Therapists for Seniors in Bennington, VT
Optimal Healing, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, RYT
1 Endorsed
Bennington, VT 05201
Therapy is a wonderful space to build resilience. Through cultivating awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, we can break unwanted patterns of avoidance, reactivity, or shutting down. Through replacing judgment with mindfulness and self-criticism with self-compassion, we gain a greater sense of agency. Through understanding ourselves within our biological, social, and historical context, we are reminded of a shared humanity.
Therapy is a wonderful space to build resilience. Through cultivating awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, we can break unwanted patterns of avoidance, reactivity, or shutting down. Through replacing judgment with mindfulness and self-criticism with self-compassion, we gain a greater sense of agency. Through understanding ourselves within our biological, social, and historical context, we are reminded of a shared humanity.
My approach is grounded in the belief that each person carries an inner compass guiding them toward wholeness—even in the midst of confusion, grief, or overwhelm. In therapy, I work relationally, attending to how attachment, culture, and nervous system states shape our experience. My style is warm, relational, attuned, and down-to-earth, offering curiosity, creativity, and gentle challenge when helpful. I draw from depth psychology/Jungian frameworks, ACT & mindfulness, EMDR, polyvagal theory, expressive arts, somatic awareness, and embodied dreamwork.
My approach is grounded in the belief that each person carries an inner compass guiding them toward wholeness—even in the midst of confusion, grief, or overwhelm. In therapy, I work relationally, attending to how attachment, culture, and nervous system states shape our experience. My style is warm, relational, attuned, and down-to-earth, offering curiosity, creativity, and gentle challenge when helpful. I draw from depth psychology/Jungian frameworks, ACT & mindfulness, EMDR, polyvagal theory, expressive arts, somatic awareness, and embodied dreamwork.
I work with adults and older adults coping with PTSD, depression and mood disorders, grief, loss, anxiety disorders, life changes and challenges, and relationship issues.
My work draws from my 30 years of practice and training in a variety of approaches, including EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral techniques, insight-oriented therapy, and couple's therapy.
I work with adults and older adults coping with PTSD, depression and mood disorders, grief, loss, anxiety disorders, life changes and challenges, and relationship issues.
My work draws from my 30 years of practice and training in a variety of approaches, including EMDR, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral techniques, insight-oriented therapy, and couple's therapy.
Leigh Ullman, LICSW is a therapist at Guiding Hands Counseling in Bennington, VT. I am dedicated to helping adult clients navigate life's difficulties with enhanced resilience and clarity. I offer compassionate treatment to those experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I am especially interested in working with adults coping with mid and late life challenges.
Leigh Ullman, LICSW is a therapist at Guiding Hands Counseling in Bennington, VT. I am dedicated to helping adult clients navigate life's difficulties with enhanced resilience and clarity. I offer compassionate treatment to those experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and trauma. I am especially interested in working with adults coping with mid and late life challenges.
Whether we realize it or not, we're all carrying around a bag: some of us carry a suitcase, others a backpack, and some push around a luggage cart or two overflowing with their bags. Why not downsize a bit? Therapy is all about you. Yes, you'll talk about other people, most likely. But it's not an hour about how they feel; it's an hour about how you feel. It's an hour to be completely open and honest about your life without judgement or interruption. And you deserve it.
Whether we realize it or not, we're all carrying around a bag: some of us carry a suitcase, others a backpack, and some push around a luggage cart or two overflowing with their bags. Why not downsize a bit? Therapy is all about you. Yes, you'll talk about other people, most likely. But it's not an hour about how they feel; it's an hour about how you feel. It's an hour to be completely open and honest about your life without judgement or interruption. And you deserve it.
Making the decision to begin therapy can feel incredibly overwhelming. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for you to explore the obsticals and struggles that have been preventing you from reaching your goals. This could be feelings of anxiety, communication struggles, difficulty establishing boundaries, trauma or a major change in your life that has left you feeling confused or lost. My ultimate goal is to make sure my clients leave therapy with better communication, a higher sense of self-worth, and the skills needed to move through difficult things.
Making the decision to begin therapy can feel incredibly overwhelming. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for you to explore the obsticals and struggles that have been preventing you from reaching your goals. This could be feelings of anxiety, communication struggles, difficulty establishing boundaries, trauma or a major change in your life that has left you feeling confused or lost. My ultimate goal is to make sure my clients leave therapy with better communication, a higher sense of self-worth, and the skills needed to move through difficult things.
Elizabeth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Bennington, VT 05201
Waitlist for new clients
Compassionate, respectful and straightforward psychotherapy. I work with people who are struggling with decisions, feelings and situations that may feel unmanageable. This can look like renegotiating your relationship with substance use, exploring relationship stress, learning about boundaries, managing the demands of care-giving, coping with chronic pain and illness, grieving a loss or some combination of all of the above. I do a lot of listening. But therapy also looks like practicing grounding exercises to learn how to calm an anxiety attack, creating a family tree or gaining new insight on the story of your life.
Compassionate, respectful and straightforward psychotherapy. I work with people who are struggling with decisions, feelings and situations that may feel unmanageable. This can look like renegotiating your relationship with substance use, exploring relationship stress, learning about boundaries, managing the demands of care-giving, coping with chronic pain and illness, grieving a loss or some combination of all of the above. I do a lot of listening. But therapy also looks like practicing grounding exercises to learn how to calm an anxiety attack, creating a family tree or gaining new insight on the story of your life.
I provide depth-oriented psychotherapy for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and life transitions. Many clients seek therapy not only for symptom relief but also to better understand themselves and their life experiences. My work is grounded in an integrative approach that emphasizes emotional understanding, psychological clarity, and meaningful change over time. We attend to current concerns while also exploring deeper patterns, relationship dynamics and meaning. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to each individual combining insight-oriented work with practical problem solving when helpful.
I provide depth-oriented psychotherapy for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and life transitions. Many clients seek therapy not only for symptom relief but also to better understand themselves and their life experiences. My work is grounded in an integrative approach that emphasizes emotional understanding, psychological clarity, and meaningful change over time. We attend to current concerns while also exploring deeper patterns, relationship dynamics and meaning. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to each individual combining insight-oriented work with practical problem solving when helpful.
One of life’s greatest challenges can be beginning the healing journey. Whether you're feeling stuck, depressed, uncertain, anxious, unfulfilled, lost, or broken, I am here to support you. Bringing awareness and/or identifying the root causes of behaviors and emotional experiences can be both challenging and rewarding. My hope for you is that we can work together to identify and progress toward goals to alleviate your suffering and increase your ability to cope, make healthy decisions, and regain direction within your journey.
One of life’s greatest challenges can be beginning the healing journey. Whether you're feeling stuck, depressed, uncertain, anxious, unfulfilled, lost, or broken, I am here to support you. Bringing awareness and/or identifying the root causes of behaviors and emotional experiences can be both challenging and rewarding. My hope for you is that we can work together to identify and progress toward goals to alleviate your suffering and increase your ability to cope, make healthy decisions, and regain direction within your journey.
To be a compassionate companion in the process of healing is an honor I hold as sacred. Wherever you may find yourself on your journey, I will witness, listen, ask deep questions, and offer support without judgement. My goal is to provide a safe space that allows you to remember who you are. I will support you to understand your lived experience with a spacious sense of connectedness. Combining expressive creative techniques with mindfulness-based practices, we will work together towards integration and wholeness based on your chosen goals.
To be a compassionate companion in the process of healing is an honor I hold as sacred. Wherever you may find yourself on your journey, I will witness, listen, ask deep questions, and offer support without judgement. My goal is to provide a safe space that allows you to remember who you are. I will support you to understand your lived experience with a spacious sense of connectedness. Combining expressive creative techniques with mindfulness-based practices, we will work together towards integration and wholeness based on your chosen goals.
I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents seeking support in dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, creative blockages, compulsive behaviors, addictions, grief, anger, "stuckness" and sexual frustrations. My experience includes years in the arts, making me well suited to support creative individuals. I draw from a psychoanalytic perspective, to guide you through an in-depth and creative exploration of your inner world. This process is designed to foster lasting transformation, helping you to break free from recurring patterns that hold you back.
I work with individuals, couples, and adolescents seeking support in dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, creative blockages, compulsive behaviors, addictions, grief, anger, "stuckness" and sexual frustrations. My experience includes years in the arts, making me well suited to support creative individuals. I draw from a psychoanalytic perspective, to guide you through an in-depth and creative exploration of your inner world. This process is designed to foster lasting transformation, helping you to break free from recurring patterns that hold you back.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
In the beginning there was fun, excitement and sex in your relationship. Now your relationship has moved to roommate status and you don’t know how to get the spark back.You love your partner but lately things have not felt the same. TV and phones have replaced long conversations and kids take up any “adult” time the two of you can have together. Sometimes you find yourself thinking some pretty negative things about your partner and sometimes they come out of your mouth, which leads to a fight or worse, stoney silence.
In the beginning there was fun, excitement and sex in your relationship. Now your relationship has moved to roommate status and you don’t know how to get the spark back.You love your partner but lately things have not felt the same. TV and phones have replaced long conversations and kids take up any “adult” time the two of you can have together. Sometimes you find yourself thinking some pretty negative things about your partner and sometimes they come out of your mouth, which leads to a fight or worse, stoney silence.
First off, if you're reading this because you've reached the point in your life where you're ready to do some work on you congratulations, because actually asking for that help is one of the most courageous things we can do for ourselves. The past couple years has taken a toll on our first responders, nurses, teachers, mental health professionals and so many others who seem as though they've lost their way. Have you lost that balance between your personal life and your professional life? Burned out? Have these feelings or others impacted your relationships? I'd really like to hear more and see if I can help you gain some traction!
First off, if you're reading this because you've reached the point in your life where you're ready to do some work on you congratulations, because actually asking for that help is one of the most courageous things we can do for ourselves. The past couple years has taken a toll on our first responders, nurses, teachers, mental health professionals and so many others who seem as though they've lost their way. Have you lost that balance between your personal life and your professional life? Burned out? Have these feelings or others impacted your relationships? I'd really like to hear more and see if I can help you gain some traction!
Going through a difficult time in life can be overwhelming and isolating, and the supports we typically turn to may not be enough. My hope is to join with you as you navigate this challenging time in your life, helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Going through a difficult time in life can be overwhelming and isolating, and the supports we typically turn to may not be enough. My hope is to join with you as you navigate this challenging time in your life, helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered.
I have over 20 years of experience helping individuals cope with stress, loss, fear, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and adjustment to life changes. I work collaboratively with clients to establish a trusting and supportive relationship, set goals for therapy, build upon strengths to increase confidence and self-esteem, and work toward resolving issues.
I have over 20 years of experience helping individuals cope with stress, loss, fear, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and adjustment to life changes. I work collaboratively with clients to establish a trusting and supportive relationship, set goals for therapy, build upon strengths to increase confidence and self-esteem, and work toward resolving issues.
I specialize in helping people overcome complex and “difficult-to-treat” problems. Clients often come to therapy feeling "stuck" and wanting more freedom in their choices. I work with clients to help identify and bring light to the strategies that we often use to avoid our feelings and keep us locked in patterns we want to shift.
I specialize in helping people overcome complex and “difficult-to-treat” problems. Clients often come to therapy feeling "stuck" and wanting more freedom in their choices. I work with clients to help identify and bring light to the strategies that we often use to avoid our feelings and keep us locked in patterns we want to shift.
Psychotherapy is a lifelong arduous learning and self exploration process that will improve the quality of life. I approach therapy with genuineness, unconditional positive regard, accurate empathy, and respect. I will competently employ techniques in which I have received training to assist you in reaching your goals. Technics I may use are EMDR, hypnosis, confrontation, desensitization, homework, humor, imagery, 'I' statements, modeling, psychodrama, journal writing and role-playing. If through the course of psychotherapy an acceptable degree of progress is not reached, I will refer you to another licensed professional.
Psychotherapy is a lifelong arduous learning and self exploration process that will improve the quality of life. I approach therapy with genuineness, unconditional positive regard, accurate empathy, and respect. I will competently employ techniques in which I have received training to assist you in reaching your goals. Technics I may use are EMDR, hypnosis, confrontation, desensitization, homework, humor, imagery, 'I' statements, modeling, psychodrama, journal writing and role-playing. If through the course of psychotherapy an acceptable degree of progress is not reached, I will refer you to another licensed professional.
Are you looking to bring balance and fulfillment into your life? Would you like to be happier, more peaceful and clear in your direction? Would you like to feel that you are living up to your potential? Perhaps improve communication, deepen intimacy, and fun in your relationships? Maybe make better choices for your health or simply feel satisfied as you are? I can help.
Are you looking to bring balance and fulfillment into your life? Would you like to be happier, more peaceful and clear in your direction? Would you like to feel that you are living up to your potential? Perhaps improve communication, deepen intimacy, and fun in your relationships? Maybe make better choices for your health or simply feel satisfied as you are? I can help.
Rachel Hill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCMHC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with a wide range of populations including children, teens, adults, and elderly.
Email inquiries preferred. I currently (Dec 2025) have a handful of openings. Seeking support is a courageous first step toward growth, healing, and self-improvement. I am passionate about helping people make positive changes within themselves and their lives. I meet clients where they are at in their journey. Together we will work to explore strengths, practice skills, and to help alleviate distress. I use a range of therapeutic interventions that include, but are not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered, narrative therapy, and mindfulness based approaches.
I work with a wide range of populations including children, teens, adults, and elderly.
Email inquiries preferred. I currently (Dec 2025) have a handful of openings. Seeking support is a courageous first step toward growth, healing, and self-improvement. I am passionate about helping people make positive changes within themselves and their lives. I meet clients where they are at in their journey. Together we will work to explore strengths, practice skills, and to help alleviate distress. I use a range of therapeutic interventions that include, but are not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered, narrative therapy, and mindfulness based approaches.
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See More Seniors Therapists FAQ - About Therapy for Seniors
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 counseling for seniors and the elderly different from counseling for other 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. Therapists who specialize 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. 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.
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 counselors, like mental health counselors in general, should be kind, empathetic, skilled at listening, and knowledgeable about their particular area of expertise. Counselors specializing 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 counselors 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.