Overview

The APS hosts this activity with the APS Psychology and Ageing Interest Group (PAIG).

More than 70% of older people have experienced a psychologically traumatic event in their lives. The effects of these events can continue into late life in ways that can be difficult for professionals to understand.

This on-demand activity will:

• build on psychologists' existing knowledge and skills about assessment and treatment of post traumatic stress,

• provide psychologists with guidance about delivering assessment and treatment of post-traumatic stress in older adults, and

• combine knowledge from research and clinical experience to provide practical advice to build psychologist competence and confidence in working with this population.

Level of Learning

Intermediate. This activity is targeted to those who have some previous learning on the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details 

• On-demand webinar recording 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• describe the wide-ranging effects of psychological trauma in older adulthood,

• conduct an assessment and psychological therapy for post-traumatic stress in older adults, and

• adapt common treatment modalities to meet the needs of older adults.

Presenter(s)

Dr Monica Cations MAPS, Michelle Parkes

About the presenter(s)

Dr Monica Cations is a clinical psychologist and epidemiologist who conducts research and clinical practice about older people and people with dementia. Her work focusses on promoting psychological wellbeing in older adults, particularly survivors of psychologically traumatic events. Monica is a Senior Research Fellow at Flinders University supported by an NHMRC/MRFF Emerging Leadership Investigator Grant, while also working as a clinical psychologist in private practice.
Dr Michelle Parkes is a clinical psychologist specialising in issues associated with ageing. In her current position, as the Senior Clinical Psychologist with the Aged Persons Mental Health Programme, North Western Mental Health (Victoria), Michelle works across community, inpatient, and residential settings. Michelle has special interests in trauma, personality disorder, and social determinants of distress, as these effect the experience of ageing; and in the opportunities available to clinical psychologists to ameliorate distress and promote wellbeing in these contexts.