VALIDATION THERAPY Health Article

VALIDATION THERAPY

Definition

Validation therapy (VT) is therapy developed for people with dementia based on accepting the demented person’s perception of reality.

Synonyms

VT.

Overview

Validation therapy (VT) was developed by Naomi Feil for working with older adults with cognitive impairment. VT focuses on responding to the affect or emotion expressed by the patient rather than the actual content, which may be distorted. Rather than correct and attempt to reorient a disoriented person, positive reinforcement is continually given. The theory is that reorientation efforts may increase feelings of anxiety and insecurity in the person with dementia. Studies have failed to provide evidence that this therapy offers any benefit to the patient. VT is psychosocial therapy that may help decrease behavioral disturbances.

Treatment for:

• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease