#025 - Older adults continue to experience mental health concerns as they age. Studies show that when older adults do engage in mental health care, the vast majority of the time they get better.

Here's the tragedy: older adults do not readily pursue mental health care when they need it and as a result are left to suffer needlessly, and sadly have the highest rates of suicide.

My hope is that this episode will demystify the process of going to therapy and build a bridge from suffering to healing.

If we can help older adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia, grief, compounded loss, trauma, medical problems - you choose, get to that first therapy session, they're one step closer to feeling better and living a more peaceful life.

Today's episode focuses on what a first therapy session may look like if you're an older adult with a mental health concern, a memory concern, or a family concern. 
 

Here's a peak inside the episode:

• [01:37] Making the decision to schedule that first mental health appointment generally takes a lot of thought and courage. Learn what I hope you get from this episode.
• [04:11] Many therapists are taking COVID precautions very seriously and offering tele-therapy. I discuss how to talk with your therapist about COVID safety.
• [07:57] Some of the first objections that I hear from older adults when starting therapy is: "I don't want you to think I'm crazy." Or, "I don't want you to lock me up". If you're considering starting therapy, it's important to know the informed consent process , meaning, the specific situations that I would need to break confidentiality to get you support.
• [12:19] I ask a lot of questions in a first session to get to know my client's current concerns and about my client's life. I reveal many of the questions I ask in a first session, 
• [16:59] Wonder what I do when people share concerns about memory loss in a first session? I describe my process here. 
• [20:59] What does a first session look like when family members come to therapy with a person with dementia? Learn more here. 
• [24:29] It's okay and encouraged to ask your therapist questions. I share questions to consider asking.
• [26:32] You're not gonna click with everyone. I share what happened when I didn't connect with a therapist I was just getting started with. 
  
  

Click here to listen!

Check out the show notes here!

Rate and Review Psychology of Aging Podcast with Dr. Regina Koepp

If you're on Apple Podcasts, help me help others by rating and reviewing my show. Reviews let others- just like you- care for the older adults in their lives.

It's simple:
1. Just click here
2. Scroll down to "Ratings and Reviews" 
3. Tap or click "Write a Review"

Have a topic idea? Send us a text.

PROFESSIONALS: Grab your free guide to working with older adults here


Attention Social Workers, Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Aging Life Care Experts... Click here to get Continuing Education Credits