MENTAL HEALTH
Mindfulness-Focused Mental Health Training for Attorneys
Mindfulness is a proven tool that lawyers can use to effectively cope with stress, as well as prevent the cognitive dysfunction associated with mismanaged stress and exposure to trauma. Our trainings and Continuing Legal Education courses harness powerful science-based techniques to help you manage chronic stressors, maintain mental clarity, and prevent burnout. Contact us today to discuss your organizational needs and schedule a customized program.
MENTAL HEALTH CLE
The Mindful Approach to Addressing Mental Health Issues in the Legal Field
Join attorneys Becky Howlett and Cindy Sharp for this timely webinar as they explore the prevalence of burnout, stress, depression, and anxiety in the legal profession.
The landmark 2016 study on lawyer impairment, The Prevalence of Substance Use and Other Mental Health Concerns Among American Attorneys, found that attorneys have disproportionately high rates of mental health concerns compared with the general population. For example, 45.7% of lawyers self-reported experiencing symptoms of depression and 61% for anxiety. Tragically, 63% of them did not seek help for their mental health concerns. One of the main reasons cited is the fear that they would be stigmatized if others discovered their “problem.”
The objective of this program is to raise awareness about the nature of mental health distress in the legal setting, to challenge the biases and stigma that surround those concerns, and to motivate those who are suffering to take advantage of available resources. Certified Meditation Instructor Becky Howlett will teach and lead mindfulness practices throughout this session designed to help lawyers learn how to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety.
Topics include:
High prevalence of mental health issues among lawyers
Barriers to seeking treatment
Ways to support colleagues who may be in distress
Ethical implications of poorly managed stress
Overcoming stigma in the legal community
Mindfulness practices to help lawyers learn how to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety
IN THE NEWS
ABA GPSolo eReport
Attorneys Becky Howlett and Cynthia Sharp's monthly column in the American Bar Association's GPSolo eReport focuses on all aspects of attorney wellness and the real-life challenges of practicing law, including substance use, mental health, civility, and implicit bias.
We believe that generating open and honest conversations, including sharing our own personal struggles with mental health and addiction, will encourage others to seek needed help, as well as promote cultural change within our profession.
Lawyer Suicide Awareness and Prevention
Suicide is all-too-common in the legal field, yet many feel a stigma to openly acknowledge their mental health struggles and get help. It's okay to not be okay. Here we examine potential warning signs of attorney suicide, ways to safeguard your well-being, and action steps if you or someone you know may need support.
Health and Well-being for Lawyers—The Time is NOW!
Practicing law can be hazardous to your health. Attorneys are at extreme risk of developing physical and mental health concerns and negative coping mechanisms like substance abuse. Join us as we explore simple strategies for legal professionals to take charge of their well-being today.
Unmasking the Imposter Syndrome
Most of us have a “Little Voice” in our head that can either support or sabotage us and it’s our responsibility to take control it. Attorneys are often our own worst critic and we can fail victim to a false sense of inadequacy, a common phenomenon called The Imposter Syndrome. Taking steps to overcome Impostor Syndrome will help lawyers develop the confidence to engage in productive business development activities.
RESOURCES
How Meditation Helped Me Overcome Attorney Burnout
Lawyer and Certified Meditation Instructor Becky Howlett shares her personal struggles with depression and anxiety as a law student and young practicing attorney. Learn how mindfulness and meditation helped her recover from years of occupational burnout that crippled her legal career and personal life, and ultimately inspired her to launch The Legal Burnout Solution.
The Legal Mindset Corner: Improving Your Life And Career, One Step At A Time
Becky Howlett and Cynthia Sharp are joined by fellow attorney and mental health advocate, Sara Ellis. As a mental health therapist, Sara aims to provide therapy to lawyers and other professionals in careers where mental health challenges are often ignored, stigmatized, and left untreated.
Topics of discussion include why lawyers are especially susceptible to perfectionism, reaching your goals gradually, destigmatizing mental health issues in the legal world and much more!
The Legal Mindset Corner: Taking A More Proactive Approach Towards Lawyer Wellness
Becky Howlett and Cynthia Sharp are joined by Michael Kennedy, Bar Counsel for The Vermont Judiciary. Michael provides attorneys and non-attorneys with guidance related to legal ethics and the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct.
Topics of discussion include examining the connection between attorney competence and behavioral health issues, finding time every day to focus on wellness, keeping up with rapid technological changes and much more!
The Legal Mindset Corner: The Positive Impact Of Pets On Attorney Mental Health
Becky Howlett and Cynthia Sharp are joined by Terry Harrell (Executive Director at Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program) & Loretta Oleksy (Mindful Life and Work Coach for Thought Kitchen).
Topics of discussion include how adopting pets can help combat loneliness, the benefits of introducing animals into legal office settings, the most valuable lessons lawyers can learn from their pets and much more!