GROUP WORK WITH ELDERS
By:
ANN L. LINK
This remarkable book contains 50 structured exercises which
specifically address therapeutic issues of the elderly. Included are
introductions, directions, and rationale for each exercise, and illustrated
worksheets which can be photocopied for use with your clients. The
exercises combine the important geriatric therapy techniques of reminiscence,
validation, and remotivation to energize and inspire group members.
Printed in an 8.5" x 11" format with flexible binding for ease in copying.
"Four stars for Dr. Link's new manual. It is an exceptionally well
organized handbook which will be helpful to therapists and others who work
with elderly clients. The illustrated exercises are simple, yet geared
to bringing out emotional and other problems faced by our ever-growing geriatric
population."
*Cay Drachnik, ATR-BC, HLM,
MFCC, Past President, American Art Therapy Association;
Author of Interpreting Metaphors in Children's Drawings
"Dr. Ann Link has written a clever and innovative book that offers much to
counselors and psychotherapists working with senior citizens. Group
Work With Elders is a practical and applied resource for conducting group
exercises to help people come to terms with many of the very difficult challenges
of old age. I recommend it highly."
*John Preston, PsyD, Chair,
Professional School of Psychology, Sacramento, CA; Author of You Can Beat
Depression and Growing Beyond Emotional Pain
"Dr. Link provides guidelines for therapeutic intervention as well as actual
exercises, allowing the reader to get started immediately with activities
specifically designed with the older person in mind. This book fills
a gap in the practical literature about work with elderly persons and should
be part of the library of every professional who works with older adults."
*Cathy A. Malchiodi, MA, ATR,
LPCC, LPAT, Director, Institute for the Arts & Health
Salt Lake City, UT
"Dr. Link's group work with elders over the years has served as a model for
other professionals working with elders. I am delighted that she has
written this book as a means of sharing her excellent therapeutic techniques
with a wider audience. Rather than a mere catalog of group techniques,
I like the way that Dr. Link succinctly conveys the therapeutic purpose
for each exercise, provides materials that can be used for participants,
and indicates some possible issues that may be brought up during group
discussion. The information Dr. Link has provided in her book can benefit
elders not only in the context of group work, but can also enhance work with
elders on an individual basis. Dr. Link's book is an important contribution
to the growing literature on working with the elderly."
*James J. Whelan, PhD,
Diplomate, American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology, Sacramento, CA