It emphasizes listening to the person, reminiscing with them, and rephrasing their thoughts to validate their feelings, regardless of how they expressed them. It can help the patients feel heard by addressing their emotions with empathy, Verywell Health says.

WHAT IS IT? Validation therapy can help people with dementia navigate the emotions behind negative behaviors. It’ s based on the theory that challenging behavior is driven by unmet needs and the frustration

of experiencing emotions that do not or cannot find another outlet for expression. These feelings can lead to agitation, delusions and other negative behaviors. The therapy was developed between 1963 and 1980 by Naomi Feil, a social worker who grew up in a family immersed in the care of older people.

HOW DO YOU USE IT?

The first step in validation therapy is to center yourself before engaging with the patient. Take a deep breath, slow down and think.

Ask the patient questions about what they’ re talking about. If they ask to go home while at home, ask what their house looks like. Let the patient express their feelings on their own timeline. Ask if they miss their home, what they miss the most. Acknowledge and match their emotions. Rephrase their feelings back to them, reassuring them that you understand and feel their emotions. Work to decrease their anxiety by expressing what they’ re feeling. Engage their senses by asking what color the house was, what it smelled like. Maybe

certain flowers bloomed outside or maybe their mom wore a certain scent they remember.

EFFECTIVENESS

Research on how effective validation therapy is mixed, Verywell Health says.

A 2024 study involved 41 families who recorded caregiver interactions with their loved ones. Researchers found validation therapy methods improved cooperation with care and limited distress.

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