Working with Lonely Clients

Loneliness (or at least recognition of it) has dramatically increased in many parts of the world in recent years. It endangers not only the physical and mental health of the individual experiencing it, but also – when it is widespread – that of the community in which the lonely individuals live. This course helps you understand more deeply what loneliness is and is not, what typically triggers it, and what its “territories” are. A chapter on neuroscience explains what is going on in the brains of lonely people. Most importantly, for those who have been assessed to be lonely, we ask what opportunities exist for clients to leave that lonesome journey, and how we as mental health professionals can assist them in taking those opportunities. The course examines loneliness arising from life situations of trauma, illness and disability, ageing, and as a result of using modern technology.