| Abstract |
Sacred Aging. When many therapists think of working with aging populations, the initial thought is that the work will focus on loss and grief, end-of- life-planning and a declining life. However, many elders are living longer and wanting their lives to be vibrant and connected and all therapists working with adult populations should be prepared of offer effective support to elders in a clinical setting. Key themes in therapy are power and control reflected in conflicts with children who live nearby, sadness over what feel like missed opportunities professionally and excitement (and fear) over exploring new possibilities for how they want to live this last chapter of their lives. Client- This client has been seen for three sessions with a presenting concern of family conflicts with pulls from adult children and siblings as s/he settles into retirement and begins to explore interests which were set aside earlier in life. Client is solidly middle class and owns his/her home but is aware of the constraint of living on a fixed income. The client has raised the issue of the impact of loneliness on his/her life and the challenge of loss of social connection as they age. Client is divorced and has expressed an interest on finding a companion. |
