Identity, Social Connection, and Loneliness

Dr. Curtis Peterson is a leading expert in the fields of loneliness, social belonging, and identity development. With years of dedicated research and applied practice, he has developed transformative insights and methods that empower individuals to harness the power of who they are and the communities they belong to. His work helps people lead more meaningful, productive, and fulfilling lives—while building the resilience needed to navigate life’s most complex challenges.

School groups include K-12 and colleges and Universities can receive receive special rates and scholarships for presentations and trainings.

For more information email:

cpeterson@tocc.edu

Loneliness and social disconnect are becoming a modern epidemic causing a public health crisis. Finding ways for organizations, groups, and physical and mental health practitioners to overcome loneliness, develop a sense of belonging and identity, is becoming more important and should be a part of daily practice.

Presentations

“Belonging isn’t just a feeling—it’s a strategic advantage.”
Research consistently shows that when individuals feel a genuine sense of identity and belonging within their workplace or community, their physical health, psychological resilience, and emotional well-being improve dramatically. According to a 2021 report from BetterUp, employees who feel a strong sense of belonging experience a 56% increase in job performance, 50% lower turnover risk, and 75% reduction in sick days.

For organizations, these outcomes translate into higher productivity, deeper employee commitment, and significantly reduced costs related to burnout, disengagement, and health issues. Investing in training that cultivates connection and shared purpose doesn’t just uplift individuals—it transforms teams and drives sustainable success.

Creating a culture of belonging is not an add-on—it’s a powerful foundation for growth, innovation, and retention.

Trainings

Empower Your Team with Evidence-Based Insights on Belonging, Identity, and Loneliness

Whether you’re aiming to strengthen your team’s professional growth or enhance the quality of services your staff provides, understanding the dynamics of loneliness, social belonging, and identity is essential. These factors are not peripheral—they’re at the core of human behavior and directly impact client outcomes, satisfaction, and well-being.

Recent research underscores this connection. A landmark review by Cruwys et al. (2014) found that integrating identity-based approaches into clinical and social services significantly improves treatment outcomes, particularly for clients experiencing depression and social disconnection. When staff understand how identity and belonging shape mental and emotional health, they become more effective, compassionate, and responsive in their roles.

In this dynamic training, Dr. Curtis Peterson will guide your team through a powerful journey exploring the bidirectional relationship between identity and loneliness—how they influence each other and how they contribute to many of the challenges children and adults face today. Participants will walk away with practical tools, strategies, and frameworksthat can be integrated into a wide variety of clinical, therapeutic, educational, and social service settings.

This is more than a training—it’s a mindset shift that enhances care, deepens connection, and improves outcomes.

Consultation

Strategic Consulting Services to Deepen Impact and Sustain Growth

For organizations seeking a more tailored, hands-on approach to transformation, Dr. Curtis Peterson’s consulting services offer personalized support that extends beyond standard presentations and trainings. These services are designed to meet your team where they are—and take them further.

🔍 Group Needs Assessments (GNA)
Every organization is unique—and so are its challenges and goals. Through our comprehensive Group Needs Assessment, Dr. Peterson and his team will work directly with your staff to identify specific strengths, gaps, and opportunities. This on-site or virtual assessment ensures that all trainings, workshops, and follow-up resources are customized to your group’s exact needs, maximizing relevance and effectiveness.

🤝 Aftercare Programs
Growth doesn’t stop when the training ends. Our Aftercare Program provides continued, topic-specific support tailored to the presentations or trainings your team has received. This ongoing engagement offers your staff or group members an individualized experience, reinforcing key concepts, addressing emerging questions, and helping to integrate new skills into everyday practice. It’s a sustainable approach to long-term change and team development.

Whether you’re supporting front-line staff, leadership teams, or entire departments, Dr. Peterson’s consulting services deliver real-world strategies, expert guidance, and lasting impact—all designed around your unique mission and community.