What is age?

Age is a concept that has been studied for centuries, yet there is no definitive answer as to what it really is. It is a measure of time and is used to indicate the experience, maturity, and development of a person; yet, age can also be a state of mind. Age is both a physical and a social construct, one that is constantly evolving and shifting in relation to the changing times. 

Is age important when finding a therapist?

Finding a therapist is an important step in taking control of your mental health. When considering a therapist, one of the most common questions is whether age is important. Many people think that a therapist’s age is a measure of their experience and expertise, but this is not necessarily true. 

Reflect on your past experiences with therapy and determine whether age was a relevant factor in how well you connected with your therapist. Additionally, think about any preconceived notions you have regarding a therapist's age and be open to addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Ultimately, it is key to choose a therapist with whom you feel the most comfortable and one who can provide you with the best care.

Benefits of working with a therapist that has a similar age

When deciding whether or not to work with a particular therapist, taking their age into consideration can be beneficial. This can allow you to choose a therapist who feels like the best possible fit for you. 

For example, if you do not work well with older providers due to them reminding you of a parent/authority figure, you may prefer to work with someone closer to your age or younger. 

But, if you have difficulty maintaining healthy boundaries or feeling attracted to providers close to your age, it may be a good idea to choose someone who is older than you. Ultimately, there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding on a therapist, and age is one of them.

It is important to note that age alone is not an indicator of how effective a therapist will be. Although some may assume that a younger therapist may not be able to comprehend the issues experienced by older adults, this is not always the case. Younger therapists go through various clinical trainings, which has prepared them to provide quality help to their clients. In addition, a therapist's ability to empathize is an invaluable tool in understanding the difficulties of their clients, regardless of age. Therefore, it is important to consider a person's qualifications and experience, rather than solely relying on their age when making a decision about working with a therapist.