The effectiveness of counselling with older people: Results of a systematic review

Abstract

In 2003 the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) commissioned a systematic review of the research evidence relating to counselling older people. This paper reports on some of the findings of this review, particularly those which address the effectiveness of counselling with this population. Electronic searches of the research literature spanned 6 databases and were supplemented by hand-searches of reference lists and key journals, along with an extensive search of the ''grey'' literature. The location of papers testing interventions which fall within a definition of counselling set out by the BACP, with samples aged 50 years of age or above resulted in the inclusion of 47 relevant studies. Studies investigated a variety of mental health problems in older people, particularly depression, anxiety, dementia and the psychological impact of physical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Of the 47 studies 8 tested counselling as a generic treatment, 15 tested cognitive behavioural therapy, 13 tested reminiscence therapy, and 11 tested various other specific approaches. The review concluded that counselling is efficacious with older people, particularly in the treatment of anxiety and depression and outcomes are consistent with those found in younger populations. Evidence as to the efficacy of counselling interventions in the treatment of dementia is weak.

Meet the real elders: reminiscence links past and present

“…Some studies have indicated similar results for clients with dementia, while others have not (Finnema et al. 2000, Hill & Brettle 2005, Verkaik et al. 2005).…”

Reminiscence therapy for older adults with Alzheimer's disease: A literature review

“…Usually, it involves recalling and re‐experiencing the life events of older adults. Although psychologists regard reminiscence therapeutically in improving affect and coping skills, the efficacy of this modality is contentious (Hill & Brettle, ; Karimi et al, ; Lin et al, ). However, reminiscence therapy is a treatment being practised in nursing homes or geriatric health facility (Fujiwara et al, ; Tadaka & Kanagawa, ).…”

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Exercise, and Older Adults' Quality of Life

“…In addition, the context in which cognitive-behavioral therapy was used is in question. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been effectively used to treat older adults who experience a range of life problems such as depression, anxiety (Hill & Brettle, 2005), and insomnia (McCurry, Logsdon, Teri, & Vitiello, 2007). These life problems often pose an immediate threat to older adults' quality of life.…”