A Phenomenological Approach to Reminiscence and Life Review

The approach to be presented here can enhance the process of reminiscence by focusing on and experiencing memories beyond the range of simple recall of external details. It can also enable an elderly person to deal with and work through painful and unresolved issues from the past without becoming overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety or depression in the life review process. The approach is phenomenological in that it focuses on the subjectively felt experience and meaning of reminiscences for the older person. It was derived directly from phenomenological philosophy and psychology and then subsequently tested empirically in psychotherapeutic situations. Its further application in the processes of reminiscence and life review are described here. First, the step-by-step procedures of the approach are provided and then illustrated in the case of a 71 -year-old man who was engaged in a reminiscence group and individual life review therapy. The results suggest that this approach is particularly helpful in dealing with dysfunctional, painful, and conflicted reminiscences and life review processes.