Research Paper

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to understand the older adults’ subjective experiences of the therapy process.MethodsNine older adults aged 68 to 82 years old volunteered to talk about their experiences of receiving Psychological Therapy within a secondary care service. A Constructivist Grounded theory method and unstructured interviews were used to capture their retrospective accounts.ResultsThe Grounded Theory analysis revealed categories and themes which produced a theory that explained the process of therapy for these older adults. The data yielded a core category of ‘moving towards equanimity’, which included four main categories (also 19 sub-categories): (1) sensing continuity and discontinuity within an ageing ‘self’, (2) embodying an awareness of an ageing changing ecology, (3) cultivating a therapeutic relationship, and connecting with wholeness and a new perspective (see figure 1.0).ConclusionsThe core category can be understood as contributing to the participants changing and regaining emotional stability, mental calm and balance. The therapy process moved them towards equanimity by bringing the story of the ‘self’ to a unified whole (Polkinghorne, 1991). A good working alliance allowed the older adult to re-integrate the ‘self’, so that their balance and sense of ‘continuity’ could be renewed (Williams, 1984, p.178). This research provides a rich narrative which strengthens theory and ‘clinical practice links’ (Llewellyn & Hardy, 2001, p.14) and could be used as a procedural approach to look more closely at the therapy journey (Smith & Grawe, 2003). Examining process in therapy and the meaning for older adults positions the client in ‘their social and cultural settings’ (Katz & Mishler, 2003, p.35). It also ‘gives voice’ (Willig, 2001, p.12) to individuals who can often encounter difficulties with being heard.