How do people with dementia and their families reflect on their experiences of psychotherapeutic interventions?

People living with dementia may experience low quality of life; some also experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Psychotherapeutic interventions, which involve conversations with a trained therapist, allow people with dementia and their families/caregivers to receive emotional support. However, little is known about how people with dementia and their families understand, receive and respond to psychotherapeutic interventions.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people with dementia (n = 14) and family members (n = 9), either individually or in dyads. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

Three themes were identified: navigating therapy with dementia, finding a place for the person with dementia in the therapeutic space, and creating and maintaining a therapeutic relationship.

Therapists having specialist knowledge of dementia supported a meaningful therapeutic experience for people with dementia and their families. Assumptions about people with dementia being unable to develop and maintain a meaningful therapeutic relationship seem unfounded, and ensuring this is acknowledged within services is key to equitable access to interventions for families affected by dementia. Core competences are required for therapists to ensure that they are appropriately skilled to do so and feel confident in delivering this care.