I enjoy working with older adults for many reasons. They are fascinating individuals who bring a wealth of life experience, often sharing incredible stories that provide both insight and inspiration. These are individuals who have endured challenges, faced life's ups and downs, and have a unique perspective on the world. I not only teach them but also learn from them. Older adults often possess a great deal of knowledge, and in my experience, they tend to be kind, warm, and generous with their stories.

Another reason I enjoy working with this age group is the stability they bring. If you've made it this far in life, it speaks to your strength and resilience. While they may seek therapy for various challenges, many older adults already have the internal resources needed to navigate these difficulties. My role often involves helping them reconnect with those resources, revisiting past coping strategies, or finding new ways to approach challenges. Ultimately, older adults have shown remarkable resilience, overcoming obstacles throughout their lives, which is something I deeply admire.

Online therapy has proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy for many mental health conditions, particularly for older adults dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, and grief. While online therapy may not be suitable for every condition or every situation, the research supports its efficacy for these common concerns.

In my personal experience as a PSYPACT clinician, many of my patients live in rural areas where access to qualified mental health professionals can be limited, or the available clinicians may be far away. Online therapy removes these geographical barriers, allowing patients to engage in therapy from the comfort of their own homes. Whether they’re in their living room, study, or favorite chair with a cup of tea or coffee, it creates a personalized and relaxed environment that can enhance the therapeutic process.

Additionally, many older adults face medical conditions that limit their mobility or have caregiving responsibilities, making it difficult to leave their homes. For these individuals, online therapy offers a practical solution that saves time and energy. They don’t have to worry about the logistics of driving or finding transportation, which can be a significant challenge for those with physical limitations or time constraints. Online therapy allows them to focus solely on their mental health, without the added stress of travel. Even for those living in urban areas, traffic can be a significant obstacle, making the convenience of virtual sessions even more valuable.

My approach to therapy is primarily person-centered, drawing from Carl Rogers' Rogerian principles. I believe in creating a warm, approachable atmosphere where my clients feel comfortable and valued. I aim to evoke cozy, welcoming vibes during our sessions, fostering a space where people feel safe to express themselves. I also find that humor can be a helpful tool in some cases, and while it’s not always present, I do believe it can add to the ease and connection in our work together.

However, it’s important to remember that every clinician has their unique approach to therapy. What truly matters is the connection you form with your therapist. The therapeutic alliance—the rapport and relationship you build—is vital for therapy to be effective. If my style doesn’t resonate with you, that’s completely okay. It's important to feel comfortable and open with the person you're working with. If it’s not the right fit, I always encourage clients to seek out another clinician who might better align with their needs. At Total Life, we have a diverse team of clinicians, and finding the right therapeutic match is key to creating a successful, impactful therapy experience. Once that rapport is built, the real work of therapy can begin, and positive change can take place.

My approach to therapy is grounded primarily in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), though I don’t follow a rigid, manualized model. My style focuses on helping clients identify and challenge any negative belief systems that may be limiting them. I guide them in recognizing patterns of thinking that may not be serving their well-being, offering psychoeducation along the way. I provide worksheets, pamphlets, and other resources to help clients better understand the interrelationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This helps reinforce the concepts we discuss and gives them practical tools to continue their progress outside of sessions.

As a health service clinical psychologist, psychoeducation is another key element of my work, as I enjoy educating my clients—whether it’s about medical conditions they’re dealing with, or general coping skills that can improve their environment and lifestyle. I believe in learning together, and I find that clients often appreciate the sense of partnership in this process. Whether they’re facing a new condition or have been managing a long-standing issue, providing these tools can empower them to navigate the changes they’re experiencing.

I also embrace an existential perspective. Whether a client is adjusting to a new stage in life—like retirement, navigating a chronic condition, experiencing a loss, or becoming an empty-nester—there’s often a search for meaning and purpose. My goal is to help clients explore these existential questions and help them find purpose in the transitions they’re facing. I believe that finding purpose, especially during difficult times, is an essential part of healing and growth.

Every clinician has their own unique story about why they entered the field of therapy. While some may relate personally to the issues their clients face, research shows that it’s not a necessity for being an effective therapist. For me, my journey into therapy was rooted in my own experiences. Having navigated some difficult stages in my childhood and adolescence, I sought to understand and help myself. This process of self-discovery led me to a deep appreciation for psychology, which became my constant interest as I explored different career paths. Throughout my college years and beyond, psychology remained my go-to passion, always drawing me back.

As I continued my journey, I found myself naturally gravitating towards this field, and I pursued it without hesitation. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of individuals, from children and teenagers to young adults and older clients. My experience as a generalist therapist has allowed me to develop an understanding of the challenges people face at different life stages. Ultimately, my desire to become a therapist was born from wanting to help myself, and that drive to understand and heal has grown into my passion for helping others.

My advice to someone starting therapy for the first time is to approach the process with an open mind. If you come in with very specific expectations about what therapy should look like or how it should unfold, you might find that reality doesn’t always align with those ideas. Being open to the experience, however it presents itself, is key. Additionally, I would encourage bravery. Starting therapy can be a daunting step, especially for individuals struggling with anxiety. The act of making that first call or taking the initiative to seek help can be incredibly overwhelming. But being brave enough to start the process is a huge accomplishment in itself. Remember, the goal is to work through challenges and ultimately feel better.

Patience is also crucial. Sometimes, it takes time to find the right clinician, and you may not click with the first person you see. That’s okay—it’s not a reflection of therapy as a whole. If that happens, don’t be discouraged. Keep trying, be brave, and eventually, you’ll find a therapist whose approach aligns with you, and that’s when the real progress can begin.

I wish people knew that therapy isn’t just for those with mental health conditions or those going through particularly challenging experiences. While the individuals I work with here at Total Life face those struggles, therapy can truly be for anyone. It’s an opportunity for growth, understanding, and change.

Therapy has the potential to be absolutely life-changing because it offers you a person—an objective set of ears, eyes, and a trained mind—dedicated to advocating for your well-being. A therapist can provide insights and perspectives you may not have considered, which can shift your understanding of yourself and your relationships.

For me, it’s been fascinating to work with different generations. As a geriatric millennial...lol, I often see boomers and gen x clients who sometimes face communication challenges with their adult children or grandchildren (millennials and gen z). Helping them bridge those generational gaps and improve their relationships has been profoundly rewarding. Improved relationships can make life more fulfilling, and that’s a powerful benefit of therapy I wish more people recognized.

My advice to someone starting therapy for the first time is to approach the process with an open mind.

A fun fact about me is that I come from a family of musicians. In my household, music is a constant presence—I’ll often hear the piano, trumpet, or violin being played. We’re passionate about most genres of music, and it’s always in the background of my life when I’m off the clock and doing my own thing. Music is such an integral part of my personal life that I truly can’t imagine living without it. It’s a source of joy, connection, and inspiration for me.