Becoming dependent again: The fears of some elderly persons and their younger therapists

Summary In this paper I shall be discussing only a few of the many aspects of dependency in later life that cause difficulties for some elderly persons and for their younger therapists. I shall be particularly emphasising the fear of dependency in both partners in the therapeutic relationship, and the central role that this fear can play in both bringing the elderly person to the mental health professional for help, and in interfering with the provision of help.