Geriatric Therapists in Orinda, CA
Welcome. I help clients navigate midlife and later life transitions, and I find it deeply rewarding to empower them to discover greater meaning and mental wellbeing in these stages of their lives. I support people struggling with loss, grief, family relationships, illness, hormonal changes, and late career or transitioning to retirement. I also assist clients experiencing loneliness, caregiver burnout, and concerns about growing older. My goal is to help you feel as emotionally well as possible while moving through these changes with greater ease. Previously, I directed the career counseling program at Stanford School of Medicine.
Welcome. I help clients navigate midlife and later life transitions, and I find it deeply rewarding to empower them to discover greater meaning and mental wellbeing in these stages of their lives. I support people struggling with loss, grief, family relationships, illness, hormonal changes, and late career or transitioning to retirement. I also assist clients experiencing loneliness, caregiver burnout, and concerns about growing older. My goal is to help you feel as emotionally well as possible while moving through these changes with greater ease. Previously, I directed the career counseling program at Stanford School of Medicine.
I would be privileged to stand by you on your journey with a serious medical condition and/or mental health challenges. It takes courage and vulnerability to seek out therapy and having a supportive person can be life changing. You may be faced with cancer, a chronic condition, a terminal illness, grief, anxiety and depression. I believe one's physical health can play a role in their mental health and vice versa. I'm here to listen to your symptoms, help you weigh treatment options, review considerations with medications, discuss doctor visits and teach you skills to improve your state of mind.
I would be privileged to stand by you on your journey with a serious medical condition and/or mental health challenges. It takes courage and vulnerability to seek out therapy and having a supportive person can be life changing. You may be faced with cancer, a chronic condition, a terminal illness, grief, anxiety and depression. I believe one's physical health can play a role in their mental health and vice versa. I'm here to listen to your symptoms, help you weigh treatment options, review considerations with medications, discuss doctor visits and teach you skills to improve your state of mind.
Grelling also specializes in helping older adults cope with the emotional consequences of loss, caregiving demands, illness, disability and other age-related changes.
Dr. Grelling has received extensive training in the use of empirically-validated cognitive-behavioral therapy. Her work is also informed by research in positive psychology, which helps build happiness and well-being. She integrates these evidence-based treatment approaches in a manner that is both collaborative and compassionate.
Grelling also specializes in helping older adults cope with the emotional consequences of loss, caregiving demands, illness, disability and other age-related changes.
Dr. Grelling has received extensive training in the use of empirically-validated cognitive-behavioral therapy. Her work is also informed by research in positive psychology, which helps build happiness and well-being. She integrates these evidence-based treatment approaches in a manner that is both collaborative and compassionate.
If you are having difficulty in your marriage or relationship and want to address the root causes of these problems, I have more than thirty five years experience. If you have attempted to work on your relationship before, and want to restore trust, intimacy and vitality, and you have the desire to save the relationship you have invested in, I have a variety of approaches with which I can help. Many couples who have joined in this quest, have succeeded beyond their expectations. If you are an individual who desires a more fulfilling life, I can also help.
If you are having difficulty in your marriage or relationship and want to address the root causes of these problems, I have more than thirty five years experience. If you have attempted to work on your relationship before, and want to restore trust, intimacy and vitality, and you have the desire to save the relationship you have invested in, I have a variety of approaches with which I can help. Many couples who have joined in this quest, have succeeded beyond their expectations. If you are an individual who desires a more fulfilling life, I can also help.
I help adults, seniors, couples, and teens (16+) work through substance use and addictions, anxiety, anger, ADHD, depression, trauma, chronic pain, relationships, and stress.
Following grad school at UCLA, I have over 16 years of experience as a therapist, Clinical Supervisor, & trainer. I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, & trauma-informed modalities. I also provide longer-term psychodynamic-oriented therapy for those who want to go deeper.
I help adults, seniors, couples, and teens (16+) work through substance use and addictions, anxiety, anger, ADHD, depression, trauma, chronic pain, relationships, and stress.
Following grad school at UCLA, I have over 16 years of experience as a therapist, Clinical Supervisor, & trainer. I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, & trauma-informed modalities. I also provide longer-term psychodynamic-oriented therapy for those who want to go deeper.
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
I use a warm, down-to-earth approach in my work with children, teens, adults and couples. I collaborate with clients to develop a whole view of challenges and strengths, which is informed by my wide breadth of clinical experience across the lifespan. I have expertise in working with infants and parents, developmental disabilities, trauma, and both anticipated and unexpected crises across all ages. I integrate these perspectives so that I can attune to your needs and provide responsive support. My hope is to help you water the seeds of your inner strengths, push through stuck situations, and live with more connectedness and vitality.
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
Real transformation is possible when you have the right tools to mine your inner gems. With my 40 years experience, I give you leading-edge methods to help you deal with various psychological issues. Self-healing tools from Eastern and Western traditions can reduce or eliminate medications and empowers your inner healer to deal with your anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, trauma,hypertension, etc. Transform your inner critic into a helpful coach :-)
My psychotherapy practice is focused towards Adults, Seniors, and Couples who are seeking to live more harmoniously with difficult life situations: Old or New Trauma, Life dissatisfaction, Life-changes/transitions, Grief/Loss, Living with Cancer/Parkinson's/ Dementia, Aging, and Confronting End-of-Life.
Unexpressed emotional pain finds its way to and lodges in the mind, body and spirit in unhelpful beliefs, choices, decisions, physical discomfort, depression and anxiety. To untangle your emotional pain, we will work to bring awareness to the ways it is held and utilized, that is, how it informs your relationship to yourself and others and the world.
My psychotherapy practice is focused towards Adults, Seniors, and Couples who are seeking to live more harmoniously with difficult life situations: Old or New Trauma, Life dissatisfaction, Life-changes/transitions, Grief/Loss, Living with Cancer/Parkinson's/ Dementia, Aging, and Confronting End-of-Life.
Unexpressed emotional pain finds its way to and lodges in the mind, body and spirit in unhelpful beliefs, choices, decisions, physical discomfort, depression and anxiety. To untangle your emotional pain, we will work to bring awareness to the ways it is held and utilized, that is, how it informs your relationship to yourself and others and the world.
We are an local non-profit community mental health center with over 50 therapists, psychologists and pre-licensed associates dedicated to providing affordable, high quality, culturally appropriate and accessible counseling services and programs. We support clients with a variety of mental health concerns and work hard to match you with a mental health professional that will meet your needs. This is all done in a safe, caring, and confidential environment which provides a structured and supportive space for individuals to work through psychological issues, develop coping skills, gain insight, and achieve personal growth.
We are an local non-profit community mental health center with over 50 therapists, psychologists and pre-licensed associates dedicated to providing affordable, high quality, culturally appropriate and accessible counseling services and programs. We support clients with a variety of mental health concerns and work hard to match you with a mental health professional that will meet your needs. This is all done in a safe, caring, and confidential environment which provides a structured and supportive space for individuals to work through psychological issues, develop coping skills, gain insight, and achieve personal growth.
I came to the Bay Area as an immigrant and have spent the last 30 years building a life here across languages, cultures, and contexts. I grew up in Germany, originally from Romania, I am raising a multiracial daughter in the East Bay. If your family history, cultural context, immigration experience, or racial identity is part of what brings you to therapy, it belongs here. This is the orientation that shapes how I listen.
I came to the Bay Area as an immigrant and have spent the last 30 years building a life here across languages, cultures, and contexts. I grew up in Germany, originally from Romania, I am raising a multiracial daughter in the East Bay. If your family history, cultural context, immigration experience, or racial identity is part of what brings you to therapy, it belongs here. This is the orientation that shapes how I listen.
Most people I've seen in my many years of practice seek psychotherapy in response to personal loss, trauma, relationship difficulties in love or work, or self defeating thought or behavior patterns that have become unmanageable. As we begin to meet on a regular basis, the anxiety, depression or crisis that propelled them into my office starts to calm. Broader questions like “Why do I keep waiting to live my life in the way I always imagined it to be?” and “Why have my personal or professional accomplishments not provided the fulfillment I hoped for?” then begin to emerge.
Most people I've seen in my many years of practice seek psychotherapy in response to personal loss, trauma, relationship difficulties in love or work, or self defeating thought or behavior patterns that have become unmanageable. As we begin to meet on a regular basis, the anxiety, depression or crisis that propelled them into my office starts to calm. Broader questions like “Why do I keep waiting to live my life in the way I always imagined it to be?” and “Why have my personal or professional accomplishments not provided the fulfillment I hoped for?” then begin to emerge.
My practice supports individuals and families of all ages, ranging from childhood to the elderly.
There are times when we need someone to talk to. For the past thirty years, I have been honored in serving families’, couples, and individuals. Those who have experienced loss, grief, trauma, anxiety, social anxiety, long term illness, aging, depression and stress. I look forward to working together in an optimistic, empathic and respectful manner. My wish is to lessen family and individual stress and to provide advocacy. Whether your journey is individual, or a family dream; I will work to support you and your loved ones in a warm and engaging therapeutic relationship.
My practice supports individuals and families of all ages, ranging from childhood to the elderly.
There are times when we need someone to talk to. For the past thirty years, I have been honored in serving families’, couples, and individuals. Those who have experienced loss, grief, trauma, anxiety, social anxiety, long term illness, aging, depression and stress. I look forward to working together in an optimistic, empathic and respectful manner. My wish is to lessen family and individual stress and to provide advocacy. Whether your journey is individual, or a family dream; I will work to support you and your loved ones in a warm and engaging therapeutic relationship.
Stop the constant bickering, dust-ups and fighting. Learn tools to communicate clearly and respectfully. Get help repairing emotional wounds and get back on the same team.
Stop the constant bickering, dust-ups and fighting. Learn tools to communicate clearly and respectfully. Get help repairing emotional wounds and get back on the same team.
More Therapists Nearby
I've worked extensively with older adults in my private practice and at the VA (e.g., palliative care clinics, inpatient nursing homes).
Clients have described me as collaborative and compassionate within my strength-based multicultural approach to therapy. Difficult life circumstances, including grief, depression and harsh self-criticism can lead to rejecting parts of yourself and we can work on reclaiming your identity. I strive to create a sense of “we-ness” to make you feel “heard and seen” for who you are. I use humanistic principles and a wide range of evidenced-based practices. My goals are to tailor treatment to your specific needs, hold equitable space for you, step into difficult paths with you, and emerge stronger and more empowered.
I've worked extensively with older adults in my private practice and at the VA (e.g., palliative care clinics, inpatient nursing homes).
Clients have described me as collaborative and compassionate within my strength-based multicultural approach to therapy. Difficult life circumstances, including grief, depression and harsh self-criticism can lead to rejecting parts of yourself and we can work on reclaiming your identity. I strive to create a sense of “we-ness” to make you feel “heard and seen” for who you are. I use humanistic principles and a wide range of evidenced-based practices. My goals are to tailor treatment to your specific needs, hold equitable space for you, step into difficult paths with you, and emerge stronger and more empowered.
My specializations include working with: neurodivergent women, older adults through life transitions, grief counseling, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic pain, and trauma.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
My specializations include working with: neurodivergent women, older adults through life transitions, grief counseling, individuals with disabilities and/or chronic pain, and trauma.
I love what I do! I have the pleasure of working with clients from five to 105-years-old! Having the opportunity to work with an expansive age range has taught me that at any age: we want to be loved and we want to love, we want to belong, we want to have purpose, we want to experience joy, and we don't want pain. My goal as a therapist, is to help my clients find ways to reduce, restructure, and remove obstacles that cause pain; while building on our individual resources to promote health, happiness and well-being.
Are you feeling confused, alone, or overcome by your grief? Stuck in patterns that do not serve you or your family? Would you like to embody your whole self, recognize and love your complex identity, and reflect on the significance of your life? I support clients through grief in many forms, life transitions, perfectionism, chronic illness, and end-of-life care for individuals and their caretakers. My practice warmly welcomes queer, trans, and gender non-conforming folks and their support networks, blended families, and those navigating intergenerational trauma. I welcome adolescents, adults, couples, friends, and families.
Are you feeling confused, alone, or overcome by your grief? Stuck in patterns that do not serve you or your family? Would you like to embody your whole self, recognize and love your complex identity, and reflect on the significance of your life? I support clients through grief in many forms, life transitions, perfectionism, chronic illness, and end-of-life care for individuals and their caretakers. My practice warmly welcomes queer, trans, and gender non-conforming folks and their support networks, blended families, and those navigating intergenerational trauma. I welcome adolescents, adults, couples, friends, and families.
- Seniors worried about cognitive decline, difficulties driving, diagnosed with a neuro degenerative condition (FrontoTemporal Dementia, Alzheimers, Lewy Body Disease) -Babyboomers worried about losing memory, inability to concentrate, problems making decisions, cognitive decline -Professionals dealing with social, personal, professional stressors and anxiety
I'm a scientist and a clinician. I believe in evidence-based treatments supported by extensive clinical research at the best medical institutions in the world. My methods
have been evaluated and used by scientists and clinicians at the Mayo Clinic, USC, UCSF, Yale, Stanford, Harvard University Center for Brain Science, Johns Hopkins, University of Haifa, MIT, Cambridge, Hebrew University etc
- Seniors worried about cognitive decline, difficulties driving, diagnosed with a neuro degenerative condition (FrontoTemporal Dementia, Alzheimers, Lewy Body Disease) -Babyboomers worried about losing memory, inability to concentrate, problems making decisions, cognitive decline -Professionals dealing with social, personal, professional stressors and anxiety
I'm a scientist and a clinician. I believe in evidence-based treatments supported by extensive clinical research at the best medical institutions in the world. My methods
have been evaluated and used by scientists and clinicians at the Mayo Clinic, USC, UCSF, Yale, Stanford, Harvard University Center for Brain Science, Johns Hopkins, University of Haifa, MIT, Cambridge, Hebrew University etc
I also work with older adults encountering issues associated with the later stages of life.
Are you ready to unpack and understand how painful past experiences might be impacting your life? Do you want to decrease suffering and feel more balanced? You’re not alone. Creating awareness of how distressing past experiences show up in your life will empower you to break the cycle and create a more fulfilling life. I aim to help you improve your overall quality of life and feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Together, we will approach your past with curiosity and compassion.
I also work with older adults encountering issues associated with the later stages of life.
Are you ready to unpack and understand how painful past experiences might be impacting your life? Do you want to decrease suffering and feel more balanced? You’re not alone. Creating awareness of how distressing past experiences show up in your life will empower you to break the cycle and create a more fulfilling life. I aim to help you improve your overall quality of life and feel more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you. Together, we will approach your past with curiosity and compassion.
I have considerable experience working with college age adults up to seniors 65+..
It can be difficult reaching out for help when experiencing psychological pain, it is an act of hope making the call and asking for help. I have spent the last twelve years developing tools and gaining experience in providing assistance with these issues. I treat every case as unique and in a warm and empathetic way to support your specific healing needs.
I have considerable experience working with college age adults up to seniors 65+..
It can be difficult reaching out for help when experiencing psychological pain, it is an act of hope making the call and asking for help. I have spent the last twelve years developing tools and gaining experience in providing assistance with these issues. I treat every case as unique and in a warm and empathetic way to support your specific healing needs.
I work with young adults, adults and seniors dealing with the ups and downs of life.
In our first session(s) together we will have an initial assessment and will get to know each other. I will answer questions, gather information about your mental and physical health background and history. After that, we will discuss why you are coming to therapy and the challenges, changes or life transitions you are experiencing.
I work with young adults, adults and seniors dealing with the ups and downs of life.
In our first session(s) together we will have an initial assessment and will get to know each other. I will answer questions, gather information about your mental and physical health background and history. After that, we will discuss why you are coming to therapy and the challenges, changes or life transitions you are experiencing.
See more therapy options for Orinda
Nearby Geriatric Therapists Searches for Orinda
- Alamo
- Albany
- Berkeley
- El Cerrito
- Emeryville
- Lafayette
- Martinez
- Moraga
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- Pleasant Hill
- Walnut Creek
FAQ - About Geriatric Therapy
What can a geriatric psychologist help with?
Geriatric therapists specialize in the cognitive and neurological challenges that often accompany aging, including dementia, memory loss, and age-related cognitive decline. They also address the psychological conditions that frequently co-occur with these issues, such as depression, anxiety, and grief. Geriatric therapists and psychologists are trained to assess cognitive functioning, identify symptoms that may warrant further evaluation, and conduct or refer for formal neurological assessment when needed. In many cases, geriatric therapists also work closely with medical doctors to manage a client's overall health, and they may support caregivers and family members navigating the demands of caring for an aging loved one.
Why might someone seek a geriatric psychologist?
Someone might seek a geriatric therapist when they or a loved one begins experiencing cognitive or neurological changes and is unsure whether those changes are a normal part of aging or something that requires clinical attention. A geriatric therapist can help connect families with appropriate next steps. They are also commonly sought following a new diagnosis, when clients and families are working to understand what that diagnosis means practically and emotionally, and what to expect as a condition progresses. When seeking a therapist, it can be helpful to consider whether a clinician with a stronger psychotherapy focus or one with more of a social work orientation, who can help connect clients with assisted living or medical resources, would be the better fit.
What type of therapy might a geriatric therapists specialize in?
Geriatric therapist often combine psychotherapy with psychoeducation, helping clients and their families understand cognitive and neurological conditions and what to expect as they progress. For clients experiencing anxiety or depression alongside cognitive decline, therapists may draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based approaches. For clients with dementia specifically, therapists may be trained in specialized modalities such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), which is designed to preserve cognitive functioning.
Can geriatric psychologists help people who suffer from dementia?
Yes, and this is a core area of geriatric psychology. Therapists specializing in dementia can work directly with clients on memory loss and cognitive functioning, while also addressing conditions that commonly co-occur, such as depression and anxiety. They can provide caregivers with objective assessments of a client's functioning and disease progression, and are typically well-versed in community resources available to dementia patients and their families.