Julie Klamon, LMFT - Senior Therapist in Agoura Hills

Serving the San Fernando and Conejo Valleys

Julie Klamon LMFT, Senior Therapist located in Agoura Hills, CA

With over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I understand the unique mental health needs of older adults. I provide specialized therapy services to seniors throughout Agoura Hills and the surrounding San Fernando and Conejo Valleys. My practice focuses on helping seniors face the unique challenges that come with aging, including depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and elder care mental health needs.

My approach to senior therapy is compassionate and respectful, recognizing the wealth of life experience and wisdom that older adults bring to the therapeutic relationship. I create a comfortable, judgment-free environment where seniors can address their concerns, process emotions, and develop strategies for enhancing their quality of life during this important stage.

I also provide family therapy and individual counseling for adults of all ages, understanding that mental health support benefits people throughout their entire lifespan.

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Understanding Mental Health in Later Life

Navigating Life Transitions and Changes

Supportive therapy session with senior client in Agoura Hills discussing life transitions.

Later life is filled with significant transitions that can be emotionally challenging. Retirement, changing family roles, loss of independence, health concerns, and social changes are just a few of the adjustments that older adults may face. As a therapist for older adults serving Westlake Village, Calabasas, and Thousand Oaks, I understand these unique challenges.

In therapy sessions, I help seniors:

Process feelings about role changes and identity shifts
Develop strategies for adapting to new routines and limitations
Find meaning and purpose during retirement years
Navigate changing family dynamics and relationships
Build resilience for facing ongoing changes and challenges
Develop age-appropriate coping techniques for managing stress

Grief Counseling for Older Adults

Senior grief counseling session in Agoura Hills: Therapist supporting elderly woman processing loss.

Loss becomes an increasingly common experience in later life. The death of a spouse, friends, or family members; loss of health or mobility; and other significant life changes can trigger profound grief reactions that benefit from therapeutic support. My grief counseling services help seniors throughout the Conejo Valley process these difficult experiences.

My approach to grief counseling for seniors includes:

Creating a safe space to express and process complex emotions
Recognizing different types of losses and their unique impacts
Helping to find meaning and continue bonds with those who have passed
Supporting adaptation to life changes while honoring what has been lost
Developing coping strategies for managing grief as it evolves over time
Understanding complicated grief and when additional support is needed

Geriatric Depression Treatment in Agoura Hills

Recognizing Depression in Seniors

Depression is not a normal part of aging, yet it often goes unrecognized and untreated in older adults. Depression in seniors may present differently than in younger people, and symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions or dismissed as normal aging. As a specialist in geriatric mental health, I help identify and treat depression specific to older adults.

Common signs of depression in older adults include:

Persistent sadness or feelings of emptiness
Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
Changes in appetite or weight
Increased physical complaints without clear medical cause
Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Thoughts about death or suicide
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Through therapy, I help seniors recognize depression symptoms, understand contributing factors, and develop effective strategies for managing and overcoming depression. Treatment approaches are tailored to each individual's specific needs, preferences, and life circumstances.

Senior Anxiety Counseling Services

Senior anxiety therapy in Agoura Hills: Therapist teaching relaxation techniques to elderly client.

Anxiety affects many older adults and can significantly impact quality of life. Common triggers for anxiety in seniors include health concerns, financial worries, safety fears, and significant life changes. Many seniors experience anxiety physically, which can sometimes lead to confusion with medical conditions. My senior anxiety counseling helps older adults throughout Westlake Village and surrounding areas manage these challenges.

Anxiety symptoms common in older adults include:

Excessive worry about health, family, or finances
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Physical symptoms like muscle tension, digestive issues, or headaches
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Sleep problems related to racing thoughts or worries
Irritability or being easily fatigued
Avoidance of situations that cause nervousness
Fear of falling or being alone

In therapy, I help seniors understand the sources of their anxiety, recognize how anxiety affects them personally, and develop practical techniques for managing anxious thoughts and feelings. Treatment often includes relaxation strategies, thought reframing, and gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations in a supported way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Therapy

How can therapy help seniors who are dealing with life changes?

Therapy provides a supportive space for seniors to process emotions about life transitions like retirement, health changes, or loss of independence. I help older adults develop coping strategies for these changes, find meaning in new chapters of life, and maintain emotional well-being despite challenges. Therapy can reduce feelings of isolation and provide practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions that arise during significant life adjustments.

Is it ever too late to start therapy?

It is absolutely never too late to benefit from therapy. Many seniors find therapy particularly valuable as they navigate the unique challenges of later life. Older adults often make excellent therapy clients because they bring wisdom, life experience, and motivation to the therapeutic process. Regardless of age, everyone deserves support for emotional well-being and quality of life. Many of my senior clients report wishing they had started therapy sooner, but find significant benefits even when beginning therapy in their 60s, 70s, 80s, or beyond.

How is therapy different for seniors vs. younger adults?

Senior therapy acknowledges the unique challenges and strengths of older adults. I adapt my approach to address age-specific concerns like health changes, loss, retirement, and family role shifts. Sessions may move at a different pace, incorporate life review techniques, and focus on practical strategies for maintaining independence and quality of life. I also consider how physical limitations might affect therapy and make accommodations as needed, such as allowing for hearing difficulties or mobility issues.

What should I expect in my first senior therapy session?

Your first session will be welcoming and comfortable. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your concerns, and your goals. I'll ask about your health, family situation, and any challenges you're facing. We'll talk about your life experiences and what you'd like to achieve through therapy. Sessions are designed to be relaxed and respectful of your pace and comfort level. There's no pressure to share more than you're comfortable with initially.

How do you adapt therapy for seniors with hearing or mobility issues?

I make accommodations to ensure therapy is accessible for seniors with physical limitations. For hearing difficulties, I speak clearly, face you when talking, and can provide written materials when helpful. For mobility issues, I ensure comfortable seating and can meet at ground-level locations. Virtual sessions are also available for those who have transportation challenges. My goal is to make therapy accessible and comfortable regardless of physical limitations.

Can family members be involved in the therapy process?

Family involvement can be very beneficial in senior therapy, when appropriate and desired by the client. I offer family sessions to address communication challenges, help family members understand the older adult's needs and perspectives, and develop strategies for supporting their loved one. Family sessions can also help navigate changing roles and relationship dynamics. However, I always prioritize the senior client's preferences regarding family involvement and maintain appropriate confidentiality boundaries.

How do I know if my sadness is depression or just normal grief?

Grief and depression can share many symptoms, making them difficult to distinguish—especially in later life when losses may accumulate. While grief is a natural response to loss with symptoms that tend to come in waves and gradually ease over time, depression is more persistent and pervasive. In grief, painful feelings are typically connected to specific losses, while depression often involves persistent negative thoughts about oneself, the future, and life in general. If sadness is significantly interfering with daily functioning for more than two months, includes feelings of worthlessness, or involves thoughts of suicide, professional help is recommended. During therapy, I can help assess whether you're experiencing grief, depression, or a combination of both, and develop appropriate support strategies.

Elder Care Mental Health Support

My therapeutic approach for older adults is tailored to address the unique needs, experiences, and preferences of seniors. I adapt traditional therapy methods to be more effective and accessible for older adults, focusing on practical strategies that enhance quality of life and emotional well-being in the senior years.

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Simple, accessible techniques to manage anxiety, physical tension, and difficult emotions
Family Relationship Support: Addressing changing family dynamics, communication challenges, and caregiver relationships
Independence Strategies: Maintaining autonomy and dignity while adapting to changing capabilities
Retirement Counseling: Finding purpose and meaning in post-career life
Life Review Therapy: Processing life experiences and finding meaning in one's journey

Each therapy plan is highly individualized, taking into account the client's personal history, current circumstances, physical health considerations, and therapy goals. Sessions can be adapted to accommodate hearing or mobility limitations, and the pace of therapy respects each client's processing style and energy levels.

Benefits of Senior-Focused Therapy

Therapy specifically designed for older adults offers many valuable benefits that can significantly improve quality of life during the senior years:

Reduced Symptoms: Decreased depression, anxiety, and distress related to life changes
Improved Coping: Better strategies for managing stress, loss, and health challenges
Enhanced Relationships: Stronger connections with family and friends
Increased Independence: Maintained autonomy and self-sufficiency
Greater Life Satisfaction: Finding meaning, purpose, and joy in later life
Better Health Management: Improved adherence to medical recommendations and self-care
Reduced Isolation: Decreased feelings of loneliness and disconnection
Successful Aging: Embracing the opportunities and wisdom that come with age

Research consistently shows that older adults who receive appropriate mental health support demonstrate better overall health outcomes, fewer hospitalizations, and greater resilience when facing age-related challenges.

My Approach to Senior Therapy

With over two decades of experience as a therapist, I bring compassion, respect, and specialized knowledge to my work with older adults. I understand that each person's life experience is unique and valuable. My approach honors the wisdom and resilience that comes with age while providing practical support for current challenges.

I create a welcoming, comfortable environment where seniors feel heard and understood. Sessions move at an appropriate pace, with flexibility to accommodate individual needs and preferences. Whether you're dealing with significant life transitions, loss, relationship changes, or mood concerns, I'm here to support your journey toward greater well-being in this important stage of life.

Ready to Improve Your Mental Wellness in Your Golden Years?

Schedule Your Free Senior Therapy Consultation Today

If you or an older loved one is considering therapy, I invite you to schedule a free phone consultation. This no-obligation conversation allows us to discuss your specific situation, answer any questions you might have about the therapy process, and determine if my approach would be a good fit for your needs.

Call 818-403-5439 to get started today.

In-Person and Virtual Therapy Options Available

My office is located in Agoura Hills, CA 91301. I provide in-person senior therapy services to clients throughout the area, including Westlake Village, CA, Oak Park, CA, Calabasas, CA, Thousand Oaks, CA, Woodland Hills, CA and Simi Valley, CA. I also offer virtual therapy sessions to individuals located anywhere within the state of California, which can be particularly convenient for seniors with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Limited Space Available for New Clients