What is validation therapy?

Validation therapy is a therapeutic approach primarily used in the care of individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairments. It focuses on acknowledging and validating the feelings and beliefs of the patient, even if those beliefs are based on a misunderstood or outdated perception of reality. By accepting a person’s lived experiences, therapists can create a more supportive environment that fosters communication and connection.

The essence of validation therapy lies in the respect it shows for the individual's personal history and feelings. This approach helps reduce agitation and frustration that can arise when caregivers challenge or ignore a patient's perceptions of reality. Instead of pushing for a reality-based narrative, caregivers validate the emotional experience behind the person's beliefs, thereby increasing their sense of self-worth and emotional well-being.

In contrast, methods that aim to manipulate patients' beliefs or ignore their past experiences do not align with the principles of validation therapy, as these approaches can lead to deeper feelings of confusion, frustration, or helplessness in the individual receiving care. Similarly, a strategy focused solely on future goals would not cater to the emotional and psychological needs of individuals living in the past, thus missing the core intent of validation therapy to make those individuals feel understood and accepted in their current state.