NeuroCounseling and Psychotherapy in Late Adulthood

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

This course will use a multitude of strategies and activities, using oral presentations, in-class discussions, group work, problem solving and case study analysis illustrating different types of problems, including neurocognitive and mental disorders and responses involving the mobilization of different counseling techniques and different models of psychotherapeutic intervention.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the different neurocognitive disorders and mental disorders common in older adults.

2. Acquire knowledge about the most frequent problems placed in the context of neuropsychological consultation and the different possibilities of intervention.

3. Acquire theoretical and practical knowledge about intervention, neurocounseling and psychotherapy in older adults.

4. Reflect on the theories and models underlying the different types of intervention (neurocounseling, psychotherapy).

5. Know how to apply the main models of intervention (neurocounseling, psychotherapy) to case studies and clinical experiences.

6. Develop attitudes and skills to establish a helping relationship.

7. Acquire the ability to develop intervention programs in advanced adulthood in the main areas of expertise of the psychologist.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Integrating Neuroscience and Neuropsychological functioning into Counselling and Psychotherapy with older people. Cognitive changes, executive functioning, attention, working memory, processing speed and scripts: their relevance to the therapeutic engagement. Guidelines for Neurocounseling. Processing client stories in counselling: How to think about and analyze the narratives.

2. Building therapeutic relationships. Using our selves in working with older people and their significant systems. Moving from the problems to the possibilities.

Responding to Client Presenting Problems: Life Role Transitions; Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia; Persistent Pain; Imsonia; Depression; Anxiety; Stress; Chronic Illness; Somatization; Falls; Grief/Loss.

3. Theory, Approaches and Evidence based interventions: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy;Mindfullness;Problem Solving Therapy;Person-Centred Therapy; Social/Groups Support. Expressive Therapies; Palliative Care.

Head Lecturer(s)

Margarida Maria Batista Mendes Pedroso Lima

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 50.0%
Frequency: 50.0%

Bibliography

Anderson, E. et al.(Eds.)(2019). Being with older people:A systemic approach. Routledge.

Field, Th. et al.(2017). Neurocounseling:Brain-Based Clinical Approaches. Am. Counseling Association.

Luke, C.(2019). Neuroscience for Counselors and Therapists:Integrating the Sciences of the Mind and Brain (2nd ed.). Cognella Academic Publishing.

Chapman, F.(2017). Counselling and Psychotherapy with older people in care.Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Frazer, D. et al.(2014). The Older Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner (2nd ed.). Wiley.

James, I.(2010). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with older people: Interventions for those with and without dementia. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Tampi, R. et al. (Eds.)(2020). Psychotherapy in Later Life.CUP.

Erwin, K.(2012). Group Techniques for Aging Adults: Putting Geriatric Skills Enhancement into Practice (2nd ed.).Routledge.

Lipinska, D.(2009). Person-Centred Counselling for People with Dementia: Making Sense of Self. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.