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Disconnected Connections: Digital Coping, Doomscrolling, and Our Need for Belonging

Tuesday, August 25th, 2026   9:30 AM EDT -11:30 AM EDT
Nadine Talley, LCSW
$39.99 USD Cost For Member: $29.99

Participants will explore how attachment theory, polyvagal/social engagement theory, and relational safety shape emotional well‑being; review the paradox of being “hyperconnected but lonely”; review key findings from the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on Loneliness; identify common digital coping behaviors, explore how dopamine‑driven reward loops, habit‑formation models (BJ Fogg), and relational‑technology dynamics (Sherry Turkle) contribute to digital overuse; identify the mechanisms, risks, and psychological drivers of doomscrolling, including algorithmic amplification and negativity bias; explore how to use validated tools (e.g., Digital Well‑Being Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale) to evaluate digital habits; and develop personalized or organizational digital‑well‑being plans using cognitive‑behavioral techniques, mindfulness/somatic practices, intentional digital structure, and relational strategies that strengthen connection and resilience. Participants will also engage in a reflection exercise and a small group activity to discuss challenges and barriers existing in practice. 

About the Presenter

Nadine earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2000. Since then, she has developed extensive experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy across a variety of clinical settings. She specializes in trauma and attachment based treatment, integrating emotional regulation, somatic and sensory informed practices, and mindfulness. Nadine also earned a Certificate in Traumatic Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation, founded by leading trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. Nadine practices from a holistic, client centered framework and prioritizes collaboration throughout the therapeutic process. Her core professional values include compassion, transparency, integrity, and a commitment to equitable, inclusive care.

Learning Objectives:

  1. 1. Understand the neurobiological and relational foundations of human connection
  2. 2. Analyze how digital coping behaviors and platform design influence emotional regulation and mental health
  3. 3. Apply evidence‑based strategies to assess digital well‑being and implement healthier technology use

Agenda:

1. Brain Basics- Our Need for Human Connection (20 minutes)

·         Attachment Theory

·         Social Engagement Theory (Dr. Stephan Porges)

·         Relational Safety v. Relational Trauma

  • The paradox of being “hyperconnected but lonely”
  • Review of the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 Advisory on Loneliness

 

2. Understanding Digital Coping (20 minutes)

  • Digital coping behaviors — why & how people use devices to regulate emotions
  • Avoidance vs. connection: how screens soothe discomfort but reduce long‑term resilience
  • Human behavior and brain facts
    • The role of dopamine‑driven reward loops
    • Sherry Turkle, “Alone Together”
    • BJ Fogg, “Tiny Habits”

 

3. Doomscrolling: Mechanisms, Risks, and Mental‑Health Impacts (20 minutes)

  • Definition and psychological drivers of doomscrolling
  • Role of algorithmic amplification
  • Role of negativity bias
  • Effects on physical & mental health, sleep, cognitive load, and emotional regulation

 

4. Assessment & Interventions for Healthier Digital Use (30 minutes)

  • Self‑assessment tools (Digital Well‑Being Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale)
  • Cultural factors
    • Orthodox community, Shabbos
    • Age/generation
  • The role of intentionality & consistency:
    • How we use technology (connection v. escape, knowledge v. empowerment)
    • Neuroplasticity
  • Cognitive‑behavioral strategies:
    • thought‑pattern interruption, urge surfing, cognitive reframing, delayed gratification
  • Mindfulness/somatic based interventions:
    • grounding, present‑moment awareness, sensory regulation
  • Digital structure:
    • notification control, device‑free zones/time periods
  • Relational strategies:
    • In person connecting, interactive games, physical touch
    • How to cultivate meaningful relationships in digital spaces
    • The role of community, shared identity, and prosocial behavior
  • Creating a personal or organizational Digital Well‑Being Action Plan

 

5. Reflection, Application, and Integration (30 minutes)

  • Guided reflection on personal digital‑use patterns
  • Small‑group discussion on barriers to change
  • Development of individualized next steps
  • Q&A

 

This workshop offers 2 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits

This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: intermediate
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
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Refund Policy:
Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.