Counseling & Healing

Healing the mind and heart are as important as healing the body. Chronic illness, the loss of loved ones, retirement and relocation — all of these situations can add up to feelings of depression, estrangement, and anxiety. Sometimes we isolate ourselves from others and feel overwhelmed. Talking about these things with a professional counselor can help us recognize our feelings, learn that we are not alone, and draw on resources we have to meet these challenges in our daily lives.

Depression or Dementia?

Depression and dementia are often confused in older people, and the conditions can coexist. Feeling sad, lonely, or socially isolated is not uncommon as we age, or at any age. Everyone gets the blues at times and has days where getting out of bed seems like too much. When depression is a clinical issue, feelings of hopelessness, dread, and sadness last for several days, preventing one from participating in ordinary life and previously pleasurable activities, and might lead to suicide.

It’s helpful to meet with someone if you suspect depression or dementia in yourself or a loved one because the symptoms are not always clear - research shows that many elderly don’t think of themselves as sad, although other signs of depression are present. These include anxiety; agitation; physical complaints that don’t have an organic basis; isolation from others; feelings of confusion, delusions, or hallucinations; loss of self worth; and fatigue or no energy, as well as overeating, undereating, and having difficulty with sleep.

Loss of cognitive or reasoning functions due to dementia can also look like depression. Confusion can appear as sadness, recognition of cognitive losses can lead to low self-esteem, and alcohol abuse can mask signs of both. Talking with a professional for both assessment and counseling can help. Learn More

Grief & Loss

Losing a loved one is extraordinarily painful and throws us into a state of grief. At this time, it is really important find places to talk about our feelings, to reflect on our deceased friend or relative, and have support.

Grief is a normal response to loss. But it can feel anything but normal. It throws us into a place of uncertainty and confusion, even when the loss was anticipated. As we age, we experience many losses; some we expect, some we do not expect, and some we do not even think of as "losses." We expect to grieve when we lose a spouse, partner, parent, child or friend. We may expect to grieve if we lose a pet who is a trusted and long-term companion or if we have to change our living situation. But, we also need to acknowledge and mourn other losses - loss of mobility, loss of good health, or financial losses.

Even though we all experience grief, it remains a personal journey. Support matters.

Healing from Abuse

For many people, being a victim or a survivor of any kind of abuse is painful and traumatic. Many people blame themselves for the bad thing that happened to them. They may also play down what happened or think that they caused it. Even after abuse has ended, victims may feel depressed, have trouble sleeping, or experience poor health. These feelings are common among people who have been abused and counseling can bring perspective and healing. Trained counselors work with seniors who have been victims of all kinds of elder abuse, including domestic violence. One-on-one counseling may focus on healing from the abuse and regaining self-confidence, peace of mind and safety. Support group can also provide a place for victims of elder abuse to talk about their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Join a Support Group

Meeting with others in a group can be soothing and supportive, and help an individual through times of great loss, trauma, disorientation, and change. Support groups offer individuals an opportunity to share their similar experiences and support one another, providing a safe environment to work through pain and confusion under the guidance of a trained professional. IOA offers a number of groups, including grief & loss, chronic illness, and memory loss. Learn More

Telephone Counseling

Sometimes we need help when business hours are over, or simply would like encouragement without the trouble of making an appointment. Sometimes, knowing we can call someone who cares can make all the difference. Telephone support lines provide counseling on a moment's notice from the privacy of your own home. Seniors can also receive "check-in" calls, medication reminders and referrals for needed services. Trained staff and volunteers both receive calls and make outgoing calls, offering an ongoing connection for many depressed or lonely older adults.

IOA provides 24 hour telephone counseling through the Friendship Line. The Friendship Line reaches out to older adults, offering support, reassurance, counseling, crisis intervention, abuse prevention, medication reminders, well-being checks, and information and referral. For more information for yourself or for a senior you know, simply call and introduce yourself to a Friendship Line counselor. If you desire to receive services, a staff member will discuss a plan to best meet your needs.
Phone: (415) (752-3778)
Toll Free: (800) 971-0016
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