64th Annual Conference

Gayle Basten, M.S.W., Social Worker, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, California

Wendy Walker, Psy.D., Private Practice, San Francisco, California

This presentation describes an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy depression intervention adapted for older adults. Mindfulness techniques (breathing, body awareness) were used to teach awareness of emotions before employing cognitive strategies to tolerate those feelings. Adaptations included meeting in a primary clinic, clearly focused sessions, in-class mindfulness experiences, and a guided meditation homework CD.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Utilize meditation/mindfulness exercises to help older adults practice affect tolerance.

2. Describe how mediation/mindfulness can be used by older adult group members to manage depressive symptoms.

3. Identify uses of meditation/mindfulness by older adults for promoting deeper breathing, relaxed muscles, and affect containment.

Course References:

1. Teasdale, J., Segal, V., Williams, J., Ridgeway, V., Soulsby, J. and Lau, M. (2000). Prevention of Relapse/Recurrence in Major Depression by Mindfulness—Based Cognitive Therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 68, 615-623.

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. 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.