Validation therapy: a review of its contribution to dementia care

There has been a great deal of interest in validation therapy (VT), an interactive technique and group therapy for people who are disoriented. This article reviews the strengths and development of VT and acknowledges Naomi Feil's contribution to the care of those with dementia. Techniques for communicating with people who are dysphasic are described, as are therapeutic interventions which address the devastating effects of memory loss on the sufferers' sense of self and identity.