Elder abuse is a deeply complex issue, and one that often goes unnoticed. It can take many forms, including physical harm, emotional manipulation, financial exploitation, and neglect. Sometimes it’s intentional, and other times it stems from caregiver burnout or lack of resources. No matter the cause, the impact is real.
Therapy offers a safe space for both older adults and caregivers to talk about their experiences, understand what’s happening, and access support. Whether you’re a caregiver trying your best but feeling overwhelmed, or an older adult struggling with a situation that doesn’t feel right, therapy can be a lifeline.
There is still stigma and silence surrounding elder abuse. Many people don’t talk about it or even realize that what they’re experiencing qualifies as abuse. But acknowledging it is the first step. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s an act of strength.
Why Therapy Matters
The emotional and psychological impact of elder abuse is often long-lasting. It can lead to depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, isolation, or a loss of trust in others. For caregivers, it may bring guilt, resentment, or burnout — especially when supports are limited or systems fail to help.
A skilled therapist can walk alongside you as you process what’s happening, navigate difficult decisions, and find a way forward. Therapy can also help prevent abuse by offering resources, building skills, and creating space for healthy boundaries and communication.
What We Can Explore in Therapy
Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. It’s a collaborative process based on your needs and goals. Here are just a few of the things we can focus on together:
- Prevention Education & Resourcing: Learn how to recognize the warning signs of elder abuse and understand your rights and options.
- Caregiver Support: Talk through your feelings of burnout, guilt, or overwhelm in a safe, non-judgmental space.
- Trauma Recovery: Gently work through the emotional impact of abuse — at your own pace — with support and care.
- Referrals for Complex Needs: Connect with specialized services, including legal advocacy, home care, or addiction support.
- Exploring Personal Agency: If you’re an older adult, therapy can help you regain a sense of control over your decisions, boundaries, and well-being.
- Mental Health Support: Whether it’s anxiety, depression, substance use, or chronic stress, we’ll work together to support your mental wellness.
Therapeutic Approaches That Can Help
Trauma-Informed Care
Elder abuse often involves a violation of trust. That’s why a trauma-informed approach is so important. Therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and respectful. You will never be pushed to share more than you’re ready to. Instead, we focus on creating a space where healing can happen.
This approach also helps reduce the risk of re-traumatization by recognizing the role of power, control, and past harm while building a sense of empowerment and choice in your healing process.
Anti-Oppressive Practice
Factors that influence elder abuse include ageism, racism, gender inequality, poverty, and ableism. Some people face additional barriers when it comes to seeking help, especially those who are isolated, part of a marginalized community, or dependent on others for care.
An anti-oppressive approach acknowledges these systemic factors and works to dismantle them — not just in therapy, but in the broader support system. You deserve to be heard, respected, and supported in ways that reflect your identity, culture, and lived experience.
You Are Not Alone
Therapy can help you find clarity and courage. If you’re worried about someone else, therapy can give you the tools and language to offer support without judgment.
Together, we can work to break the cycle of silence around elder abuse. Healing is possible. And no one should have to face it alone.
→ Learn more about support options and how we can help.
We’re here to support older adults, caregivers, and anyone navigating difficult family or care dynamics.
