Presenters: |
Miriam A. Elson, AM
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Self Psychology Page | 20th Conference Program
Changes in psychic organization are continuous throughout life. Yet we tend to regard aging as a process of closing down in all dimensions of life, perhaps most particularly in relationships. Our focus will center on the mobilization of developmental longings which, even though in the form of memories, can strengthen coherence and maintain meaning and purpose for the elderly individual.
As clinicians, we have only one tool, and that tool is our self. But the relationship forged by the power of our presence and the focus of our response will confirm for the aging individual a sense of worth and continuity. In this process the concepts of self psychology offer guidance and direction in the latest stage of life.
We will offer a brief theoretical formulation of how this is achieved and will provide illustrative case material. Conceived of as a mutual learning experience to consider the challenges and problems in working with ‘difficult’ individuals among those of advanced age, you are encouraged to bring to this workshop vignettes from your own practice. In view of the trend toward an increasing segment of the population confronting longer life spans, we anticipate greater demands for service in this area.