Promoting and supporting mental health: Therapy for Positive Aging opens in Galesburg

GALESBURG — Amanda (Bricker) Powell, St. Augustine, opened her psychotherapy business, Therapy for Positive Aging, July 1 at 64 S. Prairie St., Suite 327, Galesburg. It's at this location that Powell offers psychotherapy for older adults and caregivers.

"My mission is to promote and support mental health through the aging process," Powell said.

Powell has worked for 18 years in the local community, helping seniors remain in their home and connecting them with the resources and services they need.

Amanda (Bricker) Powell, St. Augustine, opened her psychotherapy business, Therapy for Positive Aging, July 1 at 64 S. Prairie, Suite 327, Galesburg. It's at this location that Powell offers psychotherapy for older adults and caregivers.
Amanda (Bricker) Powell, St. Augustine, opened her psychotherapy business, Therapy for Positive Aging, July 1 at 64 S. Prairie, Suite 327, Galesburg. It's at this location that Powell offers psychotherapy for older adults and caregivers.

"I worked for eight years at Alternatives for the Older Adult and the last 10 years I worked as Director of Client Services, Senior Care Manager and Social Worker for Western Illinois Home Health Care. For over a year, I also have been an independent contract therapist for a company in Chicago doing telehealth for seniors," she explained.

During this time, Powell saw an ongoing need for outpatient psychotherapy services in the area that is designed to help older adults and their caregivers.

"Many older adults and caregivers suffer from depression, anxiety, past trauma, adjustment disorder and grief. There has been a shortage of mental health services in our area, especially with the closing of Cottage Hospital. I hope to give a valuable service to our seniors and their families. Aging is inevitable but suffering should not be part of the normal aging process," Powell said.

Powell's goal is to help senior citizens feel more hopeful and supported.

"I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to help people learn better coping skills and also to help learn new, more positive thought processes. Giving people a safe and confidential place to talk and process feelings is a powerful tool in improving mental health," she said.

Those in need of Powell's services can be confident that Powell is the one to help them with their individual needs as she is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. After WIU, Powell received her Master's Degree in Social Work at Campellsville University. She completed her clinicals and became licensed as a clinical social worker in February 2021.

Therapy for Positive Aging is open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Powell can be reached at (309) 351-8584, apowell@therapyforpositiveaging.com or her website, www.therapyforpositiveaging.com. Powell accepts regular Medicare B insurance along with private pay and currently has openings for new patients.

Powell resides with her husband, Justin, and their three daughters. Together they spend most of their time in the cattle barn showing livestock.

To do a story with the Prairie Review email Hannah Donsbach at abingdonargus@gmail.com or private message the Prairie Review -formerly Argus-Sentinel Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Promoting mental health: Therapy for Positive Aging in Galesburg, IL