Narrative Life Review in Aging
Online Training for Individual & Interpersonal Exploration of What Matters Most
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Tom Meuser, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Applied Gerontologist, interviews Hattie, age 99, at her dining table in 2016. Email Dr. Meuser.
Dr. Meuser founded the UMSL Life Review Project in 2008, and brought this work to the University of New England in 2018. He retired from UNE in 2024 and now teaches on narrative aging through his psychology practice.
Pathways for Life Review
Exploring Personal Narratives for Healing & Growth
Pathways for Life Review
Exploring Personal Narratives for Healing & Growth
This 5-session, synchronous, online course is offered to interested adults four times annually. The next section begins on 1/15/26.
Based on 20+ years of college teaching and practice by instructor, Dr. Tom Meuser, this course introduces participants to a flexible, semi-structured approach to life review exploration and interviewing. Participants learn about the primary theorists and practitioners, essential interviewing techniques, and proven approaches for different personalities and life experiences.
Offered via Google Classroom and Zoom. Tuition is $125 payable up to the start of the course. All materials are included. INTEREST FORM
Syllabus Summary:
1. Introduction. Peak & Nadir Experiences. Trust, Safety, & Essential Process Aspects.
2. Visualizing the Life Story Arc. “Lifeline” Method. Life Themes. Essential Questions.
3. Life Events & Transitions. Death & Legacy Beliefs. Facilitating & Honoring Stories.
4. Life Review in Special Circumstances – Illness, Grief, Dying, Dementia, & More.
5. Closing Session. Participant Presentations (optional). Course & Homework Review. Suggestions for Ongoing Learning.
Tom Meuser, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, applied gerontologist, and social scientist. He retired in 2024 from the University of New England where he was Founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Aging & Health (2018-2024). Earlier, he directed the Gerontology Program at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (2007-2018) and served as the Director of Education & Rural Outreach for the Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine (1999-2007). Throughout his career, Tom taught and practiced narrative interviewing to support older adults in giving voice to their life stories, clarifying values, and understanding personal legacies. His UMSL Life Review Project interviewed over 350 older adult volunteers in the greater St. Louis area. He now offers this knowledge to interested older adults and health/service professionals through in-person and online lectures, courses, and workshops.
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