Photolangage©. A play space for remobilizing the psyche

Abstract

We are working as clinical psychologists in a long term care institution with physically and psychically dependent older patients, some of whom suffering from of Alzheimer or other types of dementia. For some of them, we have set up a therapeutical service to remobilize  psychical functioning, in order to stimulate their creative potential and their capacity to experience pleasure. Indeed, these residents have to cope with multiple losses due to ageing, including the ultimate loss, that of their life. Among these losses, the loss of their dwelling, and sometimes that of their husband or wife, and its corollary, the adaptation to the institution, often causes great suffering, at both personal and familial levels. With Photolangageã, we propose a therapeutical framework susceptible to bring help and support, in order to let them work through and assimilate this stage of their life.

Download PDF