The case studies shown below are not taken from the records of identifiable clients that I have worked with but are representative of some of the problems people ask for help with and the types of goals and resolutions that can be worked on and achieved through therapy.
TOM – Dementia and Diabetes
Tom, a retired gentleman in his late 70’s, attended therapy sessions after he had been diagnosed with mixed dementia. Tom was also a Type 1 Diabetic, a condition which he had managed well throughout his life; however, of late it was proving more difficult to control. Tom was struggling to come to terms with his diagnosis and, in the face of mild memory problems, was finding management of his diabetes that much more challenging.
Working together
During Tom’s eight sessions of therapy we worked together to validate and put into context Tom’s feelings of anxiety, sadness and frustration. These feelings were brought on by an awareness of how his memory problems were impacting on his ability to successfully control his diabetes. Talking through the specific form of dementia that he had been diagnosed with enabled Tom to better understand his condition and take practical steps to plan for the future.
Outcome
Together we were able to weigh up the pros and cons of sharing his diagnosis with friends, family and other professionals. Tom was able to choose which parties he wished to communicate his diagnosis to, thereby enabling him to work closely with his diabetic nurse to ensure that he had additional prompts and strategies that supported his diabetic regime. The most important outcome for Tom was that he was able to retain his independence while also drawing on support of his own choosing.
If you or someone you know has started to develop memory problems and you are interested in seeking help please click on the link below for further information:
www.dementiauk.org/understanding-dementia/getting-a-diagnosis/
EMMA – Parkinson’s and Couple Therapy
Emma, a lady in her early 70’s, attended therapy with Alan, her husband, following a deterioration in her mobility due to the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The increasing loss of mobility and independence had served to create problems in Emma’s marriage, so much so that Parkinson’s disease had taken on the appearance of ‘an unwanted third party’ in their relationship.
Working together
During the first six sessions of therapy, Emma focused almost entirely on her feelings of loss and frustration. Together we were able to share a picture of how the challenges she faced on a daily basis had come to dominate the conversations she was having with her family, leading her to become increasingly dependent on those that had previously depended on her.
We therefore looked at practical ways in which she could benefit from having additional support from outside the family circle to help her with household tasks and shopping.
Of particular importance was the fact that Emma managed to reconnect with her achievements of the past and keep a diary of those reflections, factors that helped manage her mood. Most important of all, Emma was able to take back aspects of her role as a wife and mother which might otherwise have been lost.
Outcome
Emma invited Alan to join us for the second six sessions of therapy. During these sessions we used the ‘empty chair’ technique to ‘talk back’ to the Parkinson’s disease and acknowledge its presence rather as if it was a third person in the room. This enabled Emma and Alan to create a sense of distance between themselves and Emma’s condition.
As the sessions progressed Emma and Alan were able to enjoy the equivalent of ‘Parkinson’s free,’ time together and rekindle crucial aspects of their relationship.
If you would like to find out more about Parkinson’s Disease and Mental Health please click on the link below:
www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/parkinsons-and-mental-health
MARGARET – A Carer’s Perspective
Margaret, a lady in her early 60’s attended therapy to help her cope with depression, the progress of which was closely associated with caring for Arthur, her husband, who was experiencing the latter stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Arthur was 15 years older than Margaret who had given up her post as an office manager in order to care for him.
Working together
Margaret participated in ten sessions of individual therapy which served to explore her feelings of sadness, loss and guilt; not dissimilar to the way people feel when experiencing a bereavement. Whereas Arthur had effectively lost insight into his condition, Margaret had yet to come to terms with the loss of him as her ‘soulmate,’ and also felt overwhelmed by the ever increasing amount of care required.
Outcome
In the event, therapy allowed Margaret to fully work through any feelings of guilt as to whether she was ‘failing to care enough,’ a process that encouraged her to start to develop a more compassionate voice for herself. While continuing to grieve for the lost years of retirement they had planned together she was able to acknowledge that she must now look forward to a different future for herself. Margaret also started to consider ways of seeking respite from her daily pressures and, towards the end of therapy, she had sought support from a local carers organisation and had begun to reconnect with friends from her former office.
Accepting help is often more difficult than one might think and handing over care of a loved one to others can be particularly hard. A carefully managed stepwise plan is easier to deal with emotionally as it allows carers to develop trusting relationships over time.
If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about Dementia and the support available please click on the links below: