Objective: Agism has had a pervasive and negative influence on the development of a theoretical basis for psychotherapy with older people. Much of psychodynamic theory is derived from observations of infantile experience and, with the notable exception of the work of Erikson, the concept of continuing psychological development into old age and beyond is poorly explored.
Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) uses an interpersonal and dialogic understanding of personality and development which is well suited to work with older people. From this perspective, phenomenological terms from psychoanalytic theory and psychiatry are re-frames in the context of later life. Narcissism, Borderline personality traits, ‘involution’ and the consequences of delayed Post-traumatic syndromes (PTSO) are discussed with case illustration.
Back to S008 Psychotherapy in late life: theoretical and quantitative issues
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