Problem Social Media Use CT (Zoom)

Service Description

Formal research supports what clinicians in practice know: social media and internet addictions are associated with negative mental health, poor performance at work and school, and other negative outcomes. Many of us have clients who are coming in with concerns which are revealed to be connected to social media and phone use. This includes being overly distracted, unable to complete work, overly sedentary, experiencing significant body image distortion, unhappy comparisons with the perceived lives of others, and more. Clients of all ages and demographic characteristics are at risk in our heavily wired society, and need assistance with balancing the benefits and positive effects of internet use today against the risks and damages. As algorithm-driven media becomes ever-more effective, use patterns may increasingly look like those of people who are struggling with substance use. This training, co-sponsored by the NASW-CT, will present clinicians with up to date information about the risks and effects of social media and smart phone addiction, what is known about prevention and how best to go about engaging in treatment of clients with these concerns. The content will include assessment and concrete recommendations for intervention, as well as vignettes and opportunities to share with colleagues who are seeing similar challenges in their work to support client wellbeing. Clinicians will have opportunities to reflect on their own engagement with social media as well, and the ways this can inform their work around this topic with clients. CE Information: This program has been approved for Continuing Education Credit Hours by the National Association of Social Workers, CT and meets the continuing education criteria for CT Social Work Licensure renewal. Approval also meets the continuing education criteria for CT LMSWs, LMFTs, LPCs, and licensed psychologists.