Main description:

The population of people in the United States over the age of 65 is one of the most rapidly growing groups in America. Therefore, it is essential for therapists who work closely with older adults to be able to define and administer an effective course of therapeutic treatment.

For older adults with mental health issues, problem-solving skills can weaken as a result of cognitive decline in late life. Problem-solving therapy is especially suited for work with older adults because it encourages the client to define his or her problems concretely in terms of the stimuli, responses, and consequences.

In this video, Dr. Patricia Arean demonstrates the effective use of problem-solving therapy with a 62 year old retired woman who is the sole caregiver of her grandchild, as well as both of her parents. The client has been struggling with depression, severe mood swings, and sleeplessness for about five years.