Regional Groups | Northern Ireland

Brenda Carney-Gallagher
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Department of Elderly Medicine
Lagan Valley Hospital
Hillsborough Road
Lisburn
Northern Ireland BT 28 1JP

Tel: 028 906 69475 (H)
       028 926 65141 x 2639 (W)

PSIGE Training Event : CBT for Depression in Older People

Venue: Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh
7th April 2008 - (9.30am - 4.30pm)
Presenter : Dr. Ken Laidlaw - Senior Lecturer and Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Full details in downloadable flyer : see below
Depression is generally considered to be one of the most common psychological difficulties faced by older people. Working with older people presents challenges, but to what extent should one expect older people to change their lifestyles as a result of therapy? With what knowledge do therapists need to acquaint themselves in order to have realistic expectations of this client group? Before embarking upon therapy with older people many considerations need to be taken into account, not least of which is an understanding of the realities facing the individuals with whom the therapist may be working. Dr Laidlaw argues that CBT can be applied to older people, that it is effective, adaptable and popular with this client group and that it can make a difference to peoples lives
This day is suggested for those who recognize a need for a comprehensive guide to applying CBT for Depression with Older People. This day should provide therapists with a clear rationale for treatment interventions not just the what to and how to but the why of CBT with Older People.

Download the document : PSIGE Omagh CBT for depression in older people 7th April 2008.doc [approx 98K]

Annual Report 2005

Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland Geographical Group

A number of clinical psychologists who work with older people are meeting quarterly in Dublin. Our numbers have grown, from four initially, to ten at a meeting this spring. Just three of us were PSIGE members, although some others showed an interest in joining. All, however, were members of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and a Special Interest Group is going to be set up within that organization which makes more sense given the balance of members.

It was agreed however that there would be a standing item on the agenda, where I could deal with any PSIGE business. We have found PSIGE guidelines useful in our discussions regarding input to training courses. Because there are a small number of us responding to the needs of five training courses we are looking at rationalising our efforts by offering a package centrally.

Within Northern Ireland, Clinical Psychology with older people is still a very poorly developed specialism and I am still the only one working in a dedicated way with this client group. During the past 18 months, I have been sitting on the Review of Mental Health Committee which has been addressing the needs of older people with dementia and mental health problems. I have tried to use this opportunity to highlight the need for input from Clinical Psychologists for older people. We will shortly see a huge reconfiguration of Trusts in Northern Ireland with a decrease from 18 to 5 Trusts. This shake-up may provide opportunities for the highlighting of inequities in services and the creation of new posts.

Brenda Carney-Gallagher
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Down Lisburn Trust