Reminiscence Therapy is for individuals dealing with memory issues such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, or traumatic brain injuries. Its goal is to give people a safe space to revisit pleasant memories. Through exploring memories, RT stimulates parts of the brain connected with long-term memory. This action benefits people dealing with memory issues or neurological conditions.
Counselors can use RT with other types of therapy or on its own. It can be used in a group setting or individually.
RT may involve a person and their caregiver or significant other who does not have memory issues. Your therapist may have conversations with your caregivers about some of your significant life moments, such as getting married, having children, specific vacations, academic accomplishments, or career successes. From there, your therapist may talk with you about some of these events, including asking questions to help you align your memory with your life experiences. They might encourage you to go into detail about particular events in your life. Or they might ask you to explain any significant memory you want to discuss.
RT can include physical memorabilia items such as photographs, awards, books, or songs that may help jog your memory.
Anyone dealing with conditions that lead to memory loss can benefit from Reminiscence Therapy.
