Counseling for Seniors
Navigating Change, Loss and New Possibilities in Life’s Later Chapters
Are you adjusting to an empty nest? Grieving the loss of a partner or close friends? Wondering how to spend your time in retirement, or how to live well with changes in health or mobility? Maybe you’re grappling with questions about the meaning of life, or feeling lonely, anxious, or depressed.
You may also be noticing the gifts of this stage of life—seasoned wisdom, the freedom to say yes to what feels right, and a perspective that refines with age.
I’m in my eighties myself, and have spent more than five decades as a therapist, mentor, and teacher. I understand, both personally and professionally, that aging brings change and complexities that come with shifts in independence, evolving family dynamics, loss of loved ones, and a desire to stay connected to people and purpose. Feelings of grief, depression, anxiety or anger can intensify, or show up for the first time. Even if you’ve navigated life’s ups and downs with resilience before, this chapter can feel different.
With an appreciation for the full spectrum of aging—the gifts and the difficulties—in counseling for seniors therapy sessions, I offer a space where you can speak openly about both. Together, we explore what’s going on in your life now, and find ways to move through this chapter with steadiness, connection, purpose, and greater ease.
Finding Steadiness Within Change
In this season of life, we experience ongoing change—in our health and mobility, our relationships, and the way we see ourselves in the world. These changes can bring unexpected emotions and questions. It’s not unusual to feel a mix of gratitude and loss, stability and uncertainty, connection and loneliness.
Therapy offers a place to reflect, adapt, and find steadiness as life continues to shift. You may want to talk through a specific challenge, address depression or anxiety, work through grief, strengthen a relationship, or simply have a space that’s yours to explore what matters most to you now.
In my experience, people often find that the later years bring both the perspective to look at life differently and the time to tend to parts of themselves they’ve set aside.
Working with Me
My therapy approach blends the depth of Western psychotherapy with the insight and perspective of Eastern philosophy, and is informed by decades of experience. I’m an engaged, thoughtful listener who asks questions to help you explore what is meaningful for you today and what it is that you need to feel fulfilled. I also offer practical tools, and I meet you where you are—without judgment, and with a pace and the support that feels right for you.
While every person’s needs are different, in my work with older adults I often see common themes:
- Grief and loss — processing the death of a spouse, friend, or sibling
- Retirement — finding purpose without the structure of work
- Changes in health or mobility — adapting to new limitations
- Family dynamics — shifts in relationships with adult children, grandchildren or other loved ones
- Loneliness or social isolation — wanting more connection
- Depression or anxiety — feeling low, unsettled, or without direction
- End-of-life reflections — exploring spirituality, mortality, legacy, and life meaning
As we get older, life changes in ways we can’t always prepare for. There are losses—of people, abilities, routines—and changes in health, family and independence. And, I understand that some days it can all feel like too much.
But that’s never the whole story. These years can also offer a deeper sense of perspective, more freedom to choose how you spend your time, and an embracement of moments of connection and joy that might have been harder to notice in your younger years.
I know these experiences firsthand. I’ve spent decades working with older adults, and I’m living this stage of life myself. I understand what it’s like to hold both the challenges and the possibilities at the same time.
While every person’s journey is unique, therapy later in life helps clients feel more connected to themselves and others, often with a new or renewed purpose. It can help to ease feelings of loneliness, sadness or worry, while helping you strengthen family or social relationships. And, it can help you feel more accepting of and at ease with the inevitable emotional, physical and relational challenges and changes that we encounter the older we get.
In our work together, everything is welcome. We can talk about the practical realities of this stage of life, the relationships that matter most to you, the spiritual or existential questions that come up, and the ways you want to keep growing. My role is to listen deeply, meet you where you are, and offer tools and perspective to help you navigate what’s here, and what’s ahead, with steadiness, meaning, and connection.
If You’re Reaching Out for a Loved One
Some clients come to me because an adult child, relative, or friend suggested therapy to someone they care about. If you’re exploring therapy on behalf of someone in your life, as a therapist for seniors, I’m happy to speak with you about what they’re going through and how I might help. Therapy can be a valuable source of encouragement and perspective for someone facing the changes of later life.
Let’s Talk
As a psychotherapist for more than 50 years who is also in my early 80s, I know firsthand that aging isn’t just one thing. Some days bring ease, perspective, and the freedom to choose how you spend your time. Other days bring loss, health challenges, or a sense of wondering what’s next. Whatever this stage of life looks like for you right now, you don’t have to do it alone. My approach is warm and compassionate, while also practical and deeply respectful of you and your unique journey.
If you’re interested in therapy for seniors, you can schedule a free consultation using the link at the bottom of the page. You can also call either of my office locations directly. I see clients at my Upper West Side NYC office, my Weston, CT office, and for online therapy.
New York, NY: 212-874-9402
Weston, CT: 203-544-9116
I’m here to help, and look forward to connecting.