Therapists for Seniors in Otago
Have you've been carrying a lot and you're ready to finally start facing it all? Something has come to a head and you're thinking, "It's finally time." The good news is that you don't have to navigate it all on your own. The even better news is we can take it one step at a time so it doesn't feel quite as overwhelming as it may first seem. Rest assured, compassion and empathy are a core part of my approach to ensure you feel safe and supported through your healing journey. We can work together to understand your experience at a deeper level and build healthy coping skills to move forward.
Have you've been carrying a lot and you're ready to finally start facing it all? Something has come to a head and you're thinking, "It's finally time." The good news is that you don't have to navigate it all on your own. The even better news is we can take it one step at a time so it doesn't feel quite as overwhelming as it may first seem. Rest assured, compassion and empathy are a core part of my approach to ensure you feel safe and supported through your healing journey. We can work together to understand your experience at a deeper level and build healthy coping skills to move forward.
The experience of engaging in counselling is a deeply personal journey that affects all of us in different ways, and sometimes in ways we would never have expected.
My areas of specialisation include couples work, family work, trauma, men’s work, mid-life crisis, personality insight and supervision, both clinical and professional. These sit at the heart of how I approach my clinical practice.
By talking together through your concerns, counselling and supervision can support you to see solutions you didn’t know were there. It can also help you find ways to manage more effectively and move forward in your life.
The experience of engaging in counselling is a deeply personal journey that affects all of us in different ways, and sometimes in ways we would never have expected.
My areas of specialisation include couples work, family work, trauma, men’s work, mid-life crisis, personality insight and supervision, both clinical and professional. These sit at the heart of how I approach my clinical practice.
By talking together through your concerns, counselling and supervision can support you to see solutions you didn’t know were there. It can also help you find ways to manage more effectively and move forward in your life.
Hi, I am Lana Van Lierop and have over 20 years experience as a Registered Health Professional and have worked specifically as a mental health therapist/coach (Occupational Therapist) for the past 5 years. My approach is warm and compassionate; I work alongside you to identify what is important, your challenges and how you would like your life to be different. Sessions are very practical, helping you to identify skills and life long coping strategies. I specialise in supporting clients with burnout and overwhelm, anxiety, low mood, ADHD, workplace challenges or feeling stuck and lost.
Hi, I am Lana Van Lierop and have over 20 years experience as a Registered Health Professional and have worked specifically as a mental health therapist/coach (Occupational Therapist) for the past 5 years. My approach is warm and compassionate; I work alongside you to identify what is important, your challenges and how you would like your life to be different. Sessions are very practical, helping you to identify skills and life long coping strategies. I specialise in supporting clients with burnout and overwhelm, anxiety, low mood, ADHD, workplace challenges or feeling stuck and lost.
we all experience some type of setbacks during our lifetime. Things like anxiety, identity crisis, grief, break ups, etc. having an impartial, non-judgmental with a counsellor can help gain clarity, understanding and tools to work with the issue.
we all experience some type of setbacks during our lifetime. Things like anxiety, identity crisis, grief, break ups, etc. having an impartial, non-judgmental with a counsellor can help gain clarity, understanding and tools to work with the issue.
In my counselling work, I prioritise you as the expert in your own life and learn about your current position in what you’re experiencing. In time, we can work together to build pathways toward a life that is empowering to you, your family, and your community. I use methods such as externalising problems, re-authoring your stories, and working with community
In my counselling work, I prioritise you as the expert in your own life and learn about your current position in what you’re experiencing. In time, we can work together to build pathways toward a life that is empowering to you, your family, and your community. I use methods such as externalising problems, re-authoring your stories, and working with community
Kia ora, my name is Ros. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgemental space for you to be heard and feel understood. It might not always feel like it, but you are the expert on your own life. My counselling approach seeks to work with you to explore what’s going well and what’s proving a challenge. Together, we’ll explore your values, assumptions and beliefs and create supportive, functional strategies and solutions to help you make sense of where you are right now.
Kia ora, my name is Ros. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgemental space for you to be heard and feel understood. It might not always feel like it, but you are the expert on your own life. My counselling approach seeks to work with you to explore what’s going well and what’s proving a challenge. Together, we’ll explore your values, assumptions and beliefs and create supportive, functional strategies and solutions to help you make sense of where you are right now.
My passion is to create a space for others to explore their concerns or challenges and feel comfortable doing so as we work together towards your preferred goals ultimately supporting overall wellness.
It can be a stepping out of the boat experience to talk to a professional about what troubles us, so I try to make the 'process' as easy as possible. We all struggle in many ways (normal!) and often, don't know what we don't know so upskilling in self-care or healthy thinking or relational wellness is something we all need to do from time to time to continue moving forward in life in ways that give our lives meaning and colour.
My passion is to create a space for others to explore their concerns or challenges and feel comfortable doing so as we work together towards your preferred goals ultimately supporting overall wellness.
It can be a stepping out of the boat experience to talk to a professional about what troubles us, so I try to make the 'process' as easy as possible. We all struggle in many ways (normal!) and often, don't know what we don't know so upskilling in self-care or healthy thinking or relational wellness is something we all need to do from time to time to continue moving forward in life in ways that give our lives meaning and colour.
Kia ora, I’m Deb, a therapist & mental health professional passionate about helping you find the right insights to unlock the change you’re looking for in your life. I’m formally trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as well as a number of other therapeutic models to tackle a diverse range of difficulties including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship problems, parenting challenges, childhood difficulties, postnatal depression, attachment difficulties and more.
Kia ora, I’m Deb, a therapist & mental health professional passionate about helping you find the right insights to unlock the change you’re looking for in your life. I’m formally trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as well as a number of other therapeutic models to tackle a diverse range of difficulties including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship problems, parenting challenges, childhood difficulties, postnatal depression, attachment difficulties and more.
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you are navigating loss, anxiety, relationship challenges, or simply feeling stuck, you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling at Peak Wellbeing is collaborative and empathetic, and each session is tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you are navigating loss, anxiety, relationship challenges, or simply feeling stuck, you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling at Peak Wellbeing is collaborative and empathetic, and each session is tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
Kia ora, my name is Janina and I’m all about keeping the conversation real and authentic, as life can be hard at times. Our work together is a collaborative process focused on understanding what’s really going on underneath - whether that’s anxiety, overwhelm, or patterns that feel hard to shift. Together we can unpack your beliefs, patterns or experiences finding practical and emotional ways forward. I am able to draw on a range of therapeutic modalities, allowing our work to be flexible and tailored to your needs at any given moment.
Kia ora, my name is Janina and I’m all about keeping the conversation real and authentic, as life can be hard at times. Our work together is a collaborative process focused on understanding what’s really going on underneath - whether that’s anxiety, overwhelm, or patterns that feel hard to shift. Together we can unpack your beliefs, patterns or experiences finding practical and emotional ways forward. I am able to draw on a range of therapeutic modalities, allowing our work to be flexible and tailored to your needs at any given moment.
Please contact me via email, rather than phone call. Cheers.
Please contact me via email, rather than phone call. Cheers.
My approach draws on traditional and alternative counselling modalities. I use these approaches to empower my clients and my practice is strongly grounded in spirituality and energy psychology. Nourishment and healing are facilitated through energy-integration, visualisation, inner-child work and support in recovering a sense of self.
My approach draws on traditional and alternative counselling modalities. I use these approaches to empower my clients and my practice is strongly grounded in spirituality and energy psychology. Nourishment and healing are facilitated through energy-integration, visualisation, inner-child work and support in recovering a sense of self.
Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.
Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a difficult life change and unsure where to begin. Many people come to counselling during times of loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, or when life simply no longer feels the same. Grief can follow bereavement, but it can also appear in quieter ways through life transitions, health changes, or the loss of a version of life we expected.
I’m Hannah Wilkes, a Bachelor-qualified counsellor and NZAC member. I offer a calm, grounded space where you can talk openly about whatever you’re carrying, whether that’s sadness, anxiety, confusion, or feeling disconnected from yourself
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a difficult life change and unsure where to begin. Many people come to counselling during times of loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, or when life simply no longer feels the same. Grief can follow bereavement, but it can also appear in quieter ways through life transitions, health changes, or the loss of a version of life we expected.
I’m Hannah Wilkes, a Bachelor-qualified counsellor and NZAC member. I offer a calm, grounded space where you can talk openly about whatever you’re carrying, whether that’s sadness, anxiety, confusion, or feeling disconnected from yourself
Many people who find their way to this work have spent a long time trying to put words to experiences that don’t always fit easily into ordinary conversation. They may feel things intensely, think in complex or creative ways, or find that their inner world moves in images, sensations, or metaphor rather than straightforward explanations.
I work especially well with people who feel deeply, think creatively, or have struggled to find therapy that makes space for imagination, sensitivity, or non-linear ways of processing experience.
Many people who find their way to this work have spent a long time trying to put words to experiences that don’t always fit easily into ordinary conversation. They may feel things intensely, think in complex or creative ways, or find that their inner world moves in images, sensations, or metaphor rather than straightforward explanations.
I work especially well with people who feel deeply, think creatively, or have struggled to find therapy that makes space for imagination, sensitivity, or non-linear ways of processing experience.
Are you suffering from anxiety related to personal or professional challenges? As a certified Life Coach, I'm here to help you create clarity around issues you may have, to help you regain emotional control, allowing you to considerably strengthen your position as a solution maker. Life Coaching starts with a conversation, confidential and non-judgemental to provoke insightful solutions.
Are you suffering from anxiety related to personal or professional challenges? As a certified Life Coach, I'm here to help you create clarity around issues you may have, to help you regain emotional control, allowing you to considerably strengthen your position as a solution maker. Life Coaching starts with a conversation, confidential and non-judgemental to provoke insightful solutions.
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people. My approach to working in therapy relies mainly on psychodynamic theories; meaning that I believe our early experiences have a significant impact on us. We may search for patterns in your life, to better understand what may be causing and perpetuating your problems. In long-term therapy it is crucial that you come to trust me, to share these often very personal memories and experiences.
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people. My approach to working in therapy relies mainly on psychodynamic theories; meaning that I believe our early experiences have a significant impact on us. We may search for patterns in your life, to better understand what may be causing and perpetuating your problems. In long-term therapy it is crucial that you come to trust me, to share these often very personal memories and experiences.
Neha is a warm and empathetic clinical psychologist with a vast range of experience across different settings in both India and New Zealand. Neha has conducted rigorous assessments and provide evidence-based interventions to help my clients across a variety of mental health difficulties. Neha has a keen interest in eating disorders, adjustment and grief reactions, stress induced problems, anxiety and depression. She is also bilingual, speaking both English and Hindi.
Neha is a warm and empathetic clinical psychologist with a vast range of experience across different settings in both India and New Zealand. Neha has conducted rigorous assessments and provide evidence-based interventions to help my clients across a variety of mental health difficulties. Neha has a keen interest in eating disorders, adjustment and grief reactions, stress induced problems, anxiety and depression. She is also bilingual, speaking both English and Hindi.
Naomi is an Australian and NZ registered psychologist with 18 years experience working with adults, adolescents and children. Naomi is known for her warmth, understanding and approachability. She enjoys supporting and working alongside her clients to improve their quality of life and help them achieve their own personal goals.
Naomi is an Australian and NZ registered psychologist with 18 years experience working with adults, adolescents and children. Naomi is known for her warmth, understanding and approachability. She enjoys supporting and working alongside her clients to improve their quality of life and help them achieve their own personal goals.
I work with those facing stress and life issues, with organisations & leaders (see Leaders.DrPaul.Online) and supervise professionals (see Supervision.DrPaul.Online). More than just counselling, as a Registered Clinical Psychologist, I offer structured assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based solutions. Clients' feedback: 'Paul was able to articulate what was going on for me'. I highly recommend him. His approach was 'methodical, thoughtful, interesting and implementable, and made me feel comfortable and listened to'. 'Seeing Paul, I am now more confident, relaxed and a better person as a result' (see Feedback.DrPaul.Online).
I work with those facing stress and life issues, with organisations & leaders (see Leaders.DrPaul.Online) and supervise professionals (see Supervision.DrPaul.Online). More than just counselling, as a Registered Clinical Psychologist, I offer structured assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based solutions. Clients' feedback: 'Paul was able to articulate what was going on for me'. I highly recommend him. His approach was 'methodical, thoughtful, interesting and implementable, and made me feel comfortable and listened to'. 'Seeing Paul, I am now more confident, relaxed and a better person as a result' (see Feedback.DrPaul.Online).
FAQ - About Therapy for Elders
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, and physical mobility challenges.
How is counselling for elderly different from counselling for other 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. Therapists who specialise in working with elderly clients generally have the same framework but 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.
How can 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.
What are the qualities to look for in therapists who see seniors?
Seniors counsellors, like mental health counselors in general, should be kind, empathetic, skilled at listening, and knowledgeable about their particular area of expertise. Counsellors specialising in working with the senior population should be very familiar with the aging process in general and the common conditions that the elderly can face, such as dementia, depression, loneliness, and/or physical illness. Many senior counsellors are also well-equipped to help caregivers and families navigate the aging process of their loved ones, and they may draw on Interpersonal Therapy to help facilitate improved interactions between seniors and those that care for them.