Mind, Body, Spirit: Pathways to Improving Health

Institute on Aging invites you to join us for the third installment of our 3-part educational series that will explore the mind, body and spirit in relationship to our health.

"Understanding and Managing Clients Who Challenge Us as Professionals"

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 -- 8:30 AM - 4:40 PM

Patients/clients who exhibit "difficult" behaviors often do not get the care they need and present with difficulties in social, vocational and self care activities. Substance abuse, personality and anxiety disorders and schizophrenia often result in acting-out, risk-taking behaviors leaving the person socially isolated, depressed and unable to avail themself of needed services. Inability to fully utilize mental health services creates further problems, not the least is the clinician's feelings of frustration as to how to help. This program will bring together leaders in the field of geriatric mental health to discuss how to work with patients/clients whose behaviors challenge us all. In addition to offering a deeper understanding of the internal world of these patients/clients, presenters will discuss how the clinician's feelings and reactions to these behaviors may contribute to difficulties in treatment and improved client functioning. Attendees will learn about how and why patients/clients use challenging behaviors to manage their feelings, what these behaviors may tell us about the patient's/client's needs, and how clinicians can manage their own feelings while improving their client's ability to function more successfully.