Psychodynamic Approaches to the Experience of Dementia: Perspectives from Observation, Theory and Practice demonstrates the impact of healthcare approaches that take into account not only the practical needs but also the emotional experience of the patient, their partners, families and friends, lay carers and professional staff.
Currently there is no cure for dementia, but the psychosocial and therapeutic approaches described in this volume have appeared to help people, both patients and carers, feel more contained and less lonely and isolated. Psychoanalytic theory provides a disciplined way of thinking about the internal world of an individual and their relationships. Each author provides their own commentary on the personal and interpersonal effects of dementia, endeavouring to understand behaviours and emotions which may otherwise seem incomprehensible. The subject is approached from a psychodynamic perspective, considering the unconscious, previous and current experiences and relationships, including those between patients and staff.
Psychodynamic Approaches to the Experience of Dementia illustrates the practical and theoretical thinking of clinicians from a wide range of disciplines who are engaged in the care of people in late life with a diagnosis of dementia. It will be essential reading for mental health and health professionals in practice and training in the field of dementia.
About the Author: Sandra Evans has been an NHS psychiatrist, teacher and trainer for over 30 years. Sandra is a group analyst also in private practice with GANLondon.
Jane Garner has over 30 years clinical experience in the NHS using psychodynamic ideas to inform psychiatric practice and teaching, particularly in the areas of old age and dementia services, continuing care, institutional abuse, sex and relationships.
Rachel Darnley-Smith is a music therapist and senior lecturer at Roehampton University, UK. She has worked with people with dementia over many years, mostly in the NHS and published widely on music therapy, aesthetics and psychoanalysis .
