IRL Connections
So… as we have explored in the past month the world is feeling disconnected, lonely, and in pain. It stands to reason this is due to the increased isolation from actual physical, in person interaction with another human. We NEED to have this contact for our bodies to feel pleasure and lessen the pain of our lives. I am asked often, ‘how long do people need to be in counseling?’ This answer has become much clearer in the past 18 months with the pandemic. 98% of my clients chose to continue attending in office for therapy, despite the risk of the pandemic. Some who chose to do online quickly moved to in person as they felt the anxiety and depression increase in their lives. I, as their counselor, might be the only person who they feel seen and heard by in their week and this connection is needed to avoid pain. I feel strongly as a part of humanity we need to connect with others to lessen our own pain, to lessen the pain of those we can connect with and for us all to have a sense of peace and wellbeing. I challenge each of you to reach out in person and make a connection, have a conversation, give a hug, be seen, be heard, and hear and see others. “We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.” Brené Brown.