Cognitive Therapy for Low Self-Esteem in the Treatment of Depression in an Older Adult

Abstract

Low self-esteem is an underlying component of depression and psychological therapy may first need to address deeply entrenched negative self-evaluations in order to challenge and reduce the rigidity of core beliefs (Fennell, 1997). Hall and Tarrier (2003) developed an effective brief intervention aimed at reducing low self-esteem in patients with psychosis. Subsequent anecdotal evidence suggested that this intervention may also provide positive results in an older adult population with depression. In this case study, the intervention was implemented with a 79-year-old woman who was experiencing anxiety symptoms and depression with suicidal thoughts. Following implementation of the self-esteem intervention, significant improvements were obtained. This paper offers preliminary evidence that this novel intervention can be used successfully with older age clients and provides a positive and engaging therapy for depression.