This self-access class provides a comprehensive overview of the unique challenges and relational needs of older adults in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy. Drawing on findings from the Open University’s Intimacy and Ageing Well Project, it highlights how societal change, loneliness, and accessibility issues shape intimacy in later life, while offering practical approaches for therapeutic support. This training is ideal for therapists seeking to broaden their expertise and provide compassionate, effective care for older service users navigating the complexities of intimacy and relationships in later life.
Our expert speaker guides you through:
- Supporting Older Service Users: Develop strategies to address the barriers to intimacy and improve accessibility for an ageing population.
- Societal Change and Loneliness: Understand the impact of cultural shifts and social isolation on relationships and wellbeing in later life.
- Evidence from Research: Explore insights from the Intimacy and Ageing Well Project to better understand the challenges service users face.
- Interventions and Resources: Review non-pharmaceutical interventions and access recommendations for further reading to deepen your practice.
This is an edited recording of Prof. (Dr.) Andreas Vossler’s live presentation at the 2024 COSRT Winter Conference.
About the Trainer
Prof. (Dr.) Andreas Vossler.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Vossler is a Psychologist, family therapist, academic, researcher and trainer. He is a Professor of Psychology and Psychotherapy at the Open University where he is also the Deputy Director of Teaching (Counselling). As Chartered Psychologist and systemic couple and family psychotherapist he has a deep belief in the value of research for counselling and psychotherapy practice. He has been conducting research on family and couple counselling and intimate relationships for 20+ years and has experience in systematic reviews, qualitative research and developing training for professionals (in-person and online). He is a member of the Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR, member of the UK Chapter Local Council) and the Research Committee of the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT) in the UK.
He is the lead editor of Mad or Bad? A critical approach to Counselling and Forensic Psychology (2017) and The Counselling and Psychotherapy Research Handbook (2014), and co-editor of Understanding Mental Health and Counselling (2020) and Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy (2010; all Sage books). He has authored two German textbooks and published numerous journal articles and chapters in edited books within the areas of psychotherapy research, health psychology, psychiatry and education. His current research interests include: intimate relationships, digital intimacies and online infidelity, therapist’s and clients’ experiences of online counselling, and sex and intimacy while aging.
