Older adults are a fascinating group of people because of the times they lived in, what they have gone through, and what they are going through. They often have to cope with issues that are interconnected with different parts of their lives so it can seem overwhelming to them or maybe impossible that things could be better.

I enjoy working with older adults because of the challenges they bring to me because of this. This is a population that is underserved and one that should not be.

Whether they live in the cities or in rural areas, it can be difficult for older adults to get to a therapist’s office because of weather, lack of transportation, health issues that make driving difficult or impossible, or any number of other reasons. Online therapy gives a person the opportunity to work with someone that they might not have otherwise and to do it in a surrounding they are comfortable in.

I have been fortunate in being able to establish good relationships with my clients that evolved into ones based on trust, a sense of ease with each other, and confidence that change will happen. There are times when I assist my client to let go of their anxiety about seeing a therapist and we often work together on letting go of the shame and other feelings associated with the perceived stigma of seeing a “shrink.” The issues that are often presented by an older adult can be complex in nature. I have worked with many things such as depression due to various causes such as loss of family/friends, independence, or health, anxiety, a resurfacing of trauma memories and reactions, difficulty with acceptance of health problems, caregiver stress, end-of-life issues, frustration with medical care, or problems with sleep.

It isn’t that a person cannot change, sometimes they don’t have the information, or skills needed to make the changes happen so that is where I come in. I might help them with changing their ways of thinking or their behaviors; sometimes it can involve just listening. I do not believe in a “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” approach to therapy. I think it is important to use proven concepts and skills which address the issues or concerns of my client while respecting their beliefs, values, and life experiences. This is why therapy must be tailored to each person. There were times when I found that therapy could be enhanced by including a person's religious or spiritual beliefs, or their cultural values as key components of the work being done.

I have always been the person that strangers talk to about “Life, the Universe, and Everything.” I find that helping someone to change their life or to get through a tough time is rewarding for me in different ways: I have the privilege of assisting someone with making changes in their life or themselves and by helping them through this process, and I often find that I have learned something that helps me to grow as well.

I have been many things in my life, and each has come with its own joys, sorrows, and stresses, but each has contributed to who I am today: daughter, sister, Army brat, granddaughter, niece, cousin, wife of a Veteran, mother, stepmother, aunt, friend, co-worker, caregiver, frustrated patient, and psychologist.

My curiosity about things in general has made me an avid bookworm (it was a curse and a blessing to have found secondhand book websites!), I am proud to be a total nerd for Science Fiction and Fantasy.

I got some great values for Life from them: Live long and prosper, resist the Dark Side, unite and gather strength from friendships, enjoy second breakfasts, and don’t panic.

I am a beginning hiker with my Labrador (I also have a parrot that you might hear during a session-apologies in advance), an armchair adventurer, and now a budding gardener.