Gary Harmon, PsyD
By Life Change Psychotherapy Institute
Ten years ago, psychologists predicted that people would suffer anxiety and grief over climate change. That day may be here:
- According to a 2020 survey by the American Psychological Association, two-thirds of adults surveyed said stress about climate change affected their daily lives
- A recent study by The Lancet medical journal found that of 10,000 young people, 75% felt the future was frightening and 45% feared “humanity was doomed.”
Anxiety over climate change can affect a person’s sense of security and confidence. It can produce a sense of helplessness and grief, and can interfere with their joy in the present.
Support groups for those worried about climate change are now springing up around the country, including a new group being formed by Life Change Psychotherapy Institute. Our new Climate Change Anxiety process group will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 pm, beginning Sept. 6, 2022. Initially, the group will meet online via Zoom. The group fee is $37.75 per session, paid monthly. (Insurance does not apply.)
When people meet and discuss their common fears, they generally experience the relief of not being alone, says group facilitator Gary Harmon, PsyD. Harmon is a psychologist practicing at Life Change, with more than 40 years’ experience in behavioral health. As an avid hiker and mountaineer, he knows firsthand how healing nature can be, and how angst over climate change can make us feel powerless.
To learn more about Life Change’s Climate Change Anxiety group, call 505-271-5050 to arrange for an initial free assessment with Dr. Harmon.
