Identity, Social Connection, and Loneliness

Email at: curtis.peterson@self-and-identity.com



Art of Helping Beyond Fixing

Helping is fundamentally a group process, even when working with individuals, as two people constitute a group. In a therapeutic context, it focuses on assisting individuals facing “life challenges such as addiction, trauma, or mental health issues” (p. 5). The therapist’s role is not to “change people,” but to “empower them with knowledge and tools so that they can change themselves if they choose to” (p. 6). This is likened to a facilitator guiding a group to overcome a shared obstacle by leveraging their collective strengths.



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About Me

Welcome—I’m Dr. Curtis Peterson.
Thank you for visiting my site dedicated to exploring the powerful connection between identity and loneliness. For over 20 years, I’ve studied how our sense of self and our need for social connection shape nearly every aspect of human experience.

My mission is to highlight a fundamental truth: we are a deeply social species, and when that need for belonging is ignored or denied, it can lead to a wide range of emotional, psychological, and even physical challenges. Through research, education, and practical tools, I aim to help individuals and organizations recognize the critical role of connection—and how embracing it can transform lives.

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