Confrontation
There is a place for pleasant personal remarks, warmth and friendliness
in the therapist’s approach to older patients which would be less
appropriate with younger patients. Nevertheless confrontation may play
an important part in therapy. Negative reactions to the therapist such as
plaintiveness; exaggeration of symptoms; seeking help elsewhere; or
lateness for appointments, should be explored. Skilfully handled these
confrontations allow the patient to acknowledge resentment and
aggression, and find relief that therapy can continue.