Remembering the Forgotten: Psychotherapy Groups for the Nursing Home Resident

Abstract

The mental health needs of the long–term nursing home resident receive little attention. It is especially difficult for the more cognitively intact resident to obtain psychological help. An integrated group psychotherapy model that incorporates developmental, cognitive–behavioral, and psychodynamic approaches is described, based on the author’s clinical experience in developing and co–leading four groups in three long–term care facilities over a period of ten years. The technical and countertransference challenges of working with this unique population and in this format are described, along with clinical material to illustrate common themes. The success of the groups in improving the morale, sense of community, and quality of life for group members is demonstrated.