Older + Out Therapy Groups
Photo via The Gender Spectrum Collection
Just like me, I’ve seen others in the group open up and share their stories, a lot of times for the first time, and sometimes with more than a few tears.
Pacific Center is partnering with senior centers around Alameda County, as well as the Oakland LGBTQ Center, to provide free, drop-in therapy groups for LGBTQI2-S adults over the age of 60. The groups are free, run for 90 minutes, welcome new members at any time, and refreshments are provided. Groups are facilitated by a licensed therapist, Pacific Center clinician, and trained peer specialist. Group members decide what topics to cover. Group topics include: loss of friends, wisdom that comes with aging, going back in the closet to survive, dating, invisibility in the LGBTQ community, family acceptance challenges, loneliness, resilience, and how to find other services in Alameda County.
What You Can Expect
We recommend arriving at your first meeting on-time, so there is ample time for a short one-on-one meeting with the therapist to get acquainted, orient you to the group and complete a brief intake with minimal paperwork.
After that, if it sounds like the group might meet your needs, you’ll be welcome to join the group and participate in whatever way is comfortable for you. Because this is a therapy group, topics and discussions can be deeper and more personal than they would in a typical group setting.
For more information about this program and other services for older adults please contact Anne at 510.548.8283 x126 or email her at anne@pacificcenter.org.
