Rediscover Joy & Find Balance in Your Golden Years
Aging brings wisdom, but it also comes with challenges that can impact our mental well-being. Whether you're facing grief, loneliness, anxiety, or struggling with the transitions that retirement and aging often bring, Laguna Beach Counseling is here to help. We understand the unique struggles that seniors face and are dedicated to supporting you on a journey towards a fulfilling and balanced life.
Led by Kathleen "Kay" Wenger, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with over 28 years of experience, our team of compassionate therapists specializes in helping seniors in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, and the surrounding areas of Orange County navigate life's complexities.
Why Seek Senior Counseling?
Senior Counseling in Laguna Beach offers a personalized space to talk about the joys, fears, and uncertainties of aging. The golden years can be a time for exploration and growth, but they can also bring challenges like grief, loneliness, anxiety, depression, retirement adjustments, and the stress of coping with chronic illness or memory loss. Losing a loved one or close friends can cause overwhelming grief, while social isolation may significantly affect your well-being. Changes in physical health or shifts in life roles often lead to anxiety and depression, making it harder to find joy and balance in your daily routine.
Adjusting to retirement can feel like a loss of identity after leaving behind the structure of a career, while chronic illnesses or memory loss can make even small tasks feel daunting and frustrating. Our skilled therapists provide support in navigating these common concerns, helping you develop coping tools, build resilience, and rediscover a sense of purpose and connection. We are here to help you find peace and joy again, ensuring that these years are ones of fulfillment and exploration rather than isolation and uncertainty.
What Makes Laguna Beach Counseling Unique?
Expertise Tailored to Your Needs
At Laguna Beach Counseling, we recognize the importance of a tailored approach for each individual. Founder Kay Wenger has dedicated her life to helping others, from students in Pepperdine University’s Master of Clinical Psychology Program to countless individuals, couples, and families in Orange County. Her unique expertise working as a clinical supervisor at the Susi Q Senior Center in Laguna Beach ensures that we understand and appreciate the specific needs of seniors. This background makes Kay uniquely equipped to help older adults rediscover their sense of balance and purpose.
Our associates each bring their own specialties and empathetic approaches to senior therapy. We make every effort to match seniors with the best possible therapist to foster trust and comfort. Visit our team page to learn more about each of our therapists and find the therapist who might be right for you.
The Types of Issues We Address in Senior Counseling
Our skilled therapists can help you navigate feelings of grief, offering a safe space to process the emotions that come from losing loved ones. Whether it’s a spouse, a close friend, or another cherished relationship, talking with someone who understands can bring immense relief. We also provide support to help manage anxiety and depression, which can sometimes feel overwhelming as we age—new health issues, adjusting to a different pace of life, or feeling disconnected can all contribute. Learn more about our approach to depression counseling and how we support our clients in regaining emotional well-being.
We understand that life after retirement is often different than imagined. Many people experience a shift in identity after leaving behind the structure of their careers. We help you navigate this transition and discover new passions and purposes. Additionally, coping with illness or caring for a spouse can be difficult. Our therapists help you build resilience and find the emotional strength needed to face these challenges. For those dealing with memory loss and dementia, Olivia Callister, one of our therapists, has experience supporting individuals with these conditions, offering thoughtful and personalized care.
Meet Your Senior Counselors
Kathleen "Kay" Wenger, LMFT, LPCC
With over 28 years of experience, Kay Wenger is passionate about working with seniors. She serves as a clinical supervisor at the Susi Q Senior Center in Laguna Beach, where she works closely with older adults. Kay understands that this stage of life can bring unique concerns but also offers an incredible opportunity for growth. Her approach to therapy is highly individualized, with a focus on empathy, support, and deep, meaningful change. Kay’s philosophy is simple: there is rarely a right or wrong way to do things, and perfection doesn’t exist. In senior counseling, she helps clients let go of unrealistic expectations and find a new definition of happiness and fulfillment. Find out more about Kay and her philosophy here.
Irene Alvarez de Schwartz, AMFT, APCC
Irene specializes in helping seniors process anxiety, grief, and vulnerable life transitions. With deep compassion, Irene’s approach provides a non-judgmental, nurturing space to share experiences. Fluent in Spanish, she also offers therapy for seniors who feel more comfortable in their native language.
Christy Hill, AMFT, APCC
Christy believes in the power of resilience and the incredible capacity for growth at any age. Her sessions are warm and inviting—many clients even enjoy walking sessions by the beach! Christy offers a safe place for you to share your story and works alongside you to help you overcome the challenges of aging.
Natasha Gaffaney, AMFT
Natasha’s focus on inspiring hope makes her a popular choice for many seniors seeking a fresh perspective on life’s challenges. She has extensive experience working in healthcare settings, providing a rich understanding of both the emotional and physical sides of aging.
Our Approach to Senior Counseling
We know that the experience of each senior is unique, so our counseling services are adapted to meet your individual needs. At Laguna Beach Counseling, we use a blend of therapeutic approaches, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps challenge and reframe negative thoughts, replacing them with healthier, more positive outlooks.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Concentrates on actionable steps you can take to feel better in the short term.
- Narrative Therapy: Encourages seniors to view their lives as evolving stories where they are the author, enabling them to reframe challenges in a more empowering way.
- Beach Therapy: Leveraging the natural, calming setting of Laguna Beach, our Beach Therapy sessions provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature while working through emotional challenges. Walking alongside the ocean can promote relaxation and foster a deeper sense of well-being.
Our approach is always warm, compassionate, and focused on helping you create the life you want—not just coping but thriving.
Counseling at Your Convenience
We offer flexible options to accommodate the needs of seniors and retirees:
- In-Person Sessions: Come see us in our Laguna Beach office. Many of our clients find that the nearby ocean provides a serene setting for reflection. We also have an office in Irvine at Orange County Couples Counseling, located at 19772 MacArthur Blvd Suite 260, Irvine, CA 92612.
- Telehealth: Can’t make it into the office? No problem. We offer easy-to-use telehealth services, so you can receive support from the comfort of your own home.
- Walking Sessions: Our therapists also offer walking therapy—taking sessions along the beautiful Laguna Beach coastline, blending gentle movement with deep conversations.
Our Commitment to Matching You with the Right Therapist
At Laguna Beach Counseling, we recognize the importance of the therapist-client relationship. Our team is committed to matching you with the best counselor for your specific needs. We offer free 20-minute "get to know us" phone call or zoom call to ensure you feel comfortable and supported from the start. To book an appointment, visit our schedule appointment page.
Get Started on Your Path to Emotional Well-Being
If you’re ready to start feeling better and find joy in your life again, Laguna Beach Counseling is here for you. We offer weekend appointments and have flexible availability to ensure you receive the help you need—when you need it. Be seen within 24 hours in many cases, whether it’s in our Laguna Beach office or virtually through telehealth.
Reach out today for a free 20-minute consultation to see how we can help you navigate this chapter of your life with compassion and support. Call 949-357-3587 or email [email protected].
Rediscover joy, find comfort, and make the most of your golden years. We look forward to walking this journey with you
