ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Heery describes the emerging application of existential–humanistic theory with clients and their significant others facing aging and death. As the generation of baby boomers enter the latter stages of aging, there are an increasing number of people facing issues inherent in the aging process. After a brief discussion of the relevant scholarly literature and related paradigm shift to humanistic aging, this chapter explores the aging process through stories of individuals and those who journey with them as they share their walking the talk of aging and dying. Through these first-person narratives, Heery identifies and discusses important lessons about the aging process relevant to psychotherapy. The chapter concludes with consideration of clinical applications and approaches when working with individuals’ experience of aging and their families.
