 11: Group Therapy With Older Adults
Group therapy with older adults, like group therapy with children and adolescents, presents unique challenges. Many older adults have had a lifetime of not sharing their inner feelings with others, and they are often fearful of being judged. However, when the group setting is properly facilitated, older adults may embrace the setting, find comfort in their peers, and benefit from this therapeutic approach. In your role, how might you maximize the benefits of group therapy for your older adult clients?
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.
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Learning Resources
Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
Required Readings
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. 62–660)
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
Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.
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
Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.
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
Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.
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
Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.
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
Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.
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.
Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Post to Discussion Question link and then select Create Thread to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click submit, you cannot delete or edit your own posts, and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking Submit!
By Day 3
Post a description of a group therapy session with older adults, including the stage of the group, any resistances or issues that were present, and therapeutic techniques used by the facilitator. Explain any challenges that may occur when working with this group. Support your recommendations with evidence-based literature.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
By Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues by recommending strategies for improving the effectiveness of their group therapy sessions. Support your recommendations with evidence-based literature and your own experiences with clients.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 11 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 11 Discussion
Assignment: Board Vitals
This week you will be responding to twenty Board Vitals questions that cover a broad review of your Nurse Practitioner program courses up to this point.
These review questions will provide practice that is critical in your preparation for the national certification exam that’s required to certify you to practice as a nurse practitioner. These customized test questions are designed to help you prepare for your Nurse Practitioner certification exam. It is in your best interest to take your time, do your best, and answer each question to the best of your ability.
You can access Board Vitals through the link sent to you in email or by following the link below:
https://www.boardvitals.com/
By Day 7
Complete the Board Vitals questions.
Final Exam
In order to become a practicing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), you are required to acquire and maintain active certification as a PMHNP. Currently, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is the only certification exam available to PMHNPs. This final exam is designed to help you prepare for the ANCC certification exam.
Note: As always, you are responsible for being aware of your own state’s licensing requirements.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Assess knowledge of concepts and principles related to the psychotherapy of groups and families
This exam will cover topics related to psychotherapy with groups and families, as follows:
Foundations of group work and types of groups
Group processes
Cognitive behavioral therapy for groups
Group therapy for addiction
Group therapy with children and adolescents
Group therapy with older adults
By Day 7
Complete the midterm exam. Prior to starting the exam, you should review all of your materials. There is a 2-hour time limit to complete this 76-question exam. You may only attempt this exam once.
This exam is a test of your knowledge in preparation for your certification exam. No outside resources including books, notes, websites, or any other type of resource are to be used to complete this exam. You are expected to comply with Walden University’s Code of Conduct.
Submission and Grading Information
Submit Your Quiz by Day 7
To submit your Quiz:
Week 11 Quiz
Congratulations! After you have finished all of the assignments for this week, you have completed the course. Please submit your Course Evaluation by Day 7. Group Therapy With Older Adults.
