Coping with Worries: Emotional Survival Strategies (A Three-Part Series)

Presenter: Lauren Dumont, Psy.D.; Clinical Psychologist, Kendall Psychological Associates

Thursdays | 12:00pm-1:30pm

To say that there’s been an uptick in worrying over the last year would be an understatement. But while a pandemic may provide us with much to worry about, it may surprise you to learn that it is our thoughts, not our external circumstances, that most impact the way we feel. The good news is that when we take the time to examine and address our worries, we can (slowly but surely!) learn to release the hold they have over our lives. This series will help you better understand the impact of worrying on your mood, and provide clinically proven practices for managing routine worries and regulating extreme responses to anxiety.

Please note: While we encourage you to attend all sessions, you may register for as many as your schedule allows.

Part One: Understanding Our Worries (Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)

This session will provide you with a foundational understanding of the connection between worrying and your mood. You will explore questions such as:

  • Why do we worry?
  • What function does our worrying serve?
  • How does worrying affect our day-to-day thoughts, behaviors, and moods?
  • How does worrying impact our personal and professional relationships?

Part Two: Managing Our Routine Worries (Thursday, May 13, 2021 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)

This session will draw on cognitive-behavioral theory and techniques to help you recognize and change problematic patterns of thinking and behaving. You will build the skills to:

  • Identify and challenge worry-related thoughts that may be fueling negative emotions
  • Modify your actions to avoid worry and anxiety triggers
  • Enhance your overall emotional wellbeing

Part Three: Regulating Our Extreme Worries (Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)

When faced with a painful problem, you have four options:

  1. Solve the problem
  2. Change your feelings about the problem
  3. Accept the problem
  4. Do nothing about the problem

The choice is yours. This session will draw on dialectical-behavioral theory and techniques to explore these options. You will build problem-solving skills and attitudes that support helpful new ways of responding to extreme worries.