Social Work with The Groups with The Elderly on The Axis of Cognitive Behavioral Approach

Abstract

The elderly population is increasing day by day in the world and Turkey. Social workers perform professional interventions to increase the welfare of the elderly within the scope of gerontological social work practices. In these studies, appropriate theoretical frameworks, principles, and techniques are used to meet the needs of the clients. This study aims to explain the principles of the cognitive-behavioral approach that can be used in social work practices with the elderly. The cognitive-behavioral approach aims to identify negative evaluations, interpretations, and meanings attributed by elderly individuals to old age or previous life experiences, to reveal new configurations, and to gain coping behaviors to effectively cope with the treatment process. This approach can be used in the group process for cognitive restructuring, developing behavioral strategies, and facilitating self-expression. This approach is beneficial when working with the elderly and working with depression and anxiety disorders accompanied by the grieving process and chronic diseases. Group studies on this axis can be created by combining some intervention methods such as problem-solving and communication skills training, self-direction, cognitive restructuring, positive self-perception, realizing their expectations from life, and changing their irrational thoughts.