Summer School in GerontoPsychology 2026: Professional Development in Cognitive Stimulation and Memory Through Imagery

Asociația Română de Psihologie Clinică
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Continuing education in the field of clinical psychology and Gerontopsychology constitutes an imperative necessity in the current context, marked by significant demographic transformations and increased prevalence of cognitive disorders in older adult people.

From this perspective, the Summer School in GerontoPsychology 2026, organized by the Romanian Association of Clinical Psychology in partnership with the National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics "Ana Aslan" and the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Bucharest, positions itself as a reference training program dedicated to the professional development of psychologists in the field of cognitive stimulation and Gerontopsychological interventions.

Structure and Content of the Summer School

The Summer School in GerontoPsychology 2026 is distinguished by a profoundly applied approach, in which theoretical components complement real clinical practice. The program operates in intensive format, with 6 hours of daily activities, during the period August 3-6, 2026, at the Central Headquarters of NIGG "Ana Aslan".

This intensive format enables participants not only to accumulate new knowledge but also to develop practical skills immediately transferable to clinical practice, therapeutic work, or community-based psychogerontological contexts.

Central Themes of the Program

Day 1: Stigmatization and Innovative Approaches to Mediation

The opening day of the program addresses a clinical issue of major relevance in working with older persons: stigmatization and age-based discrimination. The introductory session, coordinated by Lect. Psychologist Princ. Claudia Bălan, explores the mechanisms through which social prejudices and subtle abuse—often disguised in socially acceptable forms—affect the psychological and behavioral equilibrium of older adults.

The following practical component, the Photolangage mediation workshop, led by Conf. Dr. Psychologist Princ. Rozeta Drăghici, introduces participants to the methodology of using imagery as an instrument for facilitating emotional expression. Photolanguage is a structured clinical tool for assessment, support, and therapy, serving as an essential therapeutic mediator that bypasses defense mechanisms, stimulates neural plasticity, and facilitates access to the fundamental identity of the elderly person.

Day 2: Creativity and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation Post-Stroke

The second day proposes a progression toward more specialized interventions, integrating the components of creativity and neuropsychological rehabilitation. The "Collage of Self" workshop, conducted by Lect. Psychologist Princ. Ioana Găiculescu, utilizes artistic collage type materials for identity exploration and reinforcement of self-esteem—aspects critical in work with older adults experiencing significant modifications of self-image and social roles.

The session on neurocognitive stimulation post-stroke, coordinated by Lect. Drd. Psychologist Princ. Alexandra Rusu, addresses a domain of clinical importance that continues to grow. Cerebrovascular accident (CVA/stroke) constitutes a public health concern with major impact on the cognitive and psychological functionality of older persons. Knowledge of neuroplasticity principles and evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation methods enables clinicians to optimize recovery and functional readaptation processes.

Day 3: Assistive Technology and Clinical Innovation

The third day represents a turning point toward modernizing gerontopsychological interventions through technology integration. The session coordinated by Lect. Dr. Psychologist Princ. Andreea Marin explores how digital devices and applications can serve as instruments for cognitive stimulation adapted to the specific needs of older persons, accounting for both their cognitive capacities and physiological limitations.

The integration of technology into clinical gerontopsychological practice is not a simple application of new tools, but a reconceptualization of how personalized interventions are structured and implemented.

Day 4: Consolidation Through Memory Training

The conclusion of the program focuses on a clinically validated method: the L. Israel Method of Memory Training. The adaptation of this methodology for work with older adults, under the direction of Conf. Dr. Psychologist Princ.

Rozeta Drăghici, enables participants to internalize an intervention protocol that can be implemented in diverse contexts: individual clinical practice, therapeutic groups, or programs for cognitive decline prevention.

Organizational and Human Framework

The partnership between the Romanian Association of Clinical Psychology, the National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics "Ana Aslan", and Bucharest Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences (Department of Applied Psychology and Psychotherapy) of the University of Bucharest ensures training grounded in both excellent clinical practice and academic-level research.

Session coordinators are clinical psychologists with consolidated expertise in the field, whose practice reflects international standards of intervention and current knowledge of scientific literature.

Program Relevance to Professional Needs

The program is designed for students at the master's level in Clinical Gerontopsychology, Counseling and Therapeutic Interventions, as well as other professionals in clinical psychology from FPSE-UB seeking to develop their competencies in working with older adults.

The limited number of places (maximum 28 participants) ensures optimal group dynamics and permits individualized development of practical skills.

Conclusions

The Summer School in GerontoPsychology 2026 constitutes a substantial opportunity for updating and deepening knowledge and competencies in the field, with direct impact on the quality of clinical interventions that professionals will provide to older persons.

In the context of demographic transformations and increased complexity of the psychological needs of the geriatric population, investment in quality continuing education is not an option but a professional obligation.

Participation in this inaugural edition of the Summer School allows participants not only to obtain official certification but also to connect with a community of professionals dedicated to excellence in gerontopsychology.