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“With age comes wisdom and experience”.
As we journey through life, we accumulate experiences, memories, and wisdom that shape who we are. Sometimes, life throws challenges our way that we may find difficult to navigate alone. This is where therapy can be a valuable resource.
Based on the American Psychiatric Association, roughly 75% of individuals undergoing psychotherapy experience some degree of improvement from the treatment.
Despite this, many seniors remain hesitant to explore it due to misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health support. The prevalence of these viewpoints was evident in a 2012 study where it was found that 70% of individuals aged 55 and above, diagnosed with mood and anxiety disorders, refrained from utilizing any mental health services. The study noted that the primary reason reported for avoiding therapy was the skepticism that treatment would be effective.
In this article, we'll address some common misconceptions about therapy and why seniors should reconsider seeking support to enhance their overall well-being.
Misconception 1: Therapy is Only for "Serious" Mental Health Issues
One prevalent misconception is that therapy is only for individuals struggling with severe mental health conditions and it does not work. Flowly Pain Coach - Licensed Therapist, Samantha Meadows, LCSW, says, “I think a lot of people in general just feel that therapy doesn’t work. They think that they have to ‘tough it out,’ that suffering is ‘part of life,’ or that talking to a stranger is a waste of time… It’s also intimidating and confusing when we’re not necessarily able to see or understand how therapy will make things better. But the brain works in mysterious but also predictable ways and therapy does work. Sometimes we have to figure out the best treatment plan, but on the whole, it is effective, and it does help a lot of people.”
Therapy is beneficial for a wide range of concerns, from managing stress, grief, and life transitions to improving communication skills and enhancing overall quality of life. Seniors can benefit immensely from therapy as they navigate retirement, loss of loved ones, chronic pain management or other health issues, and existential questions about aging.
Misconception 2: Therapy is a Sign of Weakness
Another misconception is that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness or failure to cope independently. Samantha explains that “Stigma definitely still plays a role, we think that asking for help is a sign of weakness or that we’re abnormal if we’re struggling. A lot of people don’t want to have to expose their private lives to a stranger and leave it open to possible judgment or criticism. Additionally, some people see therapists as an authority figure, and interacting with them feels like being in the principal’s office and/or brings up associations withcaregivers or other figures in power that may have hurt or betrayed their trust at somepoint.”
In reality, therapy is a courageous step toward self-awareness, growth, and empowerment. It takes strength to acknowledge one's struggles and actively seek support to address them. Seniors who engage in therapy demonstrate resilience and a commitment to their emotional well-being.
Misconception 3: It's Too Late to Change
There’s another saying associated with age: “you can’t teach old dogs new tricks”.
Some seniors may believe that they are too old to benefit from therapy or that their personality and habits are too deeply ingrained to change. However, therapy is not about changing who you are but rather gaining insight into who you are, learning coping strategies as you go through more life experiences, and developing healthier perspectives and behaviors. It's never too late to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Samantha adds, “There is a fallacy that older individuals cannot learn new skills, but this is simply untrue. The strategies and exercises we practice in therapy are just as attainable to older individuals as they are to younger ones. In fact, I tend to believe it is more useful for older adults because they have more life experience. Often I work with younger people who are externally focused and think that if they can just get the ‘right’ job or their partner to behave the way they want finally then everything will be right in life. When we have the benefit of having lived more life we know ourselves better and have a better understanding that most of our life experience is really taking place within our own minds. Therefore, older adults can sometimes be more open to learning techniques and strategies to change their brains and ways of thinking because they already know that external changes won't solve their problems.”
Misconception 4: Therapy is Expensive
While therapy can be an investment, many options are available to make it more accessible and affordable for seniors. Medicare may cover the cost of therapy sessions with licensed mental health professionals, making it a viable option for older adults on a fixed income. Additionally, some community centers, religious organizations, and non-profit agencies offer low-cost or sliding-scale therapy services.
Misconception 5: Therapists Won't Understand or Relate to Seniors
Seniors may fear that therapists, particularly younger ones, won't understand their unique experiences, challenges, and cultural backgrounds. However, therapists undergo extensive training to work with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including seniors. A good therapist will listen with empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity, fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment for seniors to explore their thoughts and feelings.
The Benefits of Therapy for Seniors
Now that we've debunked some common misconceptions, let's explore the benefits that seniors will get from starting therapy:
- Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Therapy provides a safe space for seniors to express their feelings, process life changes, and gain valuable insights into themselves. It can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and grief, promoting emotional resilience and overall well-being.As one gets older, it’s common to find yourself in a smaller social circle. With an established social routine and rhythm, it can be common to find yourself often going for days - sometimes weeks - without social interaction. There also comes pressure to hold in your feelings and thoughts among family members.Therapy provides a safe space for seniors to express their feelings, process life changes, and gain valuable insights into themselves. Regular therapy sessions can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and grief. Over time, you’ll find yourself with greater emotional resilience and overall well-being.
- Alliance with your Therapist: As Samantha puts it, one of “the most valuable aspects of the therapeutic experience is the alliance you build with your therapist. I think having someone to talk to who isn’t judgmental, who listens attentively with respect and understanding, and who can truly empathize with your experience is alone a cathartic and helpful experience. Additionally, being validated and having your experience normalized, knowing that other people out there have been through what you’ve been through and they’ve found better ways to function can also be a simple but powerful aspect of counseling and therapy.”
- Improved Relationships: The communication gap between generations can be a daunting thing because of generational cultural and communication differences. Therapy can help seniors cultivate a deeper connection with loved ones by enhancing their communication skills, resolving conflicts, and gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their reactions during a conversation. By addressing underlying issues and learning effective coping strategies, seniors can foster healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
- Increased Self-awareness: Through therapy, seniors can gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This self-awareness enables them to identify unhelpful patterns, challenge negative beliefs, and make positive changes that align with their values and goals.
- Empowerment and Resilience: Therapy empowers seniors to take an active role in their mental health and life satisfaction. By developing coping skills, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care, seniors can navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.
Therapy is a valuable tool for seniors to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being, address life transitions, and cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their golden years. By overcoming misconceptions and embracing therapy as a resource for growth and healing, seniors can embark on a journey of self-discovery and well-lived lives. If you're a senior considering therapy, take that courageous step towards a brighter tomorrow—you deserve it!
TLDR: Therapy is a beneficial resource for seniors, yet misconceptions often prevent them from seeking help. Despite this, therapy offers numerous advantages, including improved emotional well-being, enhanced relationships, increased self-awareness, and empowerment. Seniors should reconsider therapy as a valuable tool for navigating life's challenges and fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their golden years. Overcoming misconceptions and embracing therapy can lead to a brighter tomorrow filled with growth and healing.