63rd Annual Conference

 

Thursday February 23

Early Bird Open Sessions

7:15-8:15 A.M.

 

Session 204

CBT at the Movies: An Elderly Depression Group

 

Chair:          

Marian Yeager, Ph.D., FAGPA, Private Practice, Houston, Texas

 

Presenters:         

Gayle Basten, M.S.W., Clinical Social Worker, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California

Michael Drexler, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California         

Wendy L. Walker, Psy.D., HRSA Behavioral Mental Health Fellow, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California

 

This presentation describes a feature film-based 7–week cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention for depression adapted for the elderly. Participants watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1947), assessed the characters thinking distortions, and applied CBT techniques to themselves and other group members. The adaptation involved flexible attendance, time for group process and socialization.

 

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Utilize feature film clips for teaching the concepts of cognitive distortions and core beliefs.

2. Describe how film provides a mechanism for elderly group members to observe how cognitive distortions and core beliefs affect the characters’ mood and reflect on their own.

3. Discuss how the film engenders a life review process at a group level, which promotes socialization and relationship building.

 

Course References:

1. Hyer, L., Kramer, D., & Sohnle, S. (2004). CBT with Older People: Alterations and the value of the therapeutic alliance. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41(3), 276-91.

2. Weintraub, D., Furlan, P., Katz, I. (2002). Depression and Coexisting Medical Disorders in Late Life. Mental Health and Mental Illness in Later Life, 55-57.

3. Thompson, L., Coon, D., Gallagher-Thompson, D., Sommer, B., & Koin, D. (2001).  Comparison of Desipramine and Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Elderly Outpatients with Mild-to-Moderate Depression. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 9(3), 225-240.