Discussion

Abstract

In her opening paragraph, Dr. Crusey comments that practitioners have often suggested that older adults are “depressing and difficult to work with, incapable of improvement or growth, and therefore unlikely to yield satisfaction for the therapist.” Her case study convincingly reflects these ideas by describing the considerable intrapsychic power and drive, investment in the therapeutic process, and capacity for change in her 62-year-old patient. As a therapist, she found herself confronted by an eager patient who quickly developed a powerful erotic transference and promptly acted it out. This is certainly a challenge for anyone’s therapeutic skill. Further, the age difference of 30 years between patient and therapist added a unique dimension to the transference and countertransference.