Most people envision senior citizens as those retiring somewhere sunny and warm, enjoying time with friends, and being independent throughout their golden years. Unfortunately for those of us who have had to place a loved one in a skilled nursing facility or an assisted living community they found the sad reality is that many seniors need assistance and are isolated in their homes because of their age-related conditions. Moving is stressful for people of all ages…Change for seniors is especially difficult because they lose the independence they have enjoyed and relied upon their entire lives.
That is why A Better Tomorrow Counseling Services has decided to extend their in-home therapy program to all assisted living communities in New Jersey. We are offering mental health evaluations and continued therapy for all the residents and family members. This is at a no-cost to assisted living communities or seniors and we bill insurance directly.
Mental health conditions tend to be under diagnosed in older adults. If we find your loved one is suffering from a mental health issue we can offer them well experienced therapists to assist them in enjoying their new home and make their senior years more golden.
Reminiscence Therapy (RT) involves the discussion of past activities, events and experiences with another person or group of people, usually with the aid of tangible prompts such as photographs, household and other familiar items from the past, music and archive sound recordings. Reminiscence groups typically involve group meetings in which participants are encouraged to talk about past events at least once a week. Life review typically involves individual sessions, in which the person is guided chronologically through life experiences, encouraged to evaluate them, and may produce a life story book. Family care-givers are increasingly involved in reminiscence therapy. Reminiscence therapy is one of the most popular psychosocial interventions in dementia care, and is highly rated by staff and participants. There is some evidence to suggest it is effective in improving mood in older people without dementia. Its effects on mood, cognition and well-being in dementia are less well understood.
Brian Lehrer, LCSW- Director of In- Home Services and Senior Services
Brian Lehrer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who began his career in Social Work in 2001; he received his Master of Social Work degree in 2006 from San Diego State University. Brian became interested in working with senior citizens due to his close relationships with his grandparents. He began working with senior citizens in 1991 in an assisted living community in Baltimore as a volunteer. During his graduate studies he focused his elective studies on Gerontological Studies. Brian has worked with senior citizens in geriatric psychiatric units, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, in private practice, and in their homes.
Brian utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and relaxation techniques as his primary approaches. As the Assistant Director at A Better Tomorrow Counseling he has written the curriculum and facilitates the Anger Management Group as well as created other new programs. Brian has developed ways to incorporate technology into his therapy sessions with evidence based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relaxation, and Mindfulness apps so clients can continue their personal growth goals at home in between sessions. Brian worked as a therapist in the homes of chronically ill patients for many years which lead to him developing and spearheading a Home Visit Therapy Program for those unable to leave their home who are in need of therapy. Brian adds, “I am a firm believer that most people possess the capacity for change if it is what they truly desire. I am a kind and empathetic person whose career chose him, not the other way around. I will work with you to find a starting point in your therapy and work with the goals you hope to achieve. I look forward to meeting you!”
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