Helping Relationships With Older Adults

"A definite read for students in counseling programs for improving the lives of older adults!"

–Amy Gray-Graves, Webster University

Helping Relationships with Older Adults: From Theory to Practice examines the fundamental theoretical perspectives of the aging process with an emphasis on the healthy aspects of aging. Taking a comprehensive approach, the text addresses various therapeutic methods as it highlights the strengths and resiliency of the older population. Exercises and case studies demonstrate key concepts and promote skill development by allowing students to experience the various challenges in the lives of older clients. 

Helping Relationships with Older Adults: From Theory to Practice is part of the Counseling and Professional Identity Series.

Dr. Adelle M. Williams is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and currently resides with her family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  She earned her PhD and Master’s in Education in Rehabilitation Counseling and her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh.  She later obtained a Master’s in Business Administration from Robert Morris College. Throughout her academic pursuits she has focused on aging and aging-related issues. Currently, Dr. Williams is the Gerontology Coordinator and Professor within the Public Health and Social Work department within Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania since June, 2015.  She teaches graduate counseling courses and undergraduate gerontology courses and is described as a dynamic professor who inspires students to advocate for the interests of our elders.  Prior to this appointment, Dr. Williams was a Professor and Gerontology Coordinator within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program within the Counseling and Development and responsible for the newly created Aging specialization.  Other positions held within the University include Professor and Gerontology Coordinator within the Health and Safety Management department, Assistant to the Dean for the College of Health, Environment and Science, Director of the Health Services Administration Program, Co-developer of the Long Term Care Administration specialization, Adjunct Professor within the Department of Allied Health and Faculty Liaison to Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dr. Williams’ research interests include aging, health and mental health, cultural diversity,    women’s issues and administration.  She has published articles in the Gerontologist, Protective Services Quarterly, The Afrocentric Scholar, The Journal of Allied Health, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, The Journal of Long Term Care Administration, Physical Therapy Education. The Journal of Health Administration Education, and the Pennsylvania Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Dr. Williams’ has presented at the local, state, national and international levels.  She has been invited to present and invited to deliver the keynote address at several commencement ceremonies.  She has attained grants and managed the grant application process.  Dr. Williams has conducted many program reviews and interviewed by the media. Clinical positions in the private sector included clinician, clinical supervisor, admissions administration and research program coordinator within the Geriatric Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurology Unit of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. She conducted individual, family and group sessions, lead reminiscence groups, interpreted various assessments, and connected older adults with community services while operating within a multidisciplinary team. She also served in a consultant capacity for the Center for Aging and Research Program Director at the Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh within the Geriatrics Division. Her clinical, research and administrative experiences has proven valuable in teaching students to appreciate the challenges and opportunities inherent in the aging process and professional work with older adults.