Online and In-Person Therapy for Aging Adults
While many people think of therapy as something for people with specific diagnoses or those who are in crisis, much of what we do at Lakeside Counseling involves supporting people as they navigate difficult transitions and complexities related to the changes and surprises life throws our way. Aging adults experience numerous transitions. From empty nesting, to retirement, to changes in health and vitality, our aging bodies and minds are constantly changing, and even though we tell ourselves it’s just a natural part of life, that doesn’t make every part of aging easy to contend with. If you find yourself emotionally drained, struggling to process difficult experiences, or you’re just not feeling like yourself, we hope you’ll consider partnering with one of our knowledgeable therapists who offer online therapy for aging adults. You can learn more about therapy with our team members on this page or by contacting us to schedule a consultation.
Why Would Aging Adults Benefit from Therapy?
There are numerous reasons why aging adults might seek therapy and receive benefits from working with a therapist. Some of the most common reasons aging adults seek therapy include:
Life transitions – there are many changes that come with aging, and while many older adults look forward to things like retirement and more time with grandkids, others find themselves dreading these big changes or having difficulty adjusting to them.
Ageism – older adults are often treated differently, and this treatment can range from a mild irritation to blatant discrimination. If you’re struggling with the way people look at, speak to, and interact with you as you age, let’s talk about it.
Family dynamics – as we age, our familial relationships change. We may start to feel like we’re the children suddenly dependent upon our kids to support and care for us. Conversely, we may find ourselves frustrated with adult children who are still dependent upon us when we were hoping to be enjoying retirement. Family therapy can help with the many complex ways that familial roles change as you age.
Health & medical issues – as we age, our health can decline, leaving us feeling weak, scared, and not like ourselves. Therapy can help you process the effects of aging and specific medical diagnoses on your body and mind.
Disordered emotions – all the changes that occur as we age leave older adults at greater risk for mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
Substance use disorders – according to data collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, adults between 50 and 70 are at increasing risk to develop substance use disorders.
What Happens During Therapy for Aging Adults?
Therapy sessions are geared toward helping individuals achieve specific goals. For aging adults, that may look like learning coping skills to manage complex feelings, exploring ways to navigate difficult life transitions, or processing challenges surrounding aging like new or worsening health concerns. Whatever your specific needs, your therapist will offer the resources and support you need to navigate life with greater ease.
Many of our clients are concerned about receiving therapy online. In the last few years, people have relied on video chat platforms to stay connected, but it can still feel uncomfortable to conduct therapy sessions using similar methods. First and foremost, we want to reassure our clients that, while our video chat platform is easy to use, it’s also HIPAA-compliant to ensure the security of your private information during therapy sessions. If you ever have questions about utilizing our telehealth online therapy platform, please don’t hesitate to ask. We’ll be happy to help.
Get Started with an Initial Appointment
At Lakeside Counseling, we begin the therapy process with a 55 minute intake session to explore the reasons you are seeking therapy and to set goals. When you’re ready to get started, we look forward to hearing from you.