CBT with Clients in Midlife and Beyond

Ann M. Steffen, PhD, ABPP, is Founders Professor in the School of Social Work, Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of MissouriaEUR"St. Louis. A researcher, clinician, supervisor, teacher, and trainer, Dr. Steffen has authored over 200 scientific journal articles and presentations on mental health and aging. She is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and a recipient of the Missouri GovernoraEUR (TM)s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Society of Clinical Geropsychology's Distinguished Clinical Mentorship Award. Dr. Steffen is board certified in Geropsychology and in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.

I.Throughout Therapy 1. Come On In, the WateraEUR (TM)s Fine 2. Acknowledge Ageism 3. Emphasize Meaning in Life: Purpose, Values, and Strengths 4. Explore the Diversity of Aging 5. Assess, DonaEUR (TM)t Guess 6. Boost Session Impact and Client Outcomes 7. Practice Legally and Ethically II.Common Themes in Therapy 8. Promote Social Connections 9. Enhance Emotional Well-Being 10. Mind the Body 11. Target Chronic Pain 12. Discuss and Support Brain Health 13. Encourage Healthy Sleep 14. Address Grief III.Your Own Journey 15. Embracing Age as a Psychotherapist References Index

aEURoeExceptionally well written and thoroughly researched, this book is an ideal desktop companion for any busy CBT clinician. Steffen's vast experience shines through on every page; the case examples highlight her warmth and humanity as an exceptional, caring therapist. I appreciate that the book covers clients in midlife--a much-neglected developmental stage--as well as old age. The final chapter, on aging as a therapist, affords rare insight into how competence, knowledge, and humility develop in helping professionals.aEUR--Ken Laidlaw, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of Exeter, United Kingdom; Consultant Clinical Psychologist, NHS Highland aEURoeFew clinicians receive specific training for working with clients over 50, yet this expertise is increasingly needed as the population ages. Steffen challenges ageism by emphasizing the wide variability in older adultsaEUR (TM) experiences, beliefs about aging, and capacity for meaningful change. The book offers valuable guidance for getting to know older patients as individuals and helping them navigate common concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, chronic pain, and other health challenges. Steffen also addresses such difficult but essential topics as elder abuse, diminished capacities, and end-of-life care. Clinicians will find insights that deepen their understanding of aging not only in their clients but also in themselves and their loved ones.aEUR--Deborah Roth Ledley, PhD, private practice, Philadelphia -