Northstar Counseling

Participants will learn about the concept of loneliness, how to identify it in ourselves and clients, and research-backed strategies to decrease this feeling. The course will discuss the evolutionary roots of loneliness, importance of platonic relationships and community involvement, common challenges in maintaining and developing adult friendships, how our family of origin affects platonic relationship formation, and gender differences commonly seen in platonic relationships. Attendees will also learn practical, systemic tips to assist clients (and themselves) in increasing their social connections and deepening existing friendships.

Participants who complete this course will be able to: 

• Define loneliness and the adverse physical and mental health consequences of loneliness 
• Discuss the evolutionary systemic roots of connection and loneliness
• Assess how family systems contribute to or mitigate feelings of loneliness in individuals identify specific challenges/patterns common in female and male same-sex and how these are reinforced by family systems 
• Identify how relationships are typically structured, created, and maintained, and influenced by one’s family system 
• Assess clients’ platonic relationships and perception of loneliness as well as provide interventions to increase connectedness 
• Assess and design systemic interventions based on learnings from two client vignettes