'I Finally Got Rid of My Shadow!': Psychotherapy with an Oldest Old Woman - A Growth Process for Client and Therapist

The increase in the number of people living beyond age 90 pose challenges to mental health professionals, many of whom still harbor ageist notions concerning the efficacy of psychotherapy for the oldest old. This paper demonstrates how integrated psychotherapy with an oldest old woman can provide opportunities for integration and personal growth.

Integrated psychotherapy based on self-psychology psychodynamic approach, was provided to a woman from age 90 to 100 concerning age-related changes and losses and unresolved traumatic experiences in life. which troubled her notwithstanding previous efforts to resolve them.

Over the course of almost ten years, the client came to terms with her aging losses, experiences, worked through the therapeutic process, and learned how to express and accept her deepest feelings, thereby achieving psychological well-being and internal peace.

Psychotherapy for the oldest old may contribute to their well-being by offering significant opportunities to process and understand major events and unresolved issues along the life cycle. This study demonstrates that the older self is flexible and capable of growth, even as physical health wanes. Transference and countertransference reactions between therapists and clients can be instrumental in understanding and improving the well-being of the oldest old.