Geriatric and Seniors Therapists in Washington, DC

Photo of Susan G Goldberg, JD, PhD, Psychologist
Susan G Goldberg
Psychologist, JD, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with older folks, people with disabilities, or folks just grappling with feelings of emptiness or anxiety.
Deep listening to your story is central to my practice. I work with people who are suffering, including those who have had feelings or experiences of “otherness.” I have had several careers and lived in various places, so I am sensitive to the rich diversity of lived experience. I have worked with various types of people, including adolescents, college students, and adults, individually, in couples, and in groups. My approach to therapy is integrative, with elements of psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential orientations.
I work with older folks, people with disabilities, or folks just grappling with feelings of emptiness or anxiety.
Deep listening to your story is central to my practice. I work with people who are suffering, including those who have had feelings or experiences of “otherness.” I have had several careers and lived in various places, so I am sensitive to the rich diversity of lived experience. I have worked with various types of people, including adolescents, college students, and adults, individually, in couples, and in groups. My approach to therapy is integrative, with elements of psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential orientations.
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Photo of Dr. Rene Laje, PhD, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Rene Laje
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015
I strive to help adults and older adults achieve balance through therapy. I am licensed in Maryland, Delaware, DC and Virginia and I have been a Medicare provider since 2009. Through my experience in working with adults and older adults, I am aware of the unique challenges that they encounter during these stages of life. In my practice, I focus on one's strengths and I help clients to recognize their own distinct set of coping skills to live the good quality of life that they deserve to live. I provide Telehealth via Zoom to allow clients the ability to receive support in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
I strive to help adults and older adults achieve balance through therapy. I am licensed in Maryland, Delaware, DC and Virginia and I have been a Medicare provider since 2009. Through my experience in working with adults and older adults, I am aware of the unique challenges that they encounter during these stages of life. In my practice, I focus on one's strengths and I help clients to recognize their own distinct set of coping skills to live the good quality of life that they deserve to live. I provide Telehealth via Zoom to allow clients the ability to receive support in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
(301) 880-4735 View (301) 880-4735
Photo of Renée Delacroix, MSW, LCSW-C, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renée Delacroix
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LMSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015  (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is client-centered, collaborative and compassionate. I work with my clients to help them address the inevitable challenges life brings our way and to help them find the path to recovery, renewal and resilience to empower them to meet the next challenge that they meet on the road of life. I strive to understand each client's very personal story and to support them on their unique journey. I have worked extensively with older adults and adult children who are coping with aging issues in the family.
My approach to therapy is client-centered, collaborative and compassionate. I work with my clients to help them address the inevitable challenges life brings our way and to help them find the path to recovery, renewal and resilience to empower them to meet the next challenge that they meet on the road of life. I strive to understand each client's very personal story and to support them on their unique journey. I have worked extensively with older adults and adult children who are coping with aging issues in the family.
(301) 265-3447 View (301) 265-3447
Photo of Albert Haley, LPC, Counselor
Albert Haley
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
Does it feel like you go through the motions in life, unable to feel much joy? Maybe you numb yourself out with addictions, media, or other distractions. Often people, men in particular, believe they have to tough it out. They might not feel safe opening up and really getting to the bottom of their feelings. But going it alone gets lonely and tends to make things worse. I help people who want to feel better about themselves and overcome the issues that hold them back. I work with teen boys, young men, older men, and others who are looking for someone who can truly see and hear them.
Does it feel like you go through the motions in life, unable to feel much joy? Maybe you numb yourself out with addictions, media, or other distractions. Often people, men in particular, believe they have to tough it out. They might not feel safe opening up and really getting to the bottom of their feelings. But going it alone gets lonely and tends to make things worse. I help people who want to feel better about themselves and overcome the issues that hold them back. I work with teen boys, young men, older men, and others who are looking for someone who can truly see and hear them.
(202) 978-6566 View (202) 978-6566
Photo of Geri M. Ferber, PhD, Psychologist
Geri M. Ferber
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
As a senior therapist, my practice focuses on maintaining psychological health and well being for seniors who might prosper from making psychological adjustments in light of newly emerging age-related obstacles. Some may need to manage declining vitality and declining abilities, or to accept a changing sense of one's physical condition, or to cope with new losses and new fears. For others, troubling thoughts of past losses and traumas may come into heightened focus. Establishing new but vital relationships may become necessary and it may be helpful to forge new roles to enhance the pleasure of this life stage.
As a senior therapist, my practice focuses on maintaining psychological health and well being for seniors who might prosper from making psychological adjustments in light of newly emerging age-related obstacles. Some may need to manage declining vitality and declining abilities, or to accept a changing sense of one's physical condition, or to cope with new losses and new fears. For others, troubling thoughts of past losses and traumas may come into heightened focus. Establishing new but vital relationships may become necessary and it may be helpful to forge new roles to enhance the pleasure of this life stage.
(202) 851-9224 View (202) 851-9224
Photo of Eric Behna, LGSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Eric Behna
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20020  (Online Only)
Eric particularly enjoys helping LGBTQ+ individuals navigate unique challenges, as well as working with older adults who may be facing isolation.
Eric is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, D.C. Eric’s style is calm, supportive, and non-judgmental. Eric seeks to walk alongside his clients on their journey towards change and being the person they want to be. His approach is to help clients tap into inner strengths while building greater awareness of emotions and behaviors.
Eric particularly enjoys helping LGBTQ+ individuals navigate unique challenges, as well as working with older adults who may be facing isolation.
Eric is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, D.C. Eric’s style is calm, supportive, and non-judgmental. Eric seeks to walk alongside his clients on their journey towards change and being the person they want to be. His approach is to help clients tap into inner strengths while building greater awareness of emotions and behaviors.
(833) 525-0466 View (833) 525-0466
Photo of Vera C Sky - Vera C Sky, LiCSW, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vera C Sky, LiCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
Welcome to my practice!. What ever your needs, I approach our work with zest and empathy which comes from broad experience working in psychiatric and health settings. Whether with problems of elderly, families,couples or people facing job loss, academic problems, illness, bereavement, trauma or the loneliness of anxiety and depression, psychotherapy can bring relief and find inner strengths and possibilities. I focus especially on communication skills, and deprograming early dysfunctional messages which interfere with forming relationships in all aspects of life. Together we will meet your immediate needs and begin a longer journey towards fulfilling your deepest aspirations.
Welcome to my practice!. What ever your needs, I approach our work with zest and empathy which comes from broad experience working in psychiatric and health settings. Whether with problems of elderly, families,couples or people facing job loss, academic problems, illness, bereavement, trauma or the loneliness of anxiety and depression, psychotherapy can bring relief and find inner strengths and possibilities. I focus especially on communication skills, and deprograming early dysfunctional messages which interfere with forming relationships in all aspects of life. Together we will meet your immediate needs and begin a longer journey towards fulfilling your deepest aspirations.
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Photo of Tyffany L Kidd, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tyffany L Kidd
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016  (Online Only)
I have experience working with adults and the elderly.
Thank you for visiting my profile page on Psychology Today! It takes strength and courage for you to reach out for help. You took the first step. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is National Board Certified in Counseling. I provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore challenges that are present in your life. You may be dealing with loneliness, inner-conflict, anxiety, depression, sadness, grief, anger, or other feelings that come along when dealing with life transitions and I can help you. Whatever the feelings are, I can help you with processing your emotions and guiding you through living a more authentic life. The therapeutic relationship is an opportunity for you to build the blocks you need to get through whatever problems you are encountering and envisioning and seeing hope that will help you live a more prosperous life.
I have experience working with adults and the elderly.
Thank you for visiting my profile page on Psychology Today! It takes strength and courage for you to reach out for help. You took the first step. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is National Board Certified in Counseling. I provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore challenges that are present in your life. You may be dealing with loneliness, inner-conflict, anxiety, depression, sadness, grief, anger, or other feelings that come along when dealing with life transitions and I can help you. Whatever the feelings are, I can help you with processing your emotions and guiding you through living a more authentic life. The therapeutic relationship is an opportunity for you to build the blocks you need to get through whatever problems you are encountering and envisioning and seeing hope that will help you live a more prosperous life.
(202) 902-9698 View (202) 902-9698
Photo of Miriam Asher Kohn, PhD, Psychologist
Miriam Asher Kohn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
I see older adolescents, adults and couples.
Are you feeling anxious? Stuck? Having trouble with your spouse, children, parents, friends, colleagues? Things are just not right? Why do it on your own? You need somebody objective and non-judgmental to bounce things off of. Making the decision to call a therapist is tough but it can really make a difference in how you feel and operate in this world. I have been a therapist for over 40 years and I know it really works. My style is warm, interactive and caring and I'm ready to help you tackle your problems.
I see older adolescents, adults and couples.
Are you feeling anxious? Stuck? Having trouble with your spouse, children, parents, friends, colleagues? Things are just not right? Why do it on your own? You need somebody objective and non-judgmental to bounce things off of. Making the decision to call a therapist is tough but it can really make a difference in how you feel and operate in this world. I have been a therapist for over 40 years and I know it really works. My style is warm, interactive and caring and I'm ready to help you tackle your problems.
(202) 524-8633 View (202) 524-8633
Photo of Melinda C Salzman, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melinda C Salzman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
I believe it is possible for people to change. For over 25 years, I have been working with teens, adults and seniors, helping them reassess what they want out of life and how to get it, change their approach to work and relationships, and heal the emotional and spiritual pain of loss, anxiety and depression. My areas of special interest include: Couples Therapy: Resolving Conflict and Deepening Intimacy; Grief and Loss: Healing the Pain of Loss and Adjusting to Living--Washingtonian magazine has named me a Top 10 Grief Therapist; Chronic Illness and Care Giving: Balancing Reality and Hope
I believe it is possible for people to change. For over 25 years, I have been working with teens, adults and seniors, helping them reassess what they want out of life and how to get it, change their approach to work and relationships, and heal the emotional and spiritual pain of loss, anxiety and depression. My areas of special interest include: Couples Therapy: Resolving Conflict and Deepening Intimacy; Grief and Loss: Healing the Pain of Loss and Adjusting to Living--Washingtonian magazine has named me a Top 10 Grief Therapist; Chronic Illness and Care Giving: Balancing Reality and Hope
(301) 288-1431 View (301) 288-1431
Photo of Giana M. Davis, MSSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCADAS, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Giana M. Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCADAS, SAP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20003
Giana M. Davis is a graduate from Columbia University School of Social Work, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., and a Certified Health Education Specialist. With over 10 years in the field of public health, fitness, and social work, Ms. Davis works with young children, adolescents, young and older adults dealing with a variety of health and mental health concerns. Ms. Davis integrates culturally sensitive holistic evidence-based modalities in daily work to address the concerns of her clients, while supporting her clients to achieve improved quality of life and healing.
Giana M. Davis is a graduate from Columbia University School of Social Work, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., and a Certified Health Education Specialist. With over 10 years in the field of public health, fitness, and social work, Ms. Davis works with young children, adolescents, young and older adults dealing with a variety of health and mental health concerns. Ms. Davis integrates culturally sensitive holistic evidence-based modalities in daily work to address the concerns of her clients, while supporting her clients to achieve improved quality of life and healing.
(301) 918-5128 View (301) 918-5128
Photo of Maurine K Kelly, PhD, FIPA, Psychologist
Maurine K Kelly
Psychologist, PhD, FIPA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20008
I specialize in working with families, couples, groups, and individuals. I treat children as young as three, have experience with school phobia, adoption, blended families, gender issues, gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals, and the challenges of elderly. I am experienced working with psychoses, severe post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and problems of every day life. I have special expertise working with the LGBTQ+ population, with adolescents, sexual development, severe mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical illnesses.
I specialize in working with families, couples, groups, and individuals. I treat children as young as three, have experience with school phobia, adoption, blended families, gender issues, gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals, and the challenges of elderly. I am experienced working with psychoses, severe post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and problems of every day life. I have special expertise working with the LGBTQ+ population, with adolescents, sexual development, severe mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical illnesses.
(240) 242-9949 View (240) 242-9949
Photo of Marya A Myslinski, PsyD, Psychologist
Marya A Myslinski
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20037
As a licensed clinical psychologist offering psychotherapy to adults (18 and older), I treat a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, and issues stemming back to childhood. My practice attracts clients with a wide variety of concerns and I welcome the variability. For example, I find it incredibly rewarding to help clients who are feeling stuck and afraid due to issues such as unhealthy relationship patterns, alcohol abuse, postpartum depression, etc. I am passionate about helping those facing discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation etc.
As a licensed clinical psychologist offering psychotherapy to adults (18 and older), I treat a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, and issues stemming back to childhood. My practice attracts clients with a wide variety of concerns and I welcome the variability. For example, I find it incredibly rewarding to help clients who are feeling stuck and afraid due to issues such as unhealthy relationship patterns, alcohol abuse, postpartum depression, etc. I am passionate about helping those facing discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation etc.
(540) 212-2558 View (540) 212-2558
Photo of Jonathan DeRight, PhD, ABPP-CN, Psychologist
Jonathan DeRight
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP-CN
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001
Neuropsychological evaluations are often helpful in determining the presence and/or extent of problems with thinking abilities, such as those occurring as a result of traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cancer, depression, anxiety, and more.
Do you or your family worry about your thinking abilities? Have you always wondered whether your diagnosis is accurate or wished that you had a more comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms? I perform neuropsychological and psychological evaluations that integrate various cognitive and emotional traits into a personalized and thorough evaluation. I regularly perform forensic neuropsychological and psychological evaluations for the court system. As a board certified neuropsychologist, I often perform cognitive testing to assess skills such as intelligence, attention, processing speed, executive functioning, language, and memory.
Neuropsychological evaluations are often helpful in determining the presence and/or extent of problems with thinking abilities, such as those occurring as a result of traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cancer, depression, anxiety, and more.
Do you or your family worry about your thinking abilities? Have you always wondered whether your diagnosis is accurate or wished that you had a more comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms? I perform neuropsychological and psychological evaluations that integrate various cognitive and emotional traits into a personalized and thorough evaluation. I regularly perform forensic neuropsychological and psychological evaluations for the court system. As a board certified neuropsychologist, I often perform cognitive testing to assess skills such as intelligence, attention, processing speed, executive functioning, language, and memory.
(703) 810-7283 View (703) 810-7283
Photo of Linda Kanefield, PhD, Psychologist
Linda Kanefield
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015  (Online Only)
For over twenty-five years, I have worked with young adults, adults, and seniors, assisting them to form intimate relationships, increase self-esteem and manage overwhelming feelings.
Are you challenged by life's transitions or losses, hurt by trauma or conflict, troubled by feelings of insecurity, anxiety or depression, or struggling in your relationships? Are you ready to identify and overcome the obstacles that stand in your way of moving forward? I will help you develop greater emotional strength and support you in reaching your goals.
For over twenty-five years, I have worked with young adults, adults, and seniors, assisting them to form intimate relationships, increase self-esteem and manage overwhelming feelings.
Are you challenged by life's transitions or losses, hurt by trauma or conflict, troubled by feelings of insecurity, anxiety or depression, or struggling in your relationships? Are you ready to identify and overcome the obstacles that stand in your way of moving forward? I will help you develop greater emotional strength and support you in reaching your goals.
(301) 710-6373 View (301) 710-6373
Photo of Shirelle Wright - Growth Connections LLC, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Growth Connections LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20059  (Online Only)
Growth Connections offer inclusive therapeutic services to people at various stages of life (ages 16 and older).
Life has changed and challenged all of us at some point in our lives. Whether you’re dealing with issues that are inherited, unexpected, or created we connect with individuals at every stage of life. Growth Connections is passionate about providing excellent
Growth Connections offer inclusive therapeutic services to people at various stages of life (ages 16 and older).
Life has changed and challenged all of us at some point in our lives. Whether you’re dealing with issues that are inherited, unexpected, or created we connect with individuals at every stage of life. Growth Connections is passionate about providing excellent
(301) 857-1716 View (301) 857-1716
Photo of Anthony Onyemenem - Sozz Psychology  (Dr. Anthony), PsyD, PsyPact, Psychologist
Sozz Psychology (Dr. Anthony)
Psychologist, PsyD, PsyPact
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20012  (Online Only)
I specialize in individual therapy and have worked with diverse groups including Veterans, College students, Older adults, clergy/faith communities, recent immigrants and individuals living with chronic illnesses.
Are you feeling stuck? Are you having difficulty adjusting to a new phase of life? Are you feeling irritable? Experiencing poor sleep? Struggling with reduced energy? Do you feel like your relationships are suffering? Are you feeling burned out at work? Or dealing with grief and loss? Let me help. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with vast experience treating adults with depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health conditions. I have been a psychologist for over ten years. As a Black man, husband and father, I understand the stressors we all experience navigating through life and how these stressors can affect us.
I specialize in individual therapy and have worked with diverse groups including Veterans, College students, Older adults, clergy/faith communities, recent immigrants and individuals living with chronic illnesses.
Are you feeling stuck? Are you having difficulty adjusting to a new phase of life? Are you feeling irritable? Experiencing poor sleep? Struggling with reduced energy? Do you feel like your relationships are suffering? Are you feeling burned out at work? Or dealing with grief and loss? Let me help. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with vast experience treating adults with depression, anxiety, stress and other mental health conditions. I have been a psychologist for over ten years. As a Black man, husband and father, I understand the stressors we all experience navigating through life and how these stressors can affect us.
(470) 613-7328 View (470) 613-7328
Photo of C E English-El, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
C E English-El
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001  (Online Only)
Hi. I'm C.E. English-El, known by most as Ce. I've been a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Therapist for over 25 years and a Living Coach for over 10 years. My counseling style is eclectic and whole person centered with a wellness orientation. Not only am I good at connecting with people I enjoy the process of engaging, learning, growing and moving .
Hi. I'm C.E. English-El, known by most as Ce. I've been a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Therapist for over 25 years and a Living Coach for over 10 years. My counseling style is eclectic and whole person centered with a wellness orientation. Not only am I good at connecting with people I enjoy the process of engaging, learning, growing and moving .
(855) 637-1917 View (855) 637-1917
Photo of Vicky Tatiana Arriola, LPC-A
Vicky Tatiana Arriola
Resident in Counseling, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015
Vicky understands that each and every person is a conglomerate of connections, experiences, and identities. She believes these ought to be both challenged and embraced in order to inspire healing and personal evolution. Vicky focuses on creating a nurturing and individualized therapeutic relationship through various evidence-based techniques. Utilizing trauma-informed restorative practices with children, adolescents, and adults, with a vested interest in men's issues, students, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC clientele.
Vicky understands that each and every person is a conglomerate of connections, experiences, and identities. She believes these ought to be both challenged and embraced in order to inspire healing and personal evolution. Vicky focuses on creating a nurturing and individualized therapeutic relationship through various evidence-based techniques. Utilizing trauma-informed restorative practices with children, adolescents, and adults, with a vested interest in men's issues, students, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC clientele.
(571) 568-8825 View (571) 568-8825
Photo of Elizabeth Kim, LPC, ATR-BC, GC-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Kim
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC, GC-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Accepting new telehealth clients. Immediate openings. As an individual I am joyful, colorful, and compassionate, emphasizing the importance of love, curiosity, connection and discovery. My intention is to guide you in waking up to your authentic self and building your resilience. I want to meet you where you are and listen with care. I believe in a holistic practice, and I bring a complete integration of approaching including bodily movement, expression, creativity and fun! You have the right to feel whole within your body. No matter how stuck you may feel, I believe in your power to live fully!
Accepting new telehealth clients. Immediate openings. As an individual I am joyful, colorful, and compassionate, emphasizing the importance of love, curiosity, connection and discovery. My intention is to guide you in waking up to your authentic self and building your resilience. I want to meet you where you are and listen with care. I believe in a holistic practice, and I bring a complete integration of approaching including bodily movement, expression, creativity and fun! You have the right to feel whole within your body. No matter how stuck you may feel, I believe in your power to live fully!
(877) 915-5298 View (877) 915-5298
Geriatric and Seniors Therapists

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 counseling for elderly different from counseling for other age groups?

Many aspects of geriatric counseling are similar to counseling in younger age groups; in general, counseling 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 specialize 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. Counseling 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 counseling help people who suffer from dementia?

Counseling can be highly effective for aging adults with dementia. While some therapists specializing 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. Counselors specializing 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 specializing in dementia may also be trained in specialized forms of therapy for memory-loss|memory loss, such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)—which can help mentally stimulate dementia clients to preserve cognitive functioning.