Helping couples deal with aging

Abstract

The process of aging often poses unique challenges to the practice of couple's counseling. This highlights the importance for mental health professionals working with this population to be aware of these challenges and provide effective interventions in an empathic and well-informed manner. Therefore, this chapter examines how Rational Emotive and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (RE&CBT) in addition to the implementation of wellness activities can help couples deal with the physical and psychological changes due to aging, as well as from conditions such as stroke, arthritis, diabetes and other ailments that are more commonly experienced as one ages. Furthermore, the transition to retirement for individuals and couples is addressed, as well as the stress on a couple when one partner has to assume the role of caretaker. Following a review of RE&CBT techniques with older couples, a case study is presented and the chapter authors reflect on various types of interventions to address issues illustrated by this case.