The Handbook of Structured Life Review (Paperback)

Barbara Haight

ISBN 10: 1932529276 / ISBN 13: 9781932529272

Published by Health Professions Press,U.S., Baltimore, 2007

About this Item

Paperback. Reminiscence, life review, life story, autobiography, etc., are popular activities undertaken with or by older adults, whether for personal or therapeutic reasons. The act of reminiscing takes many forms, often very freeform, but this book presents a specific, structured approoach that has been extensively researched and found to provide measurable therapeutic benefits.Haight's Life Review process involves eight one-hour sessions that are organized around Erik Erikson's eight developmental accomplishments, or life stages: trust (early childhood), autonomy and initiative (childhood), industry (early adolescence), identity (adolescence), intimacy (early adulthood), generativity (older adulthood), and integrity (old age). Some people have not achieved one or more of these goals over the course of their lifetimes and the Life Review process offers an opportunity to rethink experiences in a way that helps them achieve these goals through understanding and acceptance of the past. Although this Life Review process has been used effectively with teenagers and other populations, the target audience for this book is older adults, especially those who have had difficult lives, to help them achieve integrity, which is an acceptance of the life lived rather than despair over it.The book describes in detail the role of the interviewer (Therapeutic Listener) and of the Life Reviewer. A chapter is devoted to each session, describing goals and instructions for the session along with sample dialogue from actual listeners - reviewers that illustrate the types of experiences and responses that may be elicited. Much of the text focuses on methods to be used by Listeners to facilitate the reminiscence process, including communication techniques, counseling techniques, assessment techniques, and even how to arrange the physical space to maximize comfort and minimize distractions. Different types of participants are described and effective methods of interviewing them are offered, always with case study examples that demonstrate the techniques. Features a Life Review process that involves eight one-hour sessions that are organized around Erik Erikson's eight developmental accomplishments, or life stages. This book describes in detail the role of the interviewer (Therapeutic Listener) and of the Life Reviewer. It also includes communication techniques, and counseling techniques. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781932529272

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Handbook of Structured Life Review (...

Publisher: Health Professions Press,U.S., Baltimore

Publication Date: 2007

Binding: Paperback

Condition: new

Edition: 1st Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

Clear and consise, The Handbook of Structured Life Review synthesizes 30 years of research and practice using the Structured Life Review process. Structured Life Review is a one-on-one therapeutic technique that guides people in reflecting on their lives from early childhood to the present. This 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 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. 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.

About the Author:

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.