The Handbook of Structured Life Review

Clear and concise, The Handbook of Structured Life Review synthesizes 30 years of research and practice using the Structured Life Review process. This one-on-one therapeutic technique guides people in reflecting on their lives from early childhood to the present. The approach allows individuals to learn from past experiences, settle unresolved issues, and ultimately achieve a state of life acceptance. Participants benefit from increased life satisfaction, reduced depression, and the opportunity for reconciliation, acceptance, and serenity. 

Following the guidance in this user-friendly handbook, Structured Life Review sessions can be easily led by professionals and nonprofessionals alike: social workers, counselors, activity staff, or even volunteers. The book thoroughly explains the role of the Therapeutic Listener and describes useful counseling and communication techniques. Step-by-step goals, instructions, and sample dialogue for eight separate sessions provide a blueprint for conducting life reviews. Handy appendices include assessment tools and a Life Review Form with recommended questions for each session. 

The process of Structured Life Review is appropriate for people of all ages, including older adults in senior centers, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing centers, and home settings. The approach is especially beneficial for individuals experiencing stress, undergoing major change, or coping with grief or a traumatic event. Additionally, Structured Life Review not only fulfills current requirements for meaningful activities but meets the criteria for short-term therapy covered by Medicare and other insurance providers.

Dr. Barbara Haight is Professor Emeritus at the College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina. Recently retired, Barbara conducted 8 research projects over 25 years developing the structured life review process and supervised numerous students and colleagues in the practice of life review. She was the first president of the International Life Review and Reminiscing Society and has conducted hands-on life review projects in the United States, England, Japan, and most recently Northern Ireland. She is co-editor of two books on reminiscing and life review, plus one on group process, and is widely published in the field of life review and gerontology. Barbara is a fellow emeritus in the Gerontological Society of America where she founded and conducted a special interest group on reminiscence. She is also a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, and in the Florence Nightingale Society.

Barrett S. Haight retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Army after serving 23 years in a variety of increasing positions throughout the world. He then worked for The Citadel Development Foundation as its Director of Estate Planning for 17 years. During these periods, Barrett taught undergraduate courses in business and constitutional law and graduate courses in Health Care Law at the Medical University of South Carolina. Barrett has authored articles for the Dickinson Law Review and The U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Additionally he edited Focus, the newsletter of The Citadel Development Foundation. In his second retirement, he co-authored an article on reminiscence for the Encyclopedia of Gerontology and served as editor for many health care submissions. Both Barbara and Barrett are presently interested in using the Structured Life Review Process to help combat veterans who have returned from war. The Haights have 5 grown, successful children and 7 grandchildren. They live on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina.