ABSTRACT
This chapter is geared towards helping therapists work with older adults. If a therapist’s role is to help a patient dream bigger and more expansively, it must begin in the intentional space that is co-created between patient and therapist. In order to be a partner in this journey however, a therapist must integrate a new version of post-midlife within his or her own psychology. When the therapist is able to conceive of a new developmental stage, along the lines of the “third act, third chapter, or encore stage,” he or she is in a better position to help patients grow into this next developmental milestone. The work that will follow must focus on strengthening and supporting the elements that appear to be most significant in creating a meaningful and purposeful life in later adulthood: existential pursuits, life affirming activities, human relationships and resiliency.
