Jonathan Gerson , LMHC

Jonathan Gerson is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Washington who focuses on geriatric care, dementia support, and life-review therapy. With 12 years of clinical experience, he developed the DreamRem Method, a structured talk-therapy approach that guides a focused life review to chronicle and celebrate the life stories of people living with dementia. The DreamRem Method aims to bolster self-esteem and preserve identity and is most applicable for individuals in the early to middle stages of dementia.

In addition to dementia-focused work, he supports older adults facing retirement adjustment, caregiver stress, hospice and end-of-life counseling, and grief after the loss of a spouse or family member. His practice also addresses a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse recovery, addictions, intimacy and family issues, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and coaching for life transitions. He works with gender dysphoria and relationship diversity, including polyamory and non-monogamous relationships, as part of his broader clinical focus.

Jonathan integrates person-centered principles and reflective approaches to tailor care to each individual, drawing on modalities such as Client-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy. He offers therapy in English and is currently accepting clients in Washington.

Clinical Approaches and Online Support for Older Adults

Client-Centered Therapy places the person's goals, values, and lived experience at the center of care. In this approach the therapist follows the client's lead, offering empathy and support to help with issues like adjustment to retirement, low self-esteem, anxiety, and life transitions. Narrative Therapy invites people to describe and reframe the stories that shape their identity and relationships; for older adults and those with memory changes, structured life review work can help highlight meaningful themes and preserve a sense of self. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and grounding practices to manage stress, grief, and symptoms of anxiety or depression, helping clients respond to difficult emotions with more presence and clarity.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Jonathan collaborates with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences and adjusts the plan as work unfolds so therapy remains practical and relevant. This collaborative process supports tailored care for complex issues such as grief, caregiver strain, and changes related to aging.

Online sessions offer flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone appointments, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule appointments around caregiving responsibilities, mobility limitations, or geographic distance, and allow licensed professionals and therapists to provide consistent, ongoing support in formats that suit each client's life.