The Possibility of Psychotherapy with a Person Diagnosed with dementia

This book presents a study that examined whether it was possible to enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship with a person diagnosed with dementia. The findings of the study identify a difficulty for the therapist to overcome preconceptions associated with the diagnosis of dementia. This study illustrates what Levinas calls the non-intentional which refers to glimpses of the other that allow a recognition of separation and ‘otherness'' that is not concerned with ‘knowing''. The association of theory with intentionality is identified in the findings and the possible impact on the practice of psychotherapy noted, particularly in relation to the prohibition of the non-intentional. The study concludes that the question of ‘whether psychotherapy is possible'' might be asked of anyone entering therapy. The diagnosis of dementia can have the effect of excluding a person from a relationship with another, and in these circumstances it becomes difficult to offer psychotherapy.