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Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective method for treating many older adults with depression. Efficacy may be enhanced for some clients, however, by modifying cognitive behavioral therapy with beliefs and values drawn from clients' spiritual narratives. Potential enhancements include faster recovery, improved treatment adherence, lower posttreatment relapse, and reduced treatment disparities. In light of the lack of training many gerontological social workers have received on spirituality, this paper orients readers to spiritually modified cognitive behavioral therapy. Toward this end, the research on this modality is reviewed, rationales for its suitability with older adults are provided, the process of constructing spiritually modified cognitive behavioral therapy self-statements with older adults wrestling with depression is illustrated, and ethical guidelines are discussed.
Notes
Preparation of this paper was supported by a grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation.