Natural Awakenings Twin Cities January 2022

we’re going to fall into a pit of despair and sadness,” says Licensed
Integrative Psychotherapist Leslie Davenport, the author of Emotional
Resiliency in the Era of Climate Change. “There’s a boldness
among younger generations that are challenging the status quo
and demanding to be accepted as they are. Tucking away anything
that might not be socially acceptable is a part of the past. Kids
want their families and adults to accept and love them exactly as
they are.” On Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, #itsoknottobeok is
a popular hashtag.
Mental health surveys show that eco-anxiety in particular is
prevalent among the young. Late last year, scientists at the University
of Bath, in England, interviewed 10,000 youth between the
ages of 16 and 25 across 10 continents. In the U.S., 68 percent said
that the future was frightening. Almost half admitted that they
had distressing feelings related to climate change on a daily basis,
42 percent believed that the things they valued most would be
destroyed and 35 percent feared that their family security would
be threatened.
A Surge in Coaching
According to Davenport, “In addition to therapy becoming more
acceptable, I’ve seen coaching become more common as another
option in which people don’t have to examine their past and can
instead look forward. A coach can help them make sense of their
life, set goals and hold them accountable.”
Mindfulness Becomes Ubiquitous
In a few decades, mindfulness practices have catapulted from
Buddhist monasteries to corporate boardrooms and have become
a billion-dollar industry in the U.S. with an 11 percent annual
growth rate. “Mindfulness has been emerging for a while, but at
this point, it’s a household word,” Davenport says. “People are talking
about mindful eating or mindful conversations. Core concepts
like being present in the moment or taking in the other person in
an empathetic way are rippling out into so many aspects of life.”
Therapy and Meditation Apps Abound
Redefining the conventional, in-person therapy session that is
50 minutes in a quiet room, therapy apps allow people to have
short phone calls, video chats or text exchanges with a therapist
for a low monthly fee. Notable therapy apps include BetterHelp.
com, OnlineTherapy.com, BrightSide.com and Calmerry.com. For
meditation, Calm.com, InsightTimer.com and HeadSpace.com are
dominating the field.
Virtual Experiences Are Here to Stay
Many people that were devastated by isolation and loneliness
during the pandemic sought social engagement via streaming and
app-enabled webinars, exercise routines or art classes. Suddenly,
virtual conferences attracted participants from all over the world.
Davenport relishes the fact that she was able to take tap dancing
classes from a renowned New York City teacher, even though she
lives in Washington State. “In a surprising silver lining, we’ve come
to appreciate the convenience of these virtual experiences, which
we likely wouldn’t have attended in person before the pandemic.”
Sandra Yeyati is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at
SandraYeyati@gmail.com.
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14 Twin Cities Edition NAtwincities.com