What is Geriatric Therapy?

And how can it help?

In the world of therapy, we recognize the importance of not taking a “one size fits all” approach. We understand that the approaches we’d use with children differ from those we’d use with teenagers as well as adults. And even within adulthood there is a vast spread of ages and life stages, and therefore our adult clients, you, also deserve personalization in your therapy experience. For those in older age, that is where Geriatric Therapy comes in. 

What is Geriatric Therapy?

Excellent question! Geriatric therapy differs from traditional adult therapy in that it acknowledges, integrates, and addresses the unique challenges of later adulthood. It is specifically designed to focus on the experiences more common to this later life stage such as changes in family roles, shifts in identity with retirement, management of new or worsening chronic health conditions, and navigating moments of grief and loss. 

That being said, aging does not destine nor doom someone to depression, anxiety, or any other version of emotional suffering. If you are struggling, that is not something you “just have to deal with.” You are deserving and capable of happiness and fulfillment, and therapists specialized in geriatric therapy can help you get there. 

Geriatric therapists aim to leverage your lifetime of experience and wisdom to help you navigate the current difficulties you are facing. They also recognize that your struggles do not exist in a vacuum, and that struggles with physical health, emotions, relationships, and personal identity can all impact each other. As such, geriatric therapists focus on helping people to navigate the mental, emotional, and spiritual bumps that may occur in later adulthood. 

What does Geriatric Therapy Actually Consist Of?

So glad you asked! Geriatric therapy uniquely tailors the experience to whatever a person may be struggling with. Sessions may consist of: 

• Addressing a specific challenge or transition that someone is facing through talk therapy and problem solving. 

• Relieving health challenges by focusing on strategies to manage chronic pain or help people adapt to their present health abilities so they can live as full and independent of a life as possible. 

• Exploring emotional hardships that may arise like loneliness and helping individuals find opportunities for connection. 

• Helping people walk through one of life’s most difficult experiences, grief. 

Whatever is bringing you into therapy, geriatric therapists are there to listen to you, understand you, and support you through it. 

It’s Never Too Late to Start Therapy

We recognize that some people have experience with therapy whereas others might be entering into therapy for the first time. We also understand that therapy hasn’t always been as widely accepted and accessible in the past. We want to honor wherever you are in your therapy experience and meet you where you are most comfortable. 

Regardless of age, people can absolutely benefit from learning new skills in therapy! In fact, learning new skills and having opportunities for connection have both been shown to have positive effects on memory and overall cognitive functioning, a win-win!