REDMOND, WA 🡦
Dementia and Alzheimer's Therapy in Redmond
WELCOME TO 🡦
Living with Memory Changes Can Feel Isolating
You might feel frustrated by the changes in your memory or thinking. Perhaps you're struggling with confusion, worry about losing more independence, or feel sad and embarrassed about your diagnosis. Many people describe feeling like no one truly understands what they're going through.
The emotional burden might include:
- Anxiety about disease progression and the future
- Frustration with memory lapses and confusion
- Grief over changing abilities and independence
- Fear of becoming a burden on family members
These feelings are completely understandable. With specialized support, you can learn to navigate these changes while preserving your sense of self and maintaining meaningful connections with others.
Specialized Support for Your Unique Journey
Dementia and Alzheimer's therapy is specialized counseling designed for people experiencing memory loss and cognitive changes. Unlike general therapy, this approach understands how dementia affects thinking, emotions, and daily life. I focus on what you can still do, not what you've lost.
In our sessions, we use techniques that work with your changing brain. This might include sharing life stories that validate your experiences, practicing calming techniques for frustrating moments, or finding new ways to stay connected with loved ones. The goal is helping you feel more like yourself and less defined by your diagnosis.
What Are Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that affect memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide. If you've received this diagnosis, you're not alone.
These conditions can affect people in different ways, but common experiences include difficulty with recent memory, confusion about time or place, challenges with familiar tasks, changes in mood or personality, and problems with language or communication.
Common symptoms may include:
- Difficulty remembering recent conversations or events
- Confusion about familiar places or people
- Challenges with problem-solving or planning
- Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
- Difficulty with previously familiar tasks
You can learn more about how Alzheimer's affects the brain from the
National Institute on Aging.
Professional Background and Expertise 🡦
My Understanding of Your Experience
I specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating life with dementia or Alzheimer’s. My approach combines professional expertise as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a personal understanding shaped by my family’s experience caring for my grandmother who lived with Alzheimer’s for over ten years.
I use evidence-based methods such as Supportive Therapy and Reminiscence Therapy, which are particularly effective for people experiencing memory changes. Together, we’ll develop a plan that reflects your needs, personality, and the stage of your condition.
What makes our work together unique:
• Sessions are available in my comfortable office, through video calls, or in your home if travel becomes difficult
• We move at your pace and use approaches tailored to your memory and communication needs
• I bring an understanding of both the medical aspects and the emotional experience of dementia
• Family members can join sessions when appropriate, with your permission
How Therapy Can Help You
Preserve Your Identity
Honor your life story and maintain connection to who you've always been, even as things change. Through reminiscence and life review, we celebrate your experiences and accomplishments.
Reduce Daily Distress
Learn techniques to feel calmer when confusion or frustration arise during daily activities. We'll develop personalized strategies for managing difficult moments.
Stay Connected
Develop ways to communicate better with family and maintain meaningful relationships despite cognitive changes. We'll find new approaches when old ones become challenging.
Process Difficult Emotions
Work through feelings like grief, fear, or anger in a safe space where you're truly understood. It's normal to have complex emotions about your diagnosis.
Support with Healthcare Decisions
Explore your values, express your preferences, and get emotional support as you navigate healthcare choices. This process helps you clarify what matters most and feel confident that your voice is heard in important decisions.
The Journey to Relief 🡦
My Process for Dementia and Alzheimer's
one
Getting to Know You
We'll start with a gentle conversation about your life, your concerns, and what you'd like help with. No pressure or complicated questions, just getting acquainted.
two
Creating Your Plan
Together we'll identify what's most important to you and develop strategies that fit your daily routine and abilities. Your goals guide our work.
three
Regular Support
We'll meet weekly in person, virtually, or in your home. Each session builds on your strengths while addressing current challenges at a pace that feels comfortable.
Life Can Still Hold Meaning and Joy
Without support, memory changes can feel like they're stealing everything that matters. You might withdraw from family gatherings, stop doing activities you love, or spend your days feeling lost and frightened about what comes next.
But with the right support, life with dementia can still include moments of connection, laughter, and peace. You can learn to work with your changing brain instead of fighting against it. Many people find that therapy helps them feel more confident, less anxious, and better able to enjoy time with the people they love.
The key is having someone who understands that you are still here, still valuable, still worthy of respect and care, still capable of growth and connection.
Professional Background and Expertise 🡦
You Have a Choice to Make
You can continue feeling overwhelmed and frightened by the changes happening to your mind, wondering if each day will bring more confusion and loss. Or you can reach out for support from someone who understands both the medical and emotional sides of dementia care.
I've walked this path with my own family, and I've helped many people find their way through the challenges you're facing. With gentle guidance and proven techniques, we can work together to help you feel more like yourself again and worry less about what tomorrow might bring.
CONTACT US 🡦
Ready to Find Support That Understands
Living with dementia or Alzheimer's doesn't mean giving up on feeling good about yourself or your life. You deserve compassionate care that sees you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis.
I provide specialized therapy for adults and seniors living with dementia throughout the Redmond/Bellevue area and virtually across Washington State. Home visits are available for local clients when needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 🡦
Common Questions About Dementia Therapy
Will therapy really help if my memory is getting worse?
Yes. Therapy for dementia focuses on your emotional well-being and daily coping, not memorizing new information. Many people find they feel calmer, less anxious, and more confident even as their condition progresses.
What if I have trouble following conversations or expressing myself?
I'm trained to communicate in ways that work with cognitive changes. We can use pictures, simple words, or even just sit together quietly when words feel too hard. There's no pressure to perform.
Can my family member join sessions?
Sometimes including a family member can be helpful, especially for planning or communication strategies. We'll talk about what feels right for you and always respect your privacy.
Do you really understand what it's like?
I supported my grandmother through her journey with Alzheimer’s and witnessed the challenges this disease brings to individuals and their families. Those experiences, together with my professional training, give me a deep understanding of the emotional and practical realities families face.
CONTACT US 🡦
Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind
You don't have to face dementia or Alzheimer's alone. Compassionate support is available, and taking that first step toward getting help shows incredible strength and wisdom.
