About

Reminiscence therapy is an evidence-based treatment for late-life depression, yet it remains underutilised, even among mental health professionals.

This masterclass introduces participants to the principles and techniques of reminiscence therapy, including three distinct approaches: simple reminiscence, life review, and life review therapy. Each method is brought to life through case examples, audio-visual materials, and interactive exercises.

Importantly, you don’t need to be a mental health practitioner to use reminiscence therapy effectively. Support workers, caregivers, and family members can create meaningful moments by using music, photos, and personal objects to spark memory and connection.

However, a professional therapist may be needed when:
• Sensitive topics arise that cause emotional distress
• Advanced techniques are required beyond everyday memory sharing
• Complex conditions like dementia call for structured, therapeutic approaches

LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Identify when reminiscence may be a useful treatment
- Deliver the therapy confidentily in everyday settings
- ​​​Match the appropriate approach to individual client goals

FACILITATOR

Professor Sunil Bhar is a Professor of Psychology at Swinburne University of Technology. He is a clinical psychologist with expertise in the application of psychological treatments to older adults. He is the director of the Swinburne Wellbeing Clinic for Older Adults, a counselling and support service for aged care residents, families of residents and residential care staff.

Since 2005, he has led research on the outcomes and mechanisms of psychological treatments for older adults. His research program adopts a comprehensive approach to the development and delivery of effective and sustainable interventions to promote wellbeing in later life. He has extensive experience in behavioural research in depression, suicide and anxiety in older adults.

He has won over $12M in research funding to investigate the effectiveness, accessibility and acceptability of psychological treatments for older adults. His research and contribution to practice have been recognised through several awards. In 2014, he was awarded the Alastair Heron Prize for excellence in ageing research and practice by the Australian Psychology Society. In 2015, he was awarded a citation for outstanding contribution to student learning in geropsychology by the Office of Learning and Teaching. In 2018, he won the Swinburne Dean’s award for research, and in 2019, he won Swinburne’s research impact award. Alongside his research and teaching activities, Professor Bhar has maintained a clinical practice for 30 years

Date

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Online event access details will be provided by the event organiser

 COST

$149 plus GST

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Please be aware tickets are non-refundable