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. -- Find more information on our guests, and a full transcript of this podcast on our website at: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/podcast -- Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://www.bsky.app/profile/dementiare…archer.bsky.social -- Download and Register with our Community App: https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher -- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Project Overview 04:40 Background and Rationale for Psychotherapy in Dementia 09:20 Personal Experiences and Expectations of Therapy 13:52 Study Design and Methodology 18:33 Roles and Contributions of the Research Team 23:16 Collaborative Insights from Lived Experience 24:42 Key Findings on Psychotherapy for Dementia 27:58 Core Competencies for Therapists 31:45 Understanding Dementia as a Traumatic Life Event 34:46 Future Directions in Dementia Research 40:21 Advocating for Comprehensive Support in Dementia Care