Geriatric and Seniors Counselling in Bishop's Stortford

Photo of Emma Catherine Coyle, MA, BACP, Psychotherapist
Emma Catherine Coyle
Psychotherapist, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Bishop's Stortford CM23
My background is in counselling young adults (14+) through to older clients (94 being my eldest to date).
I aim to instil an overall sense of mental wellbeing and health; to help clients work through past traumas by showing them a different, more positive way of understanding them; and to free individuals from long held anxieties so they can maintain better relationships and live a happier life. Alongside Private Practice, I work for the NHS as the Health and Wellbeing Practitioner at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire, offering onsite counselling to staff members. Prior to re-training as a Counsellor, I worked for 14 years in the Financial Sector and so have plenty of knowledge and understanding of the Corporate world.
My background is in counselling young adults (14+) through to older clients (94 being my eldest to date).
I aim to instil an overall sense of mental wellbeing and health; to help clients work through past traumas by showing them a different, more positive way of understanding them; and to free individuals from long held anxieties so they can maintain better relationships and live a happier life. Alongside Private Practice, I work for the NHS as the Health and Wellbeing Practitioner at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire, offering onsite counselling to staff members. Prior to re-training as a Counsellor, I worked for 14 years in the Financial Sector and so have plenty of knowledge and understanding of the Corporate world.
07588 727030 View 07588 727030
Photo of Paula Jane Bantick-Ward, MBACP, Counsellor
Paula Jane Bantick-Ward
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bishop's Stortford CM23
Hello I am Paula and my aim is to make professional counselling accessible, affordable and convenient - so anyone who struggles with life's challenges can get help. Depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelmed are words we all hear on a daily basis when generally chatting to family, friends or work colleagues . Counselling can help us cope with those over consuming feelings. Sadly we cannot avoid trauma happening but seeking help during the trauma or even months, years later may reduce risk to further illnesses that have been linked to psychological trauma. Are you in an abusive relationship or having issues as a couple?
Hello I am Paula and my aim is to make professional counselling accessible, affordable and convenient - so anyone who struggles with life's challenges can get help. Depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelmed are words we all hear on a daily basis when generally chatting to family, friends or work colleagues . Counselling can help us cope with those over consuming feelings. Sadly we cannot avoid trauma happening but seeking help during the trauma or even months, years later may reduce risk to further illnesses that have been linked to psychological trauma. Are you in an abusive relationship or having issues as a couple?
07480 534624 View 07480 534624
Photo of Liz White, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Liz White
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Bishop's Stortford CM23
I am a highly qualified and experienced Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I have spent 16 years working in NHS mental health services, and now focus on my private practice full time. With a high level of expertise, I am able to create a bespoke therapeutic experience that helps clients move towards their goals. I focus on providing high quality, evidence based therapy that enables clients to feel empowered and understood, enabling them to learn the skills needed to make positive and long lasting changes in their lives.
I am a highly qualified and experienced Chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I have spent 16 years working in NHS mental health services, and now focus on my private practice full time. With a high level of expertise, I am able to create a bespoke therapeutic experience that helps clients move towards their goals. I focus on providing high quality, evidence based therapy that enables clients to feel empowered and understood, enabling them to learn the skills needed to make positive and long lasting changes in their lives.
01992 351093 View 01992 351093
Photo of Lee Millward, BACP, Counsellor
Lee Millward
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bishop's Stortford CM23
It’s not unusual to have feelings that weigh us down and reach a stage of great distress and hopelessness. Whether you feel you are in crisis or just want to get to grips with thoughts and feelings that may be disturbing you, I can help. You might feel anxiety, depression, anger or shame. You might be having relationship problems or going through big changes in your life like the loss of a loved one or a job that have a big impact on you and you need help to cope with. Or there may be something inside you that you have lived with for some time and that gets in the way and prevents you from leading a fuller and happier life.
It’s not unusual to have feelings that weigh us down and reach a stage of great distress and hopelessness. Whether you feel you are in crisis or just want to get to grips with thoughts and feelings that may be disturbing you, I can help. You might feel anxiety, depression, anger or shame. You might be having relationship problems or going through big changes in your life like the loss of a loved one or a job that have a big impact on you and you need help to cope with. Or there may be something inside you that you have lived with for some time and that gets in the way and prevents you from leading a fuller and happier life.
020 3984 7552 View 020 3984 7552

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Christine Barton, Counsellor
Christine Barton
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Harlow CM19
I understand that to make that first call or email for counselling can be extremely difficult, the fact you’re here means you’ve taken the first step towards making positive changes in your life. Are you stuck, feeling lost or alone, afraid or upset? I aim to help you to make sense of your fears, worries and anxieties. Many people find it easier to talk to someone who they see as being separate to their life rather than friends or family. I can help you make sense of experiences of the past and resolve complicated feelings linked to these. Therapy can be used to better yourself, allowing you to take complete control of your life.
I understand that to make that first call or email for counselling can be extremely difficult, the fact you’re here means you’ve taken the first step towards making positive changes in your life. Are you stuck, feeling lost or alone, afraid or upset? I aim to help you to make sense of your fears, worries and anxieties. Many people find it easier to talk to someone who they see as being separate to their life rather than friends or family. I can help you make sense of experiences of the past and resolve complicated feelings linked to these. Therapy can be used to better yourself, allowing you to take complete control of your life.
07723 440410 View 07723 440410
Photo of Kathy Ann Bassett, MBACP, Counsellor
Kathy Ann Bassett
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ware SG12
Events within our lives can leave you feeling anxious depressed and lacking in confidence. Seeking help during these difficult times can often seem overwhelming and the world can seem a scary place. I am a qualified Counsellor experienced in working with clients with addictions, or who are trying to cope with the loss of a loved one. Circumstances have left some of my clients with low self esteem and generally feeling low.
Events within our lives can leave you feeling anxious depressed and lacking in confidence. Seeking help during these difficult times can often seem overwhelming and the world can seem a scary place. I am a qualified Counsellor experienced in working with clients with addictions, or who are trying to cope with the loss of a loved one. Circumstances have left some of my clients with low self esteem and generally feeling low.
01920 455423 View 01920 455423
Photo of Karen Batchelor, MBACP, Counsellor
Karen Batchelor
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Ware SG12
As we continue to live our lives day after day sometimes this journey can begin to feel like an up hill climb. I am here to listen to any worries, concerns or difficulties you may be experiencing. Are you struggling to cope with a loss, whether it be a bereavement, a relationship, a job or just feeling that your life is passing you by and it is not working out how you had hoped. Sometimes we may find it hard to talk to or confide in our friends and loved ones, worried about upsetting them and not wanting to burden them or perhaps you fear being judged or may think that your problems are not as bad as theirs.
As we continue to live our lives day after day sometimes this journey can begin to feel like an up hill climb. I am here to listen to any worries, concerns or difficulties you may be experiencing. Are you struggling to cope with a loss, whether it be a bereavement, a relationship, a job or just feeling that your life is passing you by and it is not working out how you had hoped. Sometimes we may find it hard to talk to or confide in our friends and loved ones, worried about upsetting them and not wanting to burden them or perhaps you fear being judged or may think that your problems are not as bad as theirs.
01707 959061 View 01707 959061
Photo of Mark Richard Bullock - From The Chair Counselling, MBACP, Counsellor
From The Chair Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Harlow CM18  (Online Only)
Hi my name is Mark try my service with your first online session free. I am an experienced counsellor with a level four diploma in therapeutic Counselling .I have also worked in various agencies supporting clients experiencing emotional difficulties such as anxiety ,stress, depression .suicidal thoughts and addiction. My therapeutic focus is to help you understand how your past is affecting you in the present . Understand how our beliefs we hold about ourselves can affect our behaviour and the outcome in situations . Give you the tools and understanding to cope with life's difficulties.
Hi my name is Mark try my service with your first online session free. I am an experienced counsellor with a level four diploma in therapeutic Counselling .I have also worked in various agencies supporting clients experiencing emotional difficulties such as anxiety ,stress, depression .suicidal thoughts and addiction. My therapeutic focus is to help you understand how your past is affecting you in the present . Understand how our beliefs we hold about ourselves can affect our behaviour and the outcome in situations . Give you the tools and understanding to cope with life's difficulties.
07481 338732 View 07481 338732
Photo of Maria Bailey - MB Psychotherapy, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
MB Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Harlow CM18
Waitlist for new clients
As a CBT therapist I work well with any depression or anxiety based disorders including low self esteem, generalised anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Health anxiety, social anxiety, Phobias and panic disorder. People are often bothered by highly distressing symptoms and have a clear idea about what they would like to get from therapy which is usually a reduction of symptoms and getting life back on track. People often seek clarity and an explanation for their distress followed by solutions of how to deal with them. My specialist area of interests are trauma, GAD, co-morbid long term health conditions and adolescents.
As a CBT therapist I work well with any depression or anxiety based disorders including low self esteem, generalised anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Health anxiety, social anxiety, Phobias and panic disorder. People are often bothered by highly distressing symptoms and have a clear idea about what they would like to get from therapy which is usually a reduction of symptoms and getting life back on track. People often seek clarity and an explanation for their distress followed by solutions of how to deal with them. My specialist area of interests are trauma, GAD, co-morbid long term health conditions and adolescents.
01279 260402 View 01279 260402
Photo of Anna Bailey, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Anna Bailey
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Saffron Walden CB11
You are not alone. Whatever your difficulties may be, there is always a way forward. Therapy may be the right choice for you if you are looking to reduce distress, improve your wellbeing and achieve your goals. Clients who meet with me gain a greater understanding of their difficulties and develop the ability to overcome these. If you are feeling overwhelmed, find yourself unable to move away from unhelpful thoughts or memories, or just sense that things are not quite right, then please get in touch to discuss whether therapy could be of benefit to you.
You are not alone. Whatever your difficulties may be, there is always a way forward. Therapy may be the right choice for you if you are looking to reduce distress, improve your wellbeing and achieve your goals. Clients who meet with me gain a greater understanding of their difficulties and develop the ability to overcome these. If you are feeling overwhelmed, find yourself unable to move away from unhelpful thoughts or memories, or just sense that things are not quite right, then please get in touch to discuss whether therapy could be of benefit to you.
01763 291258 View 01763 291258
Photo of Jacqui Carol, BACP, Counsellor
Jacqui Carol
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Stevenage SG9  (Online Only)
I am a Person-Centred Counsellor who provides a warm and welcoming space to nurture and develop my client’s own inner self and power. I believe throughout life we all face moments of great difficulties; however, we have hidden depths of strength that can be discovered and utilised when given a safe place to explore. Making the decision to seek support from a counsellor can feel daunting. I will work with you to meet your needs supporting you to feel safe in your personal journey. What can initially be perceived as difficult or frightening can actually inspire insight giving the opportunity to thrive, change and move forward.
I am a Person-Centred Counsellor who provides a warm and welcoming space to nurture and develop my client’s own inner self and power. I believe throughout life we all face moments of great difficulties; however, we have hidden depths of strength that can be discovered and utilised when given a safe place to explore. Making the decision to seek support from a counsellor can feel daunting. I will work with you to meet your needs supporting you to feel safe in your personal journey. What can initially be perceived as difficult or frightening can actually inspire insight giving the opportunity to thrive, change and move forward.
01438 907148 View 01438 907148
Photo of Jenny Noero, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Jenny Noero
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ware SG11  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychoogist, I specialise in couples therapy, EMDR and an integrative approach . If you are looking for an experienced therapist then I offer over 30 years of professional experience with 22 years in the NHS. I can help if you are a couple experiencing relationship breakdown, emotionally heightened interactions, or a particular problem impacting on your relationship. I provide EMDR to individuals with PTSD or longer term trauma, anxiety and loss. In addition, as a Clinical Neuropsychologist I can help with health or neurological conditions within the context of our therapy.
As a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychoogist, I specialise in couples therapy, EMDR and an integrative approach . If you are looking for an experienced therapist then I offer over 30 years of professional experience with 22 years in the NHS. I can help if you are a couple experiencing relationship breakdown, emotionally heightened interactions, or a particular problem impacting on your relationship. I provide EMDR to individuals with PTSD or longer term trauma, anxiety and loss. In addition, as a Clinical Neuropsychologist I can help with health or neurological conditions within the context of our therapy.
020 3893 2758 View 020 3893 2758

Online Therapists

Photo of Remy Marckus, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Remy Marckus
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Haywards Heath RH16
I have a specific interest and expertise in working with clients who have developed progressive neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia.
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist who has been studying and working in the field for the past 22 years and I now run a private practice in Mid Sussex. With over 15 years of experience working in the NHS I have developed a keen interest in supporting people to build confidence in managing a wide range of difficulties such as Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Health Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Bereavement Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I have a specific interest and expertise in working with clients who have developed progressive neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia.
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist who has been studying and working in the field for the past 22 years and I now run a private practice in Mid Sussex. With over 15 years of experience working in the NHS I have developed a keen interest in supporting people to build confidence in managing a wide range of difficulties such as Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Health Anxiety, Low Self-Esteem, Bereavement Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
01444 719164 View 01444 719164
Photo of Tania Thorn - Dr. Tania Thorn: ADHD & Autism specialist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr. Tania Thorn: ADHD & Autism specialist
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tring HP23  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In addition, I specialise in working with late and young onset dementia.
I'm a neurodivergent, dual qualified Clinical Psychologist and Family & Couples Therapist with over 25 years experience, including working as a NHS Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I divide my time between a NHS specialist ADHD & Autism Service and my private practice, specialising in neurodiversity in adults. I provide ADHD & Autism screening and diagnosis, utilising validated and structured assessments. I also offer CBT for ADHD group therapy, coaching and evidence based therapy. For neurodivergent people in employment, intervention may be funded by Access to Work.
In addition, I specialise in working with late and young onset dementia.
I'm a neurodivergent, dual qualified Clinical Psychologist and Family & Couples Therapist with over 25 years experience, including working as a NHS Consultant Clinical Psychologist. I divide my time between a NHS specialist ADHD & Autism Service and my private practice, specialising in neurodiversity in adults. I provide ADHD & Autism screening and diagnosis, utilising validated and structured assessments. I also offer CBT for ADHD group therapy, coaching and evidence based therapy. For neurodivergent people in employment, intervention may be funded by Access to Work.
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Photo of Dr Sheila Evetts, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Sheila Evetts
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nottingham NG8
Hi, I’m Sheila. I’m a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working as a therapist in the NHS with people of all ages with a diverse range of problems and from a variety of backgrounds. I have particular expertise in issues of later life including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief/bereavement, adjustment to illness, carer burden, living with dementia and other life limiting conditions. I continue to work part-time in the NHS as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Service specialising in older people’s mental health. I draw on a range of approaches including CBT and EMDR.
Hi, I’m Sheila. I’m a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience working as a therapist in the NHS with people of all ages with a diverse range of problems and from a variety of backgrounds. I have particular expertise in issues of later life including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief/bereavement, adjustment to illness, carer burden, living with dementia and other life limiting conditions. I continue to work part-time in the NHS as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Service specialising in older people’s mental health. I draw on a range of approaches including CBT and EMDR.
01283 372645 View 01283 372645
Photo of Dr Robin Goldthorpe, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Robin Goldthorpe
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Haywards Heath RH16
I specialise in providing evidence-based talking therapies for adults and older adults experiencing depression (low mood), anxiety, and stress. Having worked in mental health for over 8 years, I have experience providing therapy to people of all ages with varying levels of need. I provide structured talking therapies, with my approach particularly focussing on helping you understand why you feel the way you do, and how you can better manage the emotions you experience. I aim to do this in a safe and informal environment, providing a confidential space for you to discuss your wellbeing in a guided, structured way.
I specialise in providing evidence-based talking therapies for adults and older adults experiencing depression (low mood), anxiety, and stress. Having worked in mental health for over 8 years, I have experience providing therapy to people of all ages with varying levels of need. I provide structured talking therapies, with my approach particularly focussing on helping you understand why you feel the way you do, and how you can better manage the emotions you experience. I aim to do this in a safe and informal environment, providing a confidential space for you to discuss your wellbeing in a guided, structured way.
01444 718306 View 01444 718306
Photo of Dr Kat Sephton, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Kat Sephton
Psychologist, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Rugby CV23
Hi, I'm Dr Kat Sephton, HCPC registered and BPS chartered Clinical Psychologist and owner of Renew Psychology. I specialise in Neuropsychology, supporting those with neurological conditions (e.g. MS, Dementia, Parkinson's), stroke, traumatic brain injury, and illness affecting the brain. I provide individual therapy, neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation, training and consultation. I have more than a decades experience working in mental health and physical health services, hospitals, care homes and in patients own homes.
Hi, I'm Dr Kat Sephton, HCPC registered and BPS chartered Clinical Psychologist and owner of Renew Psychology. I specialise in Neuropsychology, supporting those with neurological conditions (e.g. MS, Dementia, Parkinson's), stroke, traumatic brain injury, and illness affecting the brain. I provide individual therapy, neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation, training and consultation. I have more than a decades experience working in mental health and physical health services, hospitals, care homes and in patients own homes.
01788 228409 View 01788 228409
Photo of Dr Ally Tomlins, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Ally Tomlins
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London SW1W
Waitlist for new clients
Her areas of expertise are in assessing and treating the following issues: Anxiety, depression, stress, low self esteem, managing transitions in life (such as changes in the family, health related changes, job related changes, parenthood, marriage), bereavement, trauma and dementia.
Dr Tomlins is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. She has won numerous national awards for her work in creating innovative mental health services. She currently leads psychological care for urgent and acute mental health wards of an inner city London NHS Trust. Alongside this, she runs a thriving private practice London. She is a lecturer and Deputy Course Director at UCL for the Clinical Associate in Psychology MSC. Her work as a Clinical Supervisor for doctoral trainees at UCL, UEL, Royal Holloway and Surrey has nurtured the development of many currently practicing psychologists.
Her areas of expertise are in assessing and treating the following issues: Anxiety, depression, stress, low self esteem, managing transitions in life (such as changes in the family, health related changes, job related changes, parenthood, marriage), bereavement, trauma and dementia.
Dr Tomlins is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. She has won numerous national awards for her work in creating innovative mental health services. She currently leads psychological care for urgent and acute mental health wards of an inner city London NHS Trust. Alongside this, she runs a thriving private practice London. She is a lecturer and Deputy Course Director at UCL for the Clinical Associate in Psychology MSC. Her work as a Clinical Supervisor for doctoral trainees at UCL, UEL, Royal Holloway and Surrey has nurtured the development of many currently practicing psychologists.
020 3872 2711 View 020 3872 2711
Photo of Dr Chancy Marsh CPsychol, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Chancy Marsh CPsychol
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Rayleigh SS6
I work across the lifespan, this includes children, adolescents, adults, older adults and can include couples, individual or even family sessions.
I am a chartered clinical psychologist with 15 years experience in mental health. Whilst working in the NHS, I have set up The Sycamore Private Practice so that people outside of mental health services can access support. I have worked with people, who have benefited from making sense of difficult or/and frightening experiences, improving their mood or lowering anxiety. If you would like a safe place in order to understand more about what is going on for you, or perhaps have specific areas that need a focus, we can do this together and at a pace that suits you. I have listed my areas of expertise and experience as a guide for you.
I work across the lifespan, this includes children, adolescents, adults, older adults and can include couples, individual or even family sessions.
I am a chartered clinical psychologist with 15 years experience in mental health. Whilst working in the NHS, I have set up The Sycamore Private Practice so that people outside of mental health services can access support. I have worked with people, who have benefited from making sense of difficult or/and frightening experiences, improving their mood or lowering anxiety. If you would like a safe place in order to understand more about what is going on for you, or perhaps have specific areas that need a focus, we can do this together and at a pace that suits you. I have listed my areas of expertise and experience as a guide for you.
01702 418809 View 01702 418809
Photo of Phoebe Clausen-Sternwald, MBACP, Counsellor
Phoebe Clausen-Sternwald
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Southampton SO16
I also specialise in Anxiety, Developmental trauma, OCD, Grief, Child loss, Cancer and Dementia.
I am a Counsellor and a Grief Educator with a background in Nursing. I provide short-term and long-term (open-ended) counselling to adults, age over 18. In-person counselling is conducted in Burley, New Forest and in Rownhams, Southampton. Remote counselling sessions can take place via Zoom WhatsApp, Team and phone call. You may feel apprehensive about choosing the right counsellor for the issues you wish to process. I offer a free 20 minute session to chat with me via WhatsApp or Zoom. This is an opportunity for you to find out if I would be a good fit for you. Please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation initial chat.
I also specialise in Anxiety, Developmental trauma, OCD, Grief, Child loss, Cancer and Dementia.
I am a Counsellor and a Grief Educator with a background in Nursing. I provide short-term and long-term (open-ended) counselling to adults, age over 18. In-person counselling is conducted in Burley, New Forest and in Rownhams, Southampton. Remote counselling sessions can take place via Zoom WhatsApp, Team and phone call. You may feel apprehensive about choosing the right counsellor for the issues you wish to process. I offer a free 20 minute session to chat with me via WhatsApp or Zoom. This is an opportunity for you to find out if I would be a good fit for you. Please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation initial chat.
01480 277359 View 01480 277359

See more therapy options for Bishop's Stortford

Geriatric and Seniors Counsellors

Is one ever too old for mental health therapy?

Individuals of all ages can benefit from mental health therapy. Indeed, older adults in particular may benefit from the social and psychological support a therapist can provide; the topics that older adults address in therapy may simply differ from those of younger clients. Seniors should seek out a therapist who has experience working with older individuals and who is well-versed in addressing common concerns among elderly individuals, such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, dementia, and physical mobility challenges.

How can geriatric therapy improve the quality of life of aging individuals?

Therapy for aging adults can greatly improve quality of life by providing an opportunity for them to process difficult emotions related to end-of-life, navigate relational or caregiver challenges, and develop coping skills for common mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression. Subsequent reductions in negative emotions and mental health disorder symptoms can make day-to-day living much more manageable for aging adults and those that care for them. The ongoing relationship with a trusted therapist can also help seniors combat loneliness and provide a sense of structure for their routine.

How is counselling for elderly different from counseling for other age groups?

Many aspects of geriatric counselling are similar to counselling in younger age groups; in general, counselling offers an opportunity for clients to process difficult life events and develop coping skills they can use outside of the therapy session. However, therapists who specialise in working with elderly clients may place a special emphasis on specific topics, such as caregiver relationships and reducing loneliness. They may be specially equipped to deal with certain physical conditions or facilitate discussion surrounding end-of-life topics. Counselling for the elderly may also place a greater emphasis on social work-type topics to ensure that geriatric clients have access to necessary resources, such as food, a safe home environment, and healthcare.

Can geriatric counselling help people who suffer from dementia?

Counselling can be highly effective for aging adults with dementia. While some therapists specialising in dementia may work with clients solely on topics surrounding memory loss, they can also assist clients with conditions that may co-occur at old age, such as anxiety or depression. Counsellors specialising in working with older adults can also offer an objective assessment of a client’s functioning or disease progression to caregivers, and they may be particularly knowledgeable about community resources that may benefit dementia clients and their families. Therapists specialising in dementia may also be trained in specialised forms of therapy for memory loss, such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)—which can help mentally stimulate dementia clients to preserve cognitive functioning.