Support For Older Adults
Life can bring significant changes as we get older. Retirement, changes in health, relationships, caring responsibilities, loss and changing social connections can all affect how we feel and how we see ourselves.
Sometimes we can feel anxious, low, lonely or less motivated. At other times, we may simply want some support to adjust to a new stage of life, work through a difficult situation or reconnect with the things that matter to us.
At Supported Minds Psychology, we provide warm, practical and evidence-based psychological support for adults aged 65 and over. We offer individual therapy as well as our Ageing Wisely group program, providing different options depending on what you are looking for.
Individual Psychological Therapy
Individual therapy provides a private and supportive space to talk with a psychologist about what is happening in your life.
Our psychologists work with older adults experiencing a range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety, worry and stress
- Depression and low mood
- Grief and loss
- Loneliness and social isolation
- Adjustment to retirement or other life transitions
- Changes in relationships and family circumstances
- Coping with changes in health or independence
- Sleep difficulties
- Loss of motivation or enjoyment
- Building confidence and emotional resilience
- Managing difficult thoughts and emotions
- Finding a greater sense of purpose and connection
Therapy is tailored to you and your circumstances. Your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to understand what is happening and develop practical strategies that can help you feel more confident, connected and in control.
You don't need to have a mental health diagnosis to seek psychological support. Sometimes having someone outside your family or social circle to talk things through with can make a meaningful difference.
A supportive space to talk
We understand that everyone's experience of ageing is different. Our approach is respectful of your life experience, strengths, values and the things that are important to you.
Whether you are dealing with a particular difficulty or simply feel that life isn't quite where you would like it to be, psychological therapy can provide an opportunity to pause, reflect and work out what might help.
Ageing Wisely – Group Therapy for Adults 65+
Learn practical strategies, build connection and feel more confident
Ageing Wisely is a supportive 12-week group program for adults aged 65 and over who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
The program provides a safe and welcoming space to meet with others who may be experiencing similar challenges, while learning practical strategies to improve mood, manage worry and build confidence.
Over the 12 weeks, you’ll learn ways to:
- Understand and manage anxiety and low mood
- Increase motivation and enjoyment in everyday life
- Recognise and challenge unhelpful thinking
- Manage worry and difficult emotions
- Build social connection and reduce loneliness
- Improve sleep
- Solve problems and manage life's challenges
- Face things you may have been avoiding
- Cope with change, loss and life transitions
- Build confidence and maintain your wellbeing
The program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and was developed by the Centre for Emotional Health at Macquarie University. Sessions are practical, interactive and supportive, with a workbook to help you put what you learn into practice.
You don’t need to have a diagnosis to take part. If you’ve noticed that worry, low mood or a loss of motivation is getting in the way of enjoying life, Ageing Wisely may be a helpful place to start.
You’re never too old to learn new ways to feel better, stay connected and enjoy life.
Which option is right for me?
Individual therapy may suit you if you would prefer one-to-one support or have personal circumstances you would like to explore privately with a psychologist.
Ageing Wisely may suit you if you would like to learn practical strategies in a small, supportive group and connect with others experiencing similar challenges.
If you're not sure which option is right for you, we're happy to talk with you about your needs and help you decide where to start.
