Our work involves leading short-term groups for people living with dementia, care partners, care providers, and friends and family. Often, we face comments such as, “Oh, that must be so difficult and painful!” or “Wait, people living with dementia participate?” These responses are not surprising, as traditional psychology portrays dementia as a tragedy for everyone involved. However, our approach challenges this narrative and offers the potential for emotional growth and development for all.
How is this possible? We practice a group-oriented approach to human development called social therapeutics, which focuses on social growth and collective creativity. Instead of trying to “fix” individuals from the inside out, we relate to people as creators and performers of their lives. We believe that everyone, regardless of cognition, has something to offer and is a creator of the group. Our experience has shown that our ability to perform, pretend, play, and improvise is essential for emotional growth.
Over the last four years, we have offered four-week short-term groups through Life Performance Coaching. These improvisational groups are designed to help individuals experience themselves as part of an ensemble and to create something new together. By bringing together a diverse group of people, we have seen a greater chance for emotional and personal development for everyone involved, including ourselves as coaches.
Our approach has led to transformative experiences within our groups. For example, one woman in the group felt she was losing her mother to Alzheimer’s and needed to let go. The group invited her to explore what their relationship could become now, given the new circumstances. This was a perspective she had never considered before.
Another instance involved a woman expressing her frustration with her husband’s memory loss. A man with early-stage Alzheimer’s suggested responding playfully, which significantly improved their connection. These scenarios demonstrate the power of our approach in creating new possibilities and transforming emotional pain into growth.
Through the performatory nature of the groups, we have witnessed individuals grappling with difficult issues, expressing humor, and finding new ways to relate to dementia. Participants have discovered new aspects of themselves and their relationships, indicating significant emotional growth.
In a follow-up survey, a participant mentioned learning to play, accept, enjoy, and be giving to their loved one with dementia. This exemplifies the transformative impact of our approach, which has the potential to change feelings of shame and isolation into connection and new possibilities.
Ultimately, our work demonstrates that emotional development is possible for everyone involved, including people living with dementia. Together, we are inspired by the courage and willingness of our clients to break free from isolating roles and embrace new possibilities, showing that growth is within reach for all.
