Counseling People with Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease: A Powerful Process of Transformation

When my friend Robyn Yale talked about writing this book, I was interested not only as a friend supportive of another friend's work, but as someone who had been a long term caregiver to elderly relatives.However, when I started reading her book, I quickly realized that its framework for coping with early-stage AD could be applied to any of life's many transformations, including one's one aging process. Its integration of three major areas of coping--emotional adjustment, practical coping strategies and lifestyle issues--provide a blueprint for turning life's corners with optimal support and wisdom.The book is beautifully written and clearly organized. I never felt like I was reading a "clinical tome".I highly recommend Counseling People with Early-Stage AD not only to professionals, but to caregivers and anyone interested in navigating life's changes successfully.

Robyn Yale worked with us at the Alzheimer's Association (Georgia Chapter) in developing a counseling program for persons with early stage dementia. We are grateful for her support and expertise in this important area. People diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's are often emotionally devastated and overwhelmed, not knowing where to turn for help and support. Now, Robyn has written a wonderful book for professionals who can help fill this need. The book provides a clear framework for both the professional and the person with early stage dementia, as they face challenges together. The framework is divided into three domains: emotional adjustment, practical coping, and lifestyle issues. The person and the counselor can explore feelings and challenges, set goals, and move forward. Above all, the message of the book is one of hope. The person with early stage dementia still has a life to live. With the kind of help and support Robyn Yale outlines here, the person feels empowered and supported to live his/her best life.Susan Formby, LCSW, Care Consultant, Alzheimer's Association

This book is a must-read for anyone working with families facing early-stage Alzheimer's. Yale provides an excellent overview of issues common to persons with Alzheimer's or a related dementia and organizes these issues into a very practical conceptual counseling framework that can be applied to both short or longer-term counseling and support. She embraces the powerful principles of evolution and resilience that are so overlooked in a population where decline and deficits are often the focus. Most importantly, Yale's framework is grounded in years of working directly with persons with early-stage dementia, so she has effectively developed a model based on that clinical wisdom. Her insight and respect for persons with dementia resonates beautifully throughout the book and results in both a practical and inspiring read.

Robyn Yale's book is clearly written, informative and easily accessible. It offers hope during the early stages of this disease for both patients and families.

Exactly what I needed for my scholarship and work. Unfortunately I seem to have lost the book, if I do not retrieve it this week I will order another copy