Paul Krauss MA LPC was interviewed and quoted multiple times in the October 2023 issue of Counseling Today Magazine, which is a publication of the American Counseling Association.
The article is entitled Addressing the loneliness epidemic By Samantha Cooper.
Samantha Cooper of Counseling Today Magazine discusses the loneliness epidemic, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Samantha notes that loneliness is especially prevalent among young adults, and that it can have a number of negative health consequences, including an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. Social media can play a role in loneliness, both positive and negative depending on the intention and amount of time utilized. On the one hand, it can help people connect with others, but on the other hand, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and inadequacy. Counselors can play an important role in helping people overcome loneliness by providing them with support and guidance, and by helping them to develop coping mechanisms.
Here are some additional details from the article:
- Samantha cites a study that found that nearly half of young adults in the United States reported feeling lonely in 2018.
- Loneliness can be caused by a lack of meaningful relationships, even if someone has a lot of friends or acquaintances.
- Loneliness has been linked to a number of physical health problems, including heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression.
- Loneliness can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health.
- Social media can be harmful because it can make people feel like they are missing out on experiences.
- Loneliness can be caused by a lack of social connection, even if someone is physically surrounded by other people.
- Counselors can help people overcome loneliness by providing them with support and guidance, and by helping them to develop coping mechanisms. Some counselors utilized role-play and exposure therapy to help their clients with overcoming loneliness and building social connections.
Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling in Grand Rapids MI, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, an Approved EMDRIA Consultant, host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, and Counseling Supervisor. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline (in progress) as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Paul has been quoted in the Washington Post, NBC News, Wired Magazine, and Counseling Today.
Some of the quotes are shown below, but make sure you read the entire article to hear the author’s perspective as well as the other therapists she interviewed.
