Aging often brings natural reflection: moments where we look back on where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished, and what we've endured. When guided with purpose and structure, this reflection can become something deeper and more therapeutic. Life review therapy helps older adults resolve their past conflicts, reconstruct their life stories, and accept their present conditions.
This isn't just reminiscing, it's a powerful psychological tool backed by science. In a 2018 study conducted by Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, researchers found effective results in a trial of 35 residents of an elderly day care center who practiced life review therapy. And, another 2012 study published in the Aging & Mental Health journal found that a six-week life review therapy, delivered through a combination of computer-based and face-to-face sessions, significantly reduced participants' depression, and increased overall wellbeing, life satisfaction, and self-esteem.
Wondering where to begin? While it is recommended to conduct life review therapy with a licensed therapist, you can start by thinking about some questions that a therapist might ask you to reflect on, such as:
When and where were you born?
Where did you grow up?
What was your community like growing up?
What kind of schooling did you have?
Did you have any siblings?
How would you describe yourself during your childhood?
What was it like when you were a teenager?
Did you marry? At what age? If not, why not?
Did you have a career? What were you doing in your 30s, 40s, and 50s?
Did you have children? What was your relationship with your children over the years? Do you have a close relationship with your children now?
Who else are you close to?
Who have been the most influential people at various stages in your life? Why? When? What were you doing at that time?
Who are the important people in your life now?
Do you keep in touch with any of your old friends?
If you had to pick one person who significantly impacted your life, who would it be? And why?
How have your friendships changed through the years?
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