The Toolbox of Fragility: Are Popular “Coping Strategies” Making People Less Able to Cope?

Our clients across the lifespan continue to struggle emotionally and relationally, despite their apparent awareness and access to all things mental health. Why the mismatch? How is a population that “knows” so much still doing so poorly? Social media and COVID are contributors to be sure. But mental health providers are also falling into some common traps, offering well-intentioned interventions that might contribute to people -from childhood through adulthood- feeling more fragile and stuck than ever. In this session, Lynn Lyons will describe some of the most common clinical practices that backfire, and describe the counterintuitive approaches that build capacity, flexibility, and connection.