Climate Anxiety and Masculinity with Dr. Jon Reeves

Jun 10

Listen to the full episode here

About My Guest

Dr. Jon Reeves is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in therapy for professionals, students, and those grappling with climate anxiety. With a PhD in clinical psychology and advanced training from Boston College and the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, Dr. Reeves blends psychodynamic, attachment-based, and existential approaches to help clients navigate anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. He is also the owner of Forefront Psychology and serves as the Washington State regional coordinator for the Climate Psychology Alliance. Licensed in Washington and Massachusetts, he offers teletherapy across PsyPact states.

You can find Dr. Reeves on his website at www.forefrontpsychology.com or follow him @forefrontpsych on Instagram.

In This Episode

Dr. Reeves and I discuss the poly crisis of climate anxiety causing both direct and indirect stress to the general population in ways that can create or exacerbate mental health concerns. We explore whether we are engaging in helpful distraction or anxiety-promoting avoidance behaviors, anxiety as a useful signal to act, and finding ways to manage burnout as we face climate crisis after climate crisis.

Later in the episode, we reflect on the broader discourse regarding masculinity and ways that rigid definitions may hinder health. Dr. Reeves highlights the importance of finding purpose and meaning, social connection, and self-awareness as men navigate a polarized society. We also unpack why it can be constructive to maintain empathy for people in higher levels of power, as difficult and frustrating as it can be at times.

Dr. Reeves additionally shares key lessons he learned in graduate school that shifted his perspective on failure and growth. This was a rewarding episode to record and I am thankful for Dr. Reeves' insights into managing despair, finding hope, building meaning, and embracing failure.