Sometimes it takes more than simply “pulling up the bootstraps…..”
Individual Therapy
Integrating past, present, and purpose…
Make sense of change and reclaim your purpose
Individual psychotherapy at Jaybird & Oak is grounded in respect for the whole person. Care is integrative and person-centered, drawing from evidence-based approaches while staying responsive to each individual’s history, strengths, values, and current life circumstances.
Therapy is a collaborative process. Sessions offer a safe and inclusive space to reflect, ask questions, and make sense of change—whether related to aging, health, identity, relationships, caregiving, or life transitions. Your goals help guide the work, and care is paced to feel supportive rather than overwhelming.
Values are central to the therapeutic process. Therapy at Jaybird & Oak honors what matters most to you, helping align emotional well-being with personal beliefs, priorities, and meaning. Practical coping strategies may be explored alongside deeper reflection, always with attention to dignity, autonomy, and choice.
Above all, therapy is designed to meet you where you are. Support is flexible, thoughtful, and tailored—recognizing that each person’s journey through aging is unique.
Individual therapy rooted in dignity, meaning,
and whole-person care
Change is possible in any chapter.
Have not done this before? That’s okay…
We will walk you through each step!
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Therapy is a space to talk openly, at your own pace, with someone who listens carefully and treats you with respect.
Therapy focuses on the unique experiences of the client - this may include changes in health, memory, relationships, roles, independence, and sense of purpose. Therapy also honors the wisdom, strength, and life experiences you bring with you.
You and your therapist work together to understand what you’re facing, what matters most to you, and what feels helpful right now.
There is no pressure to “fix” anything or talk about topics before you are ready. Therapy is not about giving advice or telling you what to do. Instead, we explore ways to cope that feel aligned with your values and life experience.
Care is integrative and person-centered, meaning we consider emotional, cognitive, physical, and relational factors. Sessions move at your pace and are shaped by your goals.
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Sessions are a time set aside just for you—to talk, reflect, and explore what you’re navigating in your life.
Early sessions focus on getting to know you, your history, and your goals for therapy. You will have space to share what feels most important, at your own pace. There is no pressure to talk about anything before you feel ready.
Sessions are typically structured as thoughtful conversations. Your therapist will listen closely, ask questions, and offer reflections or gentle guidance to help you gain insight and clarity. Therapy may include exploring emotions, patterns, coping strategies, and ways to respond to change that align with your values.
Therapy is tailored to your needs and may focus on topics such as aging, health concerns, loss, identity changes, stress, relationships, or finding meaning and purpose.
You can expect care that is respectful, affirming, and grounded in both clinical expertise and an understanding of the realities of later life.
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Over time, many people find therapy helps them feel more supported, less alone, and better equipped to navigate life’s transitions with clarity and self-compassion.
Therapy can help clients make sense of changes or losses, cope with illness or transition, and reduce stress or worry. Therapy can help strengthen relationships or communication. Therapy can help you clarify values, make meaning, and have clear steps forward even in complex situations.
Many people say therapy can be hard work, but it helps them feel like the best version of themselves.
Work with Dr. Ilem
At the core of our therapy approach is a belief that we can all grow…
Dr. Allison Ilem is an integrative, person-centered, and culturally sensitive therapist who draws from several psychotherapy modalities depending on her client’s goals and needs. Her training and experience includes:
Narrative Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Grief Therapy as Meaning Reconstruction (GTMR)
Behavioral Medicine & Health Behavior Change Interventions
Existential Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Humanistic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Family Systems Approaches
Trauma-Focused Treatment
Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Memory Clinics & Neuropsychology Evaluation
Long Term Care - Skilled Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Communities
Short-Term Acute Rehabilitation
Dementia Care Communities
Hospice/Palliative Care
Outpatient Psychotherapy Clinics
Caregiver Specialty Services
Primary Care Offices
Home & Community Based Care
Specialty Medical Care for Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Senior Day Programs
Social Service Settings
She has training and experience in a variety of geriatric care settings, which helps inform the recommendations provided to older adults and families across the continuum of care. Settings include:
Therapy with Dr. Ilem is…
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Everyone moves at their own pace and change is not linear. Sometimes embracing the life you want is more of a dance - one step forward, two steps back, three steps forward…
In our safe and inclusive space, you get to come as you are. Explore what you need. And move at your own pace.
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Psychotherapy is the process of healing through connection. This is done by having a safe place to talk about things, sort through worries, life changes, or difficult emotions. Together we can examine different perspectives, try out new skills, cope with intense emotions, explore your values, and help you find clarity about what serves you best.
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Sometimes you do not realize how heavy what you are carrying is - until you have the chance to put it down and share the load.
Therapy does not make problems go away - but it can help you live lighter and more like the truest version of yourself.
You are worth the investment.
Mental health services that are thoughtfully crafted to elevate what matters most to you and help you thrive in this chapter.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
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Therapy is not only for crises. Many people come to therapy because they want support making sense of changes, stress, loss, or uncertainty. If something has been weighing on you, therapy may be a helpful place to talk it through.
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That’s very common. You don’t need to have the “right words.” Your therapist will help guide the conversation and make space for what feels most important in the moment.
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Many people who come to Jaybird & Oak are new to therapy! We take time to explain the process, answer questions, and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
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No. Therapy is not about being judged or told how to live your life. It is a collaborative process focused on understanding your experience and supporting choices that align with your values
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You do not need to be “struggling enough” to seek therapy. If something matters to you, it matters in therapy.
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The length of therapy varies. Some people come for short-term support around a specific concern, while others choose to stay longer. This is something you can talk about together and adjust over time.
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It’s normal for therapy to feel uncomfortable at times. Your therapist will work to ensure sessions feel safe and supportive, and you are always in control of what you choose to share.
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Yes. Therapy is private and confidential, with a few legal exceptions that your therapist will explain clearly at the beginning.
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Yes. Geropsychology focuses on the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of aging, health changes, and life transitions. Therapy can provide support alongside medical care.
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It’s okay to feel unsure. Many people begin therapy with questions or doubts. An initial session can be a low-pressure way to see if therapy feels like a good fit.
At Jaybird & Oak, we pay attention to both the roots and the wings…
What has grounded you over a lifetime, and what still wants to move or be spoken. Together, we can help you live a life that feels aligned with what truly matters.
strong roots, aligned paths, open skies
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strong roots, aligned path, open skies
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strong roots, aligned paths, open skies — strong roots, aligned path, open skies —