An introduction to counselling older adults

In this presentation, Mark shares his experiences and discusses learnings from the work of the Swinburne Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults outreach program into residential aged care. He discusses issues raised and challenges faced in working in this area as well as introduces key ideas such as Normative Narrative Practice, Systemic Approaches, Therapeutic Conversations, Creative Interventions, Telehealth Counselling and Group Work. Mark Silver MSW has been a Social Worker in Aged Care & Disability for over 40 years with a keen interest in the use of narrative, reminiscence and stories in his work. He has been co-coordinating the Swinburne University Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults for the past 10 years; advocating strongly for a greater presence of mental health professionals, working as a team within age care settings as well as for improved practicum training programs for students and practitioners alike. He has also recognised the importance of developing intergenerational programs which foster better relationships, communication and understanding between the generations.<p></p>