upcoming support group
Navigating climate distress
If you are struggling with difficult emotions related to the climate crisis, from anxiety to anger to despair, you are not alone. Studies show that number of people who are “alarmed” by the climate crisis has increased exponentially over recent years, even as research simultaneously indicates that people still don’t often talk about climate-related emotions, even in therapeutic contexts. This group aims to address that silence.
This six-week group will meet virtually on Mondays from 6-7:30 pm beginning Monday, January 17th and running through Monday, March 3rd. There will be an optional in-person, outdoor session on Monday, March 10th for interested participants.
Facilitated by Annie Dwyer, Graduate Student Intern Therapist
Total Cost: pay what you can
By bringing together individuals who are distressed by climate change, this group will open a safe space to process difficult emotions, reduce feelings of alienation, build coping skills, and widen the window of tolerance for difficulty so that you can more fully meet this moment—in whatever way is right for you. Climate activists, frontline workers (climate scientists, first responders, etc.), and frontline community members may register free of charge.
Themes this group will explore include:
A range of difficult climate-related emotions and their functions, from ecoanxiety to ecological grief to anger to despair.
Positive affects such as joy, awe, and love inspired by attachment to the more-than-human world.
The importance of nervous system regulation in the 21st century/under Trumpism.
A repertoire of coping skills and grounding techniques.
Meaning-focused coping planning in addition to the introduction of emotion-focused coping techniques, through discernment of participants’ gifts, talents, and proclivities.
Burnout prevention planning.
To register: you must be age 18 or older, and live in Washington state. Complete payment below, if you choose. Then, download the support groups consent form linked below and email it to admin@riverbanktherapy.com. Once that is completed, you will be emailed the Zoom link to join the group.