Gerontological social work counseling draws on many different theoretical perspectives. Using a life course perspective, this course will provide an overview of the theoretical underpinnings of five counseling strategies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Reminiscence Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Multi-generational Family Therapy and Therapeutic Group Work. The course will address the theories and approaches of these models to meet the unique needs of older adults. Students will learn creative solutions and problem solving to adapt these techniques to older adults dealing with cognitive impairments, age-related physical illness (e.g. arthritis, stroke) and mental health problems (e.g. anxiety, depression), grief and loss, later life transitions (e.g. retirement, relocation, social isolation), caregiver burden and ageism. The course will emphasize practice solution through weekly role playing, case presentations and the development of intervention strategies.
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