BROOKE POMERANTZ, LCSW | CALIFORNIA THERAPY & THERAPY IN OAKLAND
Psychotherapy & Aging in OaklandBig shifts in our life – such as retirement, reduced work, shifts in health, changing roles at home, evolving relationships – often require us to refocus on who we are. While overwhelming at times, this can lead to great shifts in purpose.
Why Therapy Can Help Transition Into Later Ages
Each life stage asks something different of us. Crossing from midlife into older adulthood can bring adjustment periods and real challenges. Therapy offers space to reflect on what’s changing, sort through losses, and consider what supports you need, so the next chapter feels more intentional.
Therapy gives you a steady place to think through these changes, process what’s hard, and feel less alone with it. Together we make room for what’s present now, so life can feel more grounded, meaningful, and connected.
Common Challenges in Later Life
Losses related to the body: what it could do before vs. what’s possible now
Shifts in identity tied to work, appearance, caregiving, or parenting roles
Intrusive thoughts or images you can’t seem to shake
Feeling stuck in relationships or unable to connect the way you want
Grief after deaths, estrangements, or the end of certain roles and routines
Isolation or fewer natural avenues to meet new people
Financial strain with reduced work or fixed income
Health concerns regarding your own or a partner’s, and the realities of caregiving
How Therapy Supports the Challenges of Aging
As we age, therapy provides steady support to navigate identity shifts, losses, health changes, and the search for connection and purpose:
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Identity shifts : Therapy offers space to reflect on who you are beyond work, parenting, or appearance, and to reconnect with meaning and purpose.
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Grief and loss: We process deaths, illnesses, and changing roles together so the weight feels more bearable and less isolating.
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Rigidity and change: Therapy helps you practice flexibility, try new approaches, and adapt more smoothly to life’s transitions.
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Isolation and connection: We explore ways to strengthen relationships, build new friendships, and stay engaged with community.
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Health and caregiving: Therapy supports you in coping with physical changes, stress, and the demands of caring for others.
How I Work with Aging Concerns
1) Safety and steadiness first. We create a consistent, boundaried space so you can explore what’s happening now without being overwhelmed.
2) Pacing that fits you. We go slowly when needed and make room for both the practical and the tender parts of this stage.
3) Coping and support. We strengthen tools for managing stress, health changes, and caregiving demands, and we shore up your support network.
4) Meaning and contribution. We look for where purpose lives now such as creative projects, consulting in a lighter way, serving on a board, mentoring, or giving back to communities that matter to you.
5) Relationship focus. We attend to connection by building or deepening friendships, renegotiating roles at home, and repairing or nurturing the relationships that sustain you.
What to Expect in Our First Sessions
Explore Your History
In our first few meetings, I’ll listen closely to your story: what changes you’re facing, what’s been difficult, and what kind of support feels most helpful.
We’ll talk about your history, your relationships, and the roles and routines that shape your daily life.
Set Goals
We’ll also notice patterns:how transitions affect you, how grief or stress shows up, and what coping strategies you use.
By around the fifth session, we’ll begin shaping goals together and adjust as your needs evolve.
Review & Iterate
This early work lays the foundation for our therapy around aging.
As we move forward, we’ll keep checking in and adjusting, helping you cope with changes, process losses, and find new ways to stay connected, purposeful, and supported in this stage of life.
About Me
I’m Brooke Pomerantz, a licensed therapist in Oakland serving clients across California, New York, and Indiana. I work with adults facing life transitions, stress, grief, trauma, and relationship challenges, helping you feel more grounded, connected, and supported.
Brooke Pomerantz
Brooke Pomerantz is a compassionate and experienced licensed clinical social worker dedicated to providing supportive therapy services in Oakland and through teletherapy across California. With a focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment, Brooke helps clients navigate life’s challenges, fostering growth and healing through personalized therapeutic approaches.