Holding Space For The Golden Years

11 June 2025

"You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” - George Bernard Shaw

Credit: Lotta Blokker

As we grow older, life can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for those facing elderly and dementia challenges.  The confusion, anxiety and sleepless nights don’t just affect the individual but also ripple through families, leaving loved ones searching for ways to provide compassionate elderly and dementia care.

That was exactly the case for Natalia (name changed) when her son reached out to me.  Natalia was once a vibrant woman who loved gardening and storytelling but had become increasingly anxious and restless.  Nights were especially hard, she would wake up disoriented and struggling to fall back asleep, leaving her exhausted and her family heartbroken.  Her son wanted something gentle, something that could ease her mind without relying solely on medication.

Through hypnotherapy, we worked together to create moments of deep relaxation for Natalia.  In our sessions, I guided her into a peaceful state using soothing words and imagery tailored to her life, with memories of her garden, the sound of birds and the warmth of sunlight.  Over time, her anxiety lessened.  She began sleeping more soundly, waking up with a little more clarity and calm.  Her son noticed the difference too, that she seemed more present and more like herself again (relatively speaking).

Hypnotherapy isn’t a cure for dementia, but it can be a powerful tool for managing its emotional and mental challenges.  For elderlies like Natalia, it offers:

• Reduced anxiety & stress – Easing the fear and confusion that often accompany memory loss.

• Better sleep – Promoting deeper relaxation for more restful nights.

• Emotional comfort – Providing a sense of safety and reassurance.

And it’s not just for those with dementia.  Caregivers and family members also benefit from the relief hypnotherapy can bring.  The emotional weight of watching a loved one struggle is heavy and self-care is essential.

If you or someone you love is facing similar struggles, know that support is available.  Whether it’s anxiety, sleeplessness or the emotional toll of caregiving, hypnotherapy can offer a gentle and compassionate way forward.