The Gerontologist, Vol 33, Issue 2 265-268, Copyright © 1993 by The Gerontological Society of America

ARTICLES

Using an imaginary scrapbook for neurolinguistic programming in the aftermath of a clinical depression: a case history

A Hossack and K Standidge
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool, Merseyside, England.

We employed neurolinguistic programming (NLP) principles to develop a positive self-identity in an elderly male patient in England recovering from clinical depression. This novel technique encouraged recall of intrinsically rewarding past experiences. Each experience was conceptualized in an image and compiled chronologically in an imaginary book, providing continuity to what were chaotic and fragmented recollections during the immediate postdepressive stage. The patient's anxiety and depression were alleviated and his own functional goals largely realized.