The Nurturing Environment Model Handbook

The field of psychotherapy has traditionally underestimated, or even excluded, the benefits of psychotherapy for older adults. The Nurturing Environment Model (NEM), presented in this handbook, holds that older age provides a unique opportunity for self discovery, awareness, and growth not seen in any other age group. The growth can be multidimensional and rich in its focus, developing clarity on the past, present, and future. The NEM method incorporates a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches including Cognitive, Behavioral, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Positive Psychology, Postmodern Psychology, Systems theory, and Psychodynamic modalities. Similar to Donald Winnicott's emphasis on providing a Holding Environment to nurture and support a child's growth, the NEM model emphasizes the importance of providing a Nurturing Environment to support the older adult client's strengths, capabilities, and continued growth.