Elders (65+) Therapists in Portland, ME

I meet people where they are on their path in life, and provide a safe space with emotional and intellectual support grounded in these principles: Genuineness / No judgment and unconditional acceptance, regardless of what is shared / Active, deep listening with empathy, understanding and compassion / Experienced, skilled support with practical feedback and insights / Assistance in exploring, identifying and working towards meaningful personal goals / Helping people address current and/or past life challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, stress, anger, and trauma.

The most important aspect of my work as a therapist is the relationship between therapist and client. This allows the therapuetic alliance to be formed. My focus is on teaching adolescents, adults and seniors new coping skills and life skills to help alleviate their symptoms of depression, anxiety, fears or phobias. I also help people who are struggling with traumatic memories using EMDR as a treatment modality. I have been trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, teaching one to change existing thought processes thus leading to positive thinking and coping skills. I use a holistic bio-psycho-social model which incorporates mindfulness therapy using relaxation techniques.

The reasons behind people's decision to seek out therapy are multifaceted, but underlying most of these reasons is a desire for change. While achieving change can be extremely gratifying, the process can often be uncomfortable and even painful as people take an honest look at issues and concerns in a supportive and safe environment. I think of the therapeutic process as a collaboration, with two people working together to achieve the goals that bring a person to therapy in the first place, and resolving issues they may not have anticipated. I believe in utilizing a person's strengths and personal values to create change.

I am currently accepting new clients. As a clinical psychologist, I offer an insight-oriented, collaborative approach to help people effectively cope with major life transitions, new medical diagnoses, anxiety, depression, significant health issues, sleep disturbances, grief, loss and trauma. I bring empathy, understanding and expertise into every session, and I am deeply committed to helping people who feel “stuck” and who want to adjust to new life circumstances.

Doreen Peasley is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in both Maine and California. In her over forty years as a licensed Marriage Family Therapist, she has successfully assisted individuals, couples and families in discovering and achieving their goals and living more engaged and meaningful lives. Doreen supported our military by working with our service members and their families at military bases in the United States, Europe, and Asia for over twelve years. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology at San Diego State University and received her Master of Arts in Psychology at Pepperdine University.

Molly Fox is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Supervisor practicing in Maine. Molly has worked in social service settings since 2008, serving in a variety of non-profit community clinics and within medical primary care settings in Maine and New York City. She is grateful to have experience and training serving a broad range of individuals including New Mainers, LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of intimate partner violence and individuals reentering their lives after incarceration.

I specialize in adults and professionals. Life challenges everyone and sometimes we get stuck. Stuck in worry, sadness or doubt. Trapped in challenging relationship patterns, old habits or overwhelming stress. I can support you in getting unstuck - overcoming loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family challenges, career difficulties, transitions and burnout. We sometimes struggle to find meaning and purpose in our work or personal lives. We sometimes feel broken, different or like we’re not enough. I can help you reconnect to what matters to you, what you love about life, and find a way forward.

*NOTE: I AM CURRENTLY CLOSED TO NEW REFERRALS* Welcome! I hope you are successful in your search for a clinician to address your concerns and that the information here will help with your decision. Some of my core values as a psychologist are to work openly and collaboratively with my clients. I generally work from a contemporary/relational psychoanalytic perspective. This means that, along with focusing on the here and now difficulties you face, I strive to understand how past experiences and relationships influence expectations about the future, and how these unconscious expectations can drive maladaptive patterns in our lives.

It is my desire for Still Waters Counseling to be a place of unconditional acceptance in which individuals of all backgrounds can feel safe enough to give voice to their pain, and find freedom to move toward a different future. I believe each person holds within themselves the power to change and the ability to heal, but sometimes we need a counselor to help us gain skills and insights about ourselves which allow us to progress in our healing journey. I endeavor to both support and challenge you to take the next steps in your journey.

I believe that at the core of all of us is a desire to feel connected. Many things in life can contribute to a feeling of disconnection, including substance use disorder, trauma, or communication problems within relationships. I think the answers are already within each of us. Therapy is a way to unlock those answers so you can live freely and authentically. I believe in fostering a deeply caring, non-judgmental atmosphere where you can feel heard, seen, and supported. I meet people where they are and together, our work involves making incremental changes that improve your life.

Who is Jo Werther? A licensed clinical social worker and mindfulness-based life coach with twenty-five years of practice in the fields of mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, high school and college counseling, hospice care, and private practice. Jo received her Master of Social Work degree in 1995. A popular podcast host, compassionate counselor and life coach, intuitive thinker, and inspiring teacher. Creator of The New Plan A and The Five Ps of Inner Peace, two unique methods for healing from heartbreak, loss, and grief, mastering stress, and restoring emotional well-being with simple daily practices.

I am currently offering in person and telehealth sessions. Are you experiencing relationship or parenting issues? Stress at work? Anxiety or depression? Have you experienced trauma or secondary trauma? I want to offer you a safe and nonjudgmental space in order to navigate the challenges in life. With over 20 years in the social work field, including 6 years as a crisis response clinician, I will bring to the therapeutic process a compassionate, relational, and solution-focused approach.

My passion in this work is to connect deeply with clients. Research tells us that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in positive outcomes in therapy, and I devote my attention to cultivating this relationship with empathy, authenticity, and compassion. I believe that you, the client, are the expert of your experience, and my role as therapist is to provide a quality of relationship that allows you to safely explore who you truly are, without judgement.