Helping Relationships With Older Adults

Dr. Adelle M. Williams is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and currently resides with her family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  She earned her PhD and Master’s in Education in Rehabilitation Counseling and her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh.  She later obtained a Master’s in Business Administration from Robert Morris College. Throughout her academic pursuits she has focused on aging and aging-related issues.Currently, Dr. Williams is the Gerontology Coordinator and Professor within the Public Health and Social Work department within Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania since June, 2015.  She teaches graduate counseling courses and undergraduate gerontology courses and is described as a dynamic professor who inspires students to advocate for the interests of our elders.  Prior to this appointment, Dr. Williams was a Professor and Gerontology Coordinator within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program within the Counseling and Development and responsible for the newly created Aging specialization.  Other positions held within the University include Professor and Gerontology Coordinator within the Health and Safety Management department, Assistant to the Dean for the College of Health, Environment and Science, Director of the Health Services Administration Program, Co-developer of the Long Term Care Administration specialization, Adjunct Professor within the Department of Allied Health and Faculty Liaison to Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dr. Williams’ research interests include aging, health and mental health, cultural diversity,    women’s issues and administration.  She has published articles in the Gerontologist, Protective Services Quarterly, The Afrocentric Scholar, The Journal of Allied Health, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, The Journal of Long Term Care Administration, Physical Therapy Education. The Journal of Health Administration Education, and the Pennsylvania Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Dr. Williams’ has presented at the local, state, national and international levels.  She has been invited to present and invited to deliver the keynote address at several commencement ceremonies.  She has attained grants and managed the grant application process.  Dr. Williams has conducted many program reviews and interviewed by the media. Clinical positions in the private sector included clinician, clinical supervisor, admissions administration and research program coordinator within the Geriatric Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurology Unit of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. She conducted individual, family and group sessions, lead reminiscence groups, interpreted various assessments, and connected older adults with community services while operating within a multidisciplinary team. She also served in a consultant capacity for the Center for Aging and Research Program Director at the Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh within the Geriatrics Division. Her clinical, research and administrative experiences has proven valuable in teaching students to appreciate the challenges and opportunities inherent in the aging process and professional work with older adults.

"A definite read for students in Counseling programs and improving the lives of older adults!"

• Section I. Overview of the Aging Process, Aging Theories, Positive Aging, and the Helping ProcessChapter 1: IntroductionAgingBiological Theories Associated With AgingPhysical Changes That Accompany AgingCognitive Changes That Accompany AgingChapter 2: Historical Perspectives and Changing Attitudes Toward Older AdultsPerceptions of Growing Older and Societal InfluencesHistorical Aspects of AgingAging of the Baby Boomer GenerationAging and Mental HealthRethinking the Value of AgingChapter 3: Characteristics of Positive Older Adults and the Helping ProcessSuccessful Aging and Mental WellnessPositive Aging CharacteristicsCounseling Older AdultsAttributes of Successful PractitionersPart II. Common Issues and Problematic Behaviors Experienced by Older AdultsChapter 4: Health Challenges That Impact the Well-Being of Older AdultsImpact of Age-Related Diseases on Activities of Daily LivingCardiovascular DiseasesDiabetesCancerArthritisOsteoporosisFallsVision DisordersCerebrovascular DiseaseHIV/AIDSChapter 5: Challenging Conditions Experienced by Older AdultsAlzheimer’s DiseaseDepressionAnxietySubstance AbuseElder AbuseChapter 6: Family Issues and Support SystemsCaregivingGrandparentingSupport SystemsChapter 7: Loss and Its Effect on Older AdultsLossDivorceWidowhoodDying and DeathChapter 8: Opportunities in Later LifePsychosocial Theories Related to EngagementEmploymentRetirementLeisureRetirementPart III: Professional Practice in Working With Older ClientsChapter 9: Skills, Attitudes, and Knowledge of Effective PractitionersCounselor Preparation and DevelopmentStrategies to Use in Counseling Older AdultsChapter 10: Professional Practice With Goals for Older AdultsPsychosocial InterventionsStages of the Helping RelationshipIssues Brought to the Helping RelationshipDealing With UncertaintyTerminal IllnessDeath and DyingChapter 11: Therapeutic Approaches and Appropriateness for Older ClientsProblem Solving TherapyBrief Dynamic TherapyBehavioral TherapyCognitive TherapyCognitive-Behavioral TherapyIntegrative ApproachStrengths-Based ApproachReminiscence Therapy and Life ReviewFamily Systems ApproachReality OrientationChapter 12: Future TrendsPositive AgingHealth CareEmployment and RetirementCounseling Considerations