By: Connie Etemadi
For the past few decades, one of the most pressing concerns for many prognosticators has been climate change. While the topic has become overtly politicized by certain factions who find even the terminology surrounding it controversial, perhaps no more damning indictment exists of the ways climate change has drastically impacted the US than the recent LA wildfires.
Concerns over climate change can certainly feel overwhelming, as more and more people are feeling the impact of the changing environment. The sheer uncanniness of it is part of what makes climate change such a difficult subject to discuss. Contemplating this kind of widespread, potentially catastrophic, and even irreversible damage generally provokes either severe anxiety or outright denial among people. Worsening wildfires, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures are fueling “climate anxiety” among Californians of all ages. Frequent evacuations and ongoing air quality concerns create widespread stress, especially in hard-hit communities.
Many residents are turning to online support groups for immediate help to combat this, but experts still stress the importance of professional guidance and in-person therapy. Proactive resilience strategies—such as mindfulness and disaster preparedness—can help alleviate the emotional toll. For specialized or intensive care, AMFM Healthcare, with facilities in California, offers comprehensive programs designed to assist individuals in coping with the psychological impact of the state’s ever-changing environment.
Therapy Options in California
AMFM’s clinical foundation is built on a personalized, evidence-based approach that goes far beyond treating symptoms. Central to their methodology is Recovery-Oriented Cognitive Therapy (CT-R), developed in partnership with the Beck Institute, which refines traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to empower clients by focusing on their unique strengths and aspirations.
In rehabilitation, the first step is to admit that you need help. Similarly, the first step to begin rehabilitating the planet and its struggling environments is to admit that there is a problem. However, in the case of climate change, people are forced to engage with themes such as existentialism and the threat of impending doom, all of which can prove potently triggering and even harmful in the wrong circumstances.
Healthy Therapeutic Options
It’s important to broach these subjects personally in a way that is safe and conducive to growth. This is in stark contrast to situations rooted in fear or anxiety, which can have devastating long-term implications for both the individual and the planet.
In proper therapeutic methodology, every client is treated as a whole person with a unique story. Extensive initial assessments and personalized treatment plans ensure that therapy is tailored to each individual’s needs. Additionally, an approach grounded in five pillars is essential: the belief that every client is treatment persistent, the critical role of building supportive connections, a commitment to exceptional care, meticulous attention to detail, and a continuous drive to learn and improve.
Final Thoughts
To collectively engage with large and important ideas, such as climate change and the demands of California’s health and viability, individuals must be capable of addressing these concepts on a personal level. To this end, thoughtful and articulate therapeutic care is arguably more essential now than ever, not just for the individual but for the planet as a whole.
