Counselling Older People With Alcohol Problems

`The art of counselling takes many forms: this thoughtful and readable book will inspire and inform people involved in this field, from the briefest encounters to the deepest transformative processes... Practitioners will recognise and reflect on the accurate portrayals of the context for their work, and people new to the field will gain access to a wealth of information and ideas for practice.'-Wendy Bryant, Deputy Director of the Centre for Citizen Participation

`This is the only book which addresses both the philosophy and practice of counselling older people with alcohol problems... In overcoming alcohol dependency, older people invariably regain the ability to live more fulfilling and creative lives, and, as this book assists counsellors to take them on that journey, it is an invaluable tool for the caring profession, alcohol agencies and other helping bodies.'-Baroness Dianne Hayter of Kentish Town, Former Director of Alcohol Concern

Alcohol misuse is becoming an increasingly significant issue for people aged 55 and over, and providing effective counselling services to this growing client group requires a unique and specialised approach. This practical guide explores the factors that differentiate older drinkers, and introduces an innovative person-centred model that will help counsellors and other healthcare professionals to give older people with alcohol problems the help and support they need.

The book explores the influences, patterns and triggers that affect the development and progression of alcohol dependency in this age group, and provides a detailed description of a theoretical model and therapeutic process that has proved successful in practice. Informative case studies demonstrate the approach in action, and guidance is also given for working with clients with dementia or mental health problems.

This book will prove an invaluable resource for counsellors and other healthcare professionals who encounter alcohol problems in their clinical practice, including clinical psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and community psychiatric nurses.

Mike Fox is Senior Practitioner and manager of the Older Persons' Service in an Alcohol Agency in North London. He also works as Lead Clinician for Dementia at another counselling service in the same area.
Lesley Wilson is currently a lecturer and course leader in occupational therapy. Prior to this she was a practising occupational therapist and has many years experience of working with older people, both in the NHS and in the community