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Helping Relationships With Older Adults
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Helping Relationships With Older Adults
From Theory to Practice



September 2016 | 408 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
“A definite read for students in counseling programs for improving the lives of older adults!”

–Amy Gray-Graves, Webster University

Helping Relationships with Older Adults: From Theory to Practice examines the fundamental theoretical perspectives of the aging process with an emphasis on the healthy aspects of aging. Taking a comprehensive approach, the text addresses various therapeutic methods as it highlights the strengths and resiliency of the older population. Exercises and case studies demonstrate key concepts and promote skill development by allowing students to experience the various challenges in the lives of older clients. 

Helping Relationships with Older Adults: From Theory to Practice is part of the Counseling and Professional Identity Series. To learn more about each text in the Series, please visit www.sagepub.com/cpiseries.
 
Section I. Overview of the Aging Process, Aging Theories, Positive Aging, and the Helping Process
 
Chapter 1: Introduction
Aging

 
Biological Theories Associated With Aging

 
Physical Changes That Accompany Aging

 
Cognitive Changes That Accompany Aging

 
 
Chapter 2: Historical Perspectives and Changing Attitudes Toward Older Adults
Perceptions of Growing Older and Societal Influences

 
Historical Aspects of Aging

 
Aging of the Baby Boomer Generation

 
Aging and Mental Health

 
Rethinking the Value of Aging

 
 
Chapter 3: Characteristics of Positive Older Adults and the Helping Process
Successful Aging and Mental Wellness

 
Positive Aging Characteristics

 
Counseling Older Adults

 
Attributes of Successful Practitioners

 
 
Part II. Common Issues and Problematic Behaviors Experienced by Older Adults
 
Chapter 4: Health Challenges That Impact the Well-Being of Older Adults
Impact of Age-Related Diseases on Activities of Daily Living

 
Cardiovascular Diseases

 
Diabetes

 
Cancer

 
Arthritis

 
Osteoporosis

 
Falls

 
Vision Disorders

 
Cerebrovascular Disease

 
HIV/AIDS

 
 
Chapter 5: Challenging Conditions Experienced by Older Adults
Alzheimer’s Disease

 
Depression

 
Anxiety

 
Substance Abuse

 
Elder Abuse

 
 
Chapter 6: Family Issues and Support Systems
Caregiving

 
Grandparenting

 
Support Systems

 
 
Chapter 7: Loss and Its Effect on Older Adults
Loss

 
Divorce

 
Widowhood

 
Dying and Death

 
 
Chapter 8: Opportunities in Later Life
Psychosocial Theories Related to Engagement

 
Employment

 
Retirement

 
Leisure

 
Retirement

 
 
Part III: Professional Practice in Working With Older Clients
 
Chapter 9: Skills, Attitudes, and Knowledge of Effective Practitioners
Counselor Preparation and Development

 
Strategies to Use in Counseling Older Adults

 
 
Chapter 10: Professional Practice With Goals for Older Adults
Psychosocial Interventions

 
Stages of the Helping Relationship

 
Issues Brought to the Helping Relationship

 
Dealing With Uncertainty

 
Terminal Illness

 
Death and Dying

 
 
Chapter 11: Therapeutic Approaches and Appropriateness for Older Clients
Problem Solving Therapy

 
Brief Dynamic Therapy

 
Behavioral Therapy

 
Cognitive Therapy

 
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

 
Integrative Approach

 
Strengths-Based Approach

 
Reminiscence Therapy and Life Review

 
Family Systems Approach

 
Reality Orientation

 
 
Chapter 12: Future Trends
Positive Aging

 
Health Care

 
Employment and Retirement

 
Counseling Considerations

 

“A definite read for students in Counseling programs and improving the lives of older adults!”

Amy Gray-Graves
Webster University

“All textbooks that focus on the older adult population must provide students with a solid background in theory, research, and practice with a focus on the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of adult development. This textbook goes further with its emphasis on the multiple pathways of development that characterize “successful aging” from a strengths perspective.”

Nancy A. Orel
Bowling Green State University

“This is an exciting perspective on counseling older adults across the wide lifespan that is aging. Considering the range from age 60 to 100 is 40 years it is little wonder that there are so many complex needs in this age range. Williams addresses these issues with clear case studies, and excellent resources that summarize the needs and skills required for working with this wide age range. The text is an excellent foundation text, but could also be used by an advanced professional. The topics of sexuality, spirituality, and physical and emotional challenges are reviewed. Attention to diverse populations within the elder community is also not neglected. The ethnic, socio economic and disability issues related to diversity are addressed. The reader will find a rich compilation of resources that can evoke further discussion, develop necessary skills, and help the student become a skilled counselor with a population desperately in need of skilled workers in this area.”

Polly McMahon
Spokane Falls Community College

“A thoroughly researched and very readable text for teaching and learning the basics for working with the elderly in a variety of contexts.”

Tim Chandler
Hardin-Simmons University

Helping Relationships with Older Adults: From Theory to Practice provides readers with current and up to date information that is necessary to help and support older adults who face the challenges of aging in today’s society.”

Kyle O’Brien
Gateway Community College

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 9

Chapter 10


For instructors

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