An investigation by BACP (UK) identified, through its members, that older people faced barriers in accessing therapy in Northern Ireland (area-specific investigation). Barriers ranged from inconsistency in referral from GPs to difficulties with mobility and access to transport, from an over-reliance on medication for common mental health problems to the fear of the unknown. The research, according to BACP, suggests that counselling and psychotherapy are effective interventions for older people experiencing psychological distress, particularly anxiety and depression, with outcomes being equivalent to that of younger people.
Certainly in Sydney, Australia there is little focus on counselling for older people. Change needs to happen!