Differentiating in Psychotherapy: A systematization of experiences from treating depressed older adults

The type of psychotherapy depressed older people are offered in outpatient clinics is often not specified. This study includes 33 cases, all referred to a psychologist with order of treatment for depression. Various approaches were used within an interpersonal frame of understanding as the patients differed in terms of self-defined 'problem-understanding', 'coping-style' and 'needs for treatment'. These variables form the basis for systemizing the 33 cases in three groups (A; B and C). As it turned out, the patients' satisfaction with their treatment did not necessarily follow the level of symptom-reduction, as the experience of being complied in accordance to one's own understanding of problems was of great importance to the patients. I conclude with the importance of a differentiated approach of treatment that includes the patients' personal profile.