Bespoke Members
Introduction
This full-day workshop explores evidence-based approaches for supporting older people living with dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The training will provide an overview of the key psychological, behavioural, and social challenges that can arise following diagnosis, and will equip clinicians with practical strategies to enhance care and wellbeing. Drawing on current models of understanding and intervention, the session will emphasise clinical applicability for practitioners working with this client group.
The event will be equivalent to 5.1/2hrs of CPD.
Content
The workshop is structured in two main sections. There will be a brief overview of dementia and mild cognitive impairment, exploring prevalence and the lived experience of cognitive decline.
The morning session will focus on post-diagnostic interventions, including post-diagnostic counselling, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, and group or psychosocial interventions supporting adjustment to diagnosis. This section will explore how such approaches can promote wellbeing, slow cognitive decline and enhance quality of life following a diagnosis. The emphasis will be highlighting practical, evidence-informed tools that can be readily integrated into clinical practice.
The afternoon session will look at behaviours that challenge / distressed behaviours in dementia, introducing unmet needs models such as the Newcastle model and the CLEAR model, as well as principles of positive behaviour support. Participants will learn to conceptualise behaviours as expressions of unmet need and develop strategies to respond compassionately and effectively. Clinical examples and reflective exercises will help translate theory into practice.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the workshop, participants will:
1. Develop an understanding of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
2. Be familiar with evidence-based post-diagnostic interventions, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, and approaches supporting adjustment to diagnosis.
3. Strengthen confidence in supporting people with dementia to live well post-diagnosis.
4. Understand the unmet needs model as a framework for interpreting behaviours that challenge.
5. Integrate psychological and social approaches into holistic dementia care.
Training Modalities
This workshop will include a combination of didactic content, case-based discussion, interactive Q&A, and reflective self-experiential exercises. Clinical examples will be used throughout to illustrate key points and promote applied learning.
Key References
1. Kitwood, T. (1997). Dementia Reconsidered: The Person Comes First. Open University Press.
2. Duffy, F. (2011). The CLEAR Model: A Framework for Working with People with Dementia Who Present with Challenging Behaviour. Journal of Dementia Care, 19(6), 20–22.
3. Duffy, F. (2016). Look at all of me: A Clear Model for dementia care. The Journal of Dementia Care, 22(3), 27-30.
4. Moniz-Cook, E., & Manthorpe, J. (2021). Responding to Behaviour that Challenges in Dementia Care. Routledge.
5. Spector, A., Thorgrimsen, L., Woods, B., Royan, L., Davies, S., Butterworth, M., & Orrell, M. (2003). Efficacy of an evidence-based cognitive stimulation therapy programme for people with dementia: Randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Psychiatry, 183, 248–254.
6. Cheston, R., Dodd, E., & Christopher, G. (2019). Living Well with Dementia (LIVDEM): A Group Manual for Clinicians. Pavilion Publishing.
7. NICE (2022). Dementia: Assessment, Management and Support for People Living with Dementia and Their Carers (NG97).
8. James, I. and Jackman, L. (2017). Understanding Behaviour in Dementia that Challenges. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
About the presenter
Emily Gage:
Dr Emily Gage is an experienced Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). She specialises in clinical psychology and neuropsychology, currently working as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in older adult mental health and dementia assessment services in the NHS.
Emily completed her undergraduate degree at Durham University, followed by a Masters from the University of York, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of East Anglia. Emily later achieved a Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Neuropsychology from the University of Glasgow. Emily is currently pursuing further specialism and recognition in the field of neuropsychology, working towards the Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology (QiCN) through the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Emily has worked in a range of services in the UK and Channel Islands, including brain injury rehabilitation, adult mental health, older adult mental health, and neuropsychological assessment services. Emily is also recognised as an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia, contributing to teaching and research.
Gemma Ridel:
Dr Gemma Ridel is a Chartered Psychologist and Registered Clinical Psychologist. She has completed further training in several psychological approaches including PG professional training in CBT and neuropsychology and is BABCP accredited as a CBT therapist.
Gemma has worked in a variety of NHS settings in Norfolk and London. She also regularly teaches in the UK as well as internationally and has held academic positions and teaches at the UEA and UCL. She is an Associate Fellow of both the Higher Education Academy and the British Psychological Society.
In addition to her clinical and teaching positions, Gemma is also involved in research in relation to psychosocial interventions for dementia.
Clinically, Gemma works with adults and older people and has expertise in CBT and non-pharmacological approaches to dementia.
Who should attend
This event is suitable for clinicians working with older adults in primary or secondary care, including psychologists, nurse therapists, counsellors, occupational therapists, and social workers. It will also be relevant for practitioners providing mental health interventions, post-diagnostic support, or behavioural management in dementia and related services.