Loneliness

Bringing together over 25 years of research into the social aspects of learning disabilities (LD), this book presents a range of topics that reflect on the richness of research interests in the discipline. In honor of Tanis Bryan, the pioneer in research on social competence of children with LD, the researchers that follow her lead systematically examine critical issues in the social relationships of these children. The book begins by placing the work of Bryan and her research associates' in context, in terms of the prevailing theoretical frameworks and social political influences that led to the enormous impact of the work.

With its focus on wellbeing and healthy aging, this 5th edition emphasises the individuality of the aged and the humanistic and spiritual potential for further development later in life.

How can we work effectively with older people? What contribution can be made by the field of psychodynamics? It is now recognised that older adults can benefit from psychodynamic therapy and that psychodynamic concepts can help to illuminate the thorny issues of aging and the complications of later life. Talking Over the Years begins by examining how ideas of old age are represented by the key psychodynamic theorists of the twentieth century including Freud, Jung, Klein and Winnicott. Contributors go on to draw on their own experiences in a range of settings to demonstrate the value of psychodynamic concepts in clinical practice, covering subjects such as: * brief and long-term work with individuals, couples and groups * the expressive therapies: art, music, dance and movement * ethical considerations * training, supervision and support * sexuality. Illustrated by a wealth of clinical material, Talking Over the Years increases psychodynamic awareness, helping practitioners become more sensitive to their patients' needs to the benefit of both the patient and the professional.

Aging and religion has been badly neglected in the field of Gerontology. There has been a growing awareness that the loss of the sense of the sacred has left each individual to cope with issues of meaning and purpose as best he or she can. This collection addresses the needs of the elderly who find themselves grappling with basic issues of existence in the final years of life: coherence and purpose.