While fall brings relief from the summer heat and makes the masses giddy for all things cozy, for many, with the cooling temperatures also comes something not so pleasant- loneliness.

In a world that often moves so fast, it’s easy to forget the power of meaningful connection. That’s why Social Wellness Month is a much-needed reminder that our relationships are essential to living a healthy, balanced life.

Recently, I’ve had several new clients contact me with a presenting issue of being discontented with their singleness and their inability to find a partner who is ready to commit and settle down. My initial thought was “join the club”.

“I don’t know how to connect with my teen” is a phrase I hear often from parents. They express concern because their once bubbly, talkative, and affectionate child suddenly becomes a temperamental, hormonal teenager who retreats to their room as soon as they get home from school.

As social creatures we long for safe connections with others.  And yet often this experience eludes us and leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness.  What creates this disconnection? And how can we make a shift towards connection with safe others?  While this shift is very possible, I also recognize that it is very hard work. The hard work is well worth it when we find safe relational connections. 

How many times a day do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and whatever new social media app is on the market? I will be the first to admit that I am guilty of picking up my phone to “check messages” and the next thing I know I am going down some random rabbithole on TikTok for 30 minutes or an hour.