Psychotherapy in Late Life

Older individuals face an increasing complexity of challenges such as physical limitations and changes in roles and environment that can add to latent, unresolved psychological conflicts. Even though physicians often think of biological treatment options first, we need to remember that many psychotherapy models have been adapted for older patients and are effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, decreasing isolation, and improving function and general wellbeing. This chapter provides an overview of psychotherapies with an emphasis on the relationship between the patient and the psychotherapist (the alliance), which constitutes a fundamental common factor for all psychotherapies. Two cases will illustrate the evolution of psychotherapeutic encounters with older patients in order to facilitate the mastery of the psychotherapy principles at any training level.