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Curriculum: Psychotherapy and Counseling with Older Adults (Geropsychology)
Subject: Curriculum: Psychotherapy and Counseling with Older Adults (Geropsychology)
50 chapters
Chapters
Learning Objectives new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:14 Explore the foundational learning objectives of geropsychology, covering the key cognitive and neurological changes that accompany normal aging—from shifts in memory and intelligence to brain structure—and learn how to distinguish typical age-related changes from signs of pathology.
1 Demography and Epidemiology classical, lo-fi, rap · 3:41 A deep dive into the shifting demographics of an aging global population, this chapter reveals why understanding the difference between lifespan and healthspan—and recognizing the vast diversity within older adult populations—is essential groundwork for any clinician working in geropsychology.
2 Biological Aging baroque, rap, uk rap · 2:39 Diving deep into the cellular mechanics of aging, this track breaks down how telomere shortening, senescent cells, and oxidative stress drive the biological aging process — essential knowledge for therapists working to understand the physical foundations of their older clients' lived experiences.
3 Cognitive Aging classical, lo-fi, rap · 3:29 Exploring the neurological and psychological shifts that accompany aging, 3 Cognitive Aging unpacks how the brain naturally changes over time — from slower processing speeds and working memory decline to the remarkable growth of crystallized intelligence, emotional regulation, and accumulated wisdom.
4 Emotional and Social Aging baroque, rap, uk rap · 3:19 Exploring how emotional life shifts with age, this chapter unpacks Carstensen's Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and the positivity effect, revealing why older adults prioritize meaningful relationships and experience a natural neurological tilt toward emotional well-being over distress.
5 Successful, Healthy, and Meaningful Aging beatles, rap, sampling · 3:43 Explore the landmark Rowe and Kahn framework for successful aging and its three core pillars, while uncovering how newer disability-inclusive models challenge and expand our understanding of what it truly means to thrive in later life.
Self-Assessment romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 3:23 Explores the critical distinction between normal age-related memory changes and clinically significant cognitive decline, equipping practitioners with the assessment skills needed to accurately evaluate older adult clients presenting with memory concerns.
Untitled— Learning Objectives beatles, rap, sampling · 3:42 Uncover the hidden biases and cultural assumptions that shape how clinicians approach older adult clients, and learn how to recognize the subtle attitudes that can undermine effective geropsychology practice before they take root.
1 Ageism romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 3:33 Explore the four distinct faces of ageism—hostile, benevolent, internalized, and institutional—and discover how these biases compound when intersecting with sexism and racism, leaving older adults, particularly women, navigating layered discrimination.
2 Therapist Self-Awareness new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:02 Delving into the critical role of therapist self-reflection, this chapter explores how clinicians can identify and manage their own biases, assumptions, and emotional responses when working with older adult clients to ensure more effective and ethical care.
3 Building the Alliance baroque, rap, uk rap · 2:58 Discover the essential skills and strategies for establishing a strong therapeutic alliance with older adult clients, exploring how trust, rapport, and culturally sensitive communication form the cornerstone of effective geropsychological treatment.
Self-Assessment romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 3:41 A deep dive into the critical practice of evaluating your own competencies, biases, and emotional responses when working with older adult clients, helping clinicians identify growth areas and deliver more effective, culturally sensitive care.
1 Transitions and Losses romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 3:26 Aging brings inevitable change, and this opening chapter explores how older adults navigate major life transitions—retirement, loss of loved ones, shifting identities, and declining health—while highlighting the therapeutic approaches that help clients find meaning and resilience in later life.
2 Relationships and Sexuality baroque, rap, uk rap · 3:42 Explore the often-overlooked dimensions of intimacy, relationships, and sexual health in older adulthood, gaining essential clinical insights into how aging affects romantic partnerships, sexual expression, and the unique therapeutic considerations counselors must address with this population.
3 Socioeconomic Realities new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:19 Explores the profound impact of socioeconomic factors on the mental health and well-being of older adults, examining how income, education, and social class shape access to care and quality of life in later years.
4 Spirituality, Meaning, and Existential Concerns new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:26 Delving into the profound questions of purpose, belief, and legacy that often emerge in later life, this chapter equips therapists with frameworks for addressing spirituality and existential concerns as central — not peripheral — components of mental health care for older adults.
Self-Assessment romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 3:24 A guided exploration of self-reflection tools and frameworks that help clinicians evaluate their own competencies, biases, and readiness to work effectively with older adult populations.
Learning Objectives romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 3:29 A foundational overview that maps out the key competencies and goals learners will develop throughout the curriculum, setting clear expectations for mastering psychotherapy and counseling skills tailored to older adult populations.
1 Common Medical Conditions and Their Psychological Effects romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 4:06 A foundational exploration of the most prevalent medical conditions affecting older adults—from cardiovascular disease to chronic pain—and how these physical health challenges intersect with and shape mental health, emotional well-being, and psychological functioning.
2 Delirium new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:01 A deep dive into delirium—its causes, clinical features, and how to distinguish it from dementia—equipping mental health professionals with the knowledge to recognize and respond to this acute and often dangerous condition in older adult clients.
3 Medications romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 3:16 An exploration of three key medications commonly encountered in geropsychology practice, equipping listeners with essential pharmacological knowledge to better understand how psychiatric drugs impact the mental health treatment of older adults.
4 Neurology Basics beatles, rap, sampling · 3:34 A foundational exploration of how the aging brain functions, covering key neurological concepts that every geropsychology practitioner needs to understand when assessing and treating older adult clients.
5 Communication with Medical Teams beatles, rap, sampling · 3:39 Navigating conversations with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, this chapter equips mental health professionals with practical strategies for effective interdisciplinary communication, helping them advocate for older adult clients while building collaborative relationships within medical settings.
Self-Assessment beatles, rap, sampling · 3:14 A guided exploration of self-reflection tools and frameworks helps clinicians evaluate their own competencies, biases, and readiness to work effectively with older adult populations.
1 Principles classical, lo-fi, rap · 3:52 Laying the foundation for geropsychology, this opening chapter introduces the core principles guiding effective psychotherapy and counseling with older adults, helping listeners understand the unique ethical, theoretical, and clinical considerations essential to working with this population.
2 Mood and Anxiety baroque, rap, uk rap · 3:39 A deep dive into the emotional landscape of aging, exploring how mood disorders and anxiety manifest differently in older adults and equipping therapists with the tools to recognize, assess, and effectively treat these often-overlooked mental health challenges.
3 Cognitive Screening and Referral classical, lo-fi, rap · 3:15 Explore the essential tools and techniques for identifying cognitive impairment in older adults, learning how to administer key screening measures and determine when and how to make appropriate referrals for further evaluation.
4 Substance Use classical, lo-fi, rap · 3:29 Explore the unique challenges of substance use among older adults, including how age-related changes in metabolism, polypharmacy, and late-life stressors influence patterns of misuse and dependence. Listeners will gain practical strategies for screening, assessment, and evidence-based intervention tailored to this often-overlooked population.
5 Personality, Trauma, and Psychosis new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:46 Exploring the intricate connections between early personality development, traumatic experiences, and psychotic symptoms in older adults, this chapter equips clinicians with a deeper understanding of how lifelong psychological patterns can shape—and sometimes distort—mental health in later life.
6 Sleep, Pain, and Quality of Life beatles, rap, sampling · 3:18 Exploring the powerful connections between sleep disturbances, chronic pain, and overall well-being in older adults, this chapter equips therapists with evidence-based strategies to address these intertwined challenges and meaningfully improve their clients' quality of life.
7 Caregiver Assessment baroque, rap, uk rap · 3:08 A thorough exploration of how to assess caregivers' needs, stress levels, and coping abilities, equipping clinicians with the tools to identify burnout, evaluate support systems, and develop targeted interventions for those caring for older adults.
8 Formulation and Feedback classical, lo-fi, rap · 3:23 Explore the essential process of developing a clinical formulation for older adult clients and discover how to use feedback effectively to refine your therapeutic approach and strengthen the therapeutic alliance.
Self-Assessment classical, lo-fi, rap · 4:02 A guided exploration of how therapists and counselors can evaluate their own readiness, biases, and competencies when working with older adult populations. Listeners will gain practical insight into identifying personal strengths and growth areas essential for effective geropsychological practice.
1 Depression new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:34 A foundational exploration of depression in older adults, covering how it presents differently across the lifespan, why it's frequently underdiagnosed, and what clinicians need to know to identify and address it effectively in this population.
2 Bipolar Disorder baroque, rap, uk rap · 3:02 Diving into the complexities of bipolar disorder as it presents in older adults, this chapter explores diagnostic challenges, age-related differences in symptom expression, and evidence-based treatment approaches tailored for the geriatric population.
3 Suicide in Older Adults romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 3:37 Exploring the unique risk factors, warning signs, and clinical considerations surrounding suicide in the older adult population, this chapter equips mental health professionals with essential assessment and intervention strategies tailored to this often-overlooked and high-risk demographic.
Self-Assessment new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:10 A guided exploration of the tools and techniques used to evaluate your own competencies in working with older adults, helping you identify strengths, recognize gaps, and chart a meaningful path toward growth in geropsychology practice.
Self-Assessment beatles, rap, sampling · 3:13 A deep dive into the essential practice of evaluating your own competencies, biases, and readiness to work effectively with older adult clients, guiding you through the reflective process that forms the foundation of ethical and culturally responsive geropsychology practice.
1 Anxiety Disorders romantic classical, uk rap grime, arabic melodies · 3:57 A deep dive into the landscape of anxiety disorders as they present in older adults, exploring how age-related factors shape diagnosis, symptom expression, and the unique challenges clinicians face when identifying and treating anxiety in this population.
2 Trauma and PTSD beatles, rap, sampling · 3:01 Delving into the psychological impact of trauma across the lifespan, this chapter explores how older adults experience and process traumatic events, including the unique ways PTSD manifests in aging populations. Listeners will gain essential knowledge about diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and the cumulative effects of lifetime trauma exposure that clinicians must consider when working with older clients.
3 OCD-Spectrum and Hoarding beatles, rap, sampling · 3:34 Explore the unique presentation of OCD-spectrum disorders and hoarding behavior in older adults, gaining practical insights into assessment strategies and evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to this population.
4 Substance Use new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:22 Exploring the unique challenges of substance use among older adults, this chapter examines patterns of alcohol and drug misuse, age-related risk factors, and evidence-based approaches for screening, assessment, and treatment in geropsychological practice.
5 Psychosis and Severe Mental Illness baroque, rap, uk rap · 3:28 Delving into the complex world of psychosis and severe mental illness in older adults, this chapter equips listeners with essential knowledge for identifying, understanding, and treating conditions like late-life schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and psychotic symptoms that can accompany dementia or mood disorders.
Self-Assessment classical, lo-fi, rap · 3:20 A deep dive into the tools and methods used to evaluate one's own clinical competencies when working with older adults, helping practitioners identify strengths, gaps, and areas for growth in geropsychology practice.
1 Foundations classical, lo-fi, rap · 2:57 Laying the groundwork for geropsychology, this foundational chapter explores the core principles and theoretical frameworks that underpin effective psychotherapy and counseling with older adults. Listeners will gain essential context for understanding the unique psychological, developmental, and clinical considerations that shape mental health care for this population.
2 Psychological Care of the Person with Dementia new york rap, brazillian rhythm, piano classical · 3:34 Delving into the psychological dimensions of dementia care, this chapter explores evidence-based strategies for supporting the emotional and cognitive well-being of individuals living with dementia. Listeners will gain practical insights into therapeutic approaches, communication techniques, and the nuanced clinical considerations essential for providing compassionate, person-centered psychological care.
3 Caregiver Support (see also Module 12) classical, lo-fi, rap · 3:10 Explores the vital role caregivers play in supporting older adults and equips clinicians with strategies to assess, address, and strengthen caregiver well-being within a therapeutic context.
4 Delirium Superimposed on Dementia beatles, rap, sampling · 3:18 Delving into one of the most clinically complex presentations in older adult care, this chapter explores how delirium and dementia can co-occur and overlap, equipping practitioners with the skills to distinguish between them, understand their interaction, and develop informed, effective treatment approaches.
Untitled— Self-Assessment classical, lo-fi, rap · 3:34 A guided exploration of how clinicians can honestly evaluate their own competencies, biases, and comfort levels when working with older adult populations, helping practitioners identify areas for growth and ensure they're providing the most effective, age-informed care possible.
1 General Adaptations beatles, rap, sampling · 3:33 Laying the groundwork for working with older adults, this opening chapter explores the essential adaptations therapists must make when applying psychotherapy and counseling techniques to geriatric populations. Listeners will gain a foundational understanding of how aging influences the therapeutic process and why a tailored approach is critical for effective mental health care with older clients.