Exploring Psychotherapy for People with Dementia

In this episode, host Dr Anna Volkmer is joined by Dr Alys Griffiths, Sophie Jeffery, and Esther Whittlesea Reed to explore a two-year Alzheimer’s Society project testing #psychotherapy for people with dementia.

Together, they discuss the importance of therapy in #dementia care, the barriers to access, the development of new therapist competencies, and the lived experience of psychotherapy from both clinical and personal perspectives.

Takeaways

• Psychotherapy can provide meaningful outcomes for people with dementia.
• Barriers to accessing therapy include stigma and lack of understanding.
• Core competencies for therapists are essential for effective care.
• Family therapy is crucial for supporting families affected by dementia.
• Training for therapists should include specific skills for working with dementia patients.
• Research findings highlight the need for better communication about therapy options.
• The importance of lived experience in shaping research and therapy.
• Future research should focus on improving access to therapy for families.
• There is a need for a cultural shift in how dementia is perceived in therapy.

Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:

Core competences framework

UK Council for Psychotherapy

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Recent papers on the topic

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We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

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