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Skills Classes

Aging and Lifespan Psychology

Skills Class 24 - Clinical Skills for Affirming CBT with Older Adults

Saturday, June 27, 2026
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM PDT
Location: Yerba Buena Salon 6, B3 Level
Earn 1.5 Credit
Keywords: Aging, Older Adults, Psychotherapy Process
Level of Familiarity: Moderate
Recommended Readings: Steffen, A. M., Thompson, L. W., & Gallagher-Thompson, D. (2022). Treating later-life depression: A cognitive-behavioral therapy approach: Clinician guide (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/med-psych/9780190068431.001.0001,   Emery-Tiburcio, E. E., Zweig, R., Ing, M. B., Sachs, B. C., Yenko, I., Vinson, L., Shead, V., Steffen, A., Heintz-Monette, H., & Hinrichsen, G. (2025). Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Older Adults: Executive summary. American Psychologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001643,   Osilla, K. C., Lean, M., Gallagher-Thompson, D., Atherton, D., & Watkins, K. E. (2025). Supporting family caregivers: Variations in caregiving among families managing chronic health conditions.American Psychologist, 80(9), 1499–1519. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001663,   ,  
Age and generational influences are facets of cultural diversity that impact individuals, families, and communities. Individual and group therapy clients aged 65 years and older respond as strongly to CBT change strategies as younger adults. Older clients do, however, benefit from age-affirming CBT implementation modifications that are largely contextual (i.e., the “how” of treatment delivery; Steffen, Thompson, & Gallagher-Thompson, 2022). While drawing on older clients' strengths and coping strategies developed over a lifetime, aging-responsive CBT also addresses challenges that are more common in the second half of life (e.g., comorbid medical conditions, family caregiving concerns, cognitive aging, bereavement). This class features clinical skills to enhance engagement and effectiveness in CBT sessions with older clients. Within-session implementation strategies will be demonstrated through video and live role-play. Congress delegates will also learn to modify psychoeducational materials and worksheets for use with culturally diverse older individuals, intergenerational families, and groups. The tips and strategies covered in this skills class aim to increase providers' effectiveness with older clients and the joy they experience in this rewarding area of clinical practice.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe three within-session modifications for effective delivery of CBT with older adults
  • Identify age-affirming features of CBT written materials (e.g., psychoeducational and between-session worksheets)
  • Explain the rationale for aging-friendly adaptations to CBT delivery
  • Enhance competencies in the delivery of CBT for older adults
  • Create a professional development plan for advancing clinical skills with older individuals and their families