348. The Best Strategies for Lawyers to Tackle Anxiety and Stress

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Jennifer Kupferman, a former big law attorney turned psychotherapist specializing in lawyer well-being. They discuss common mental health challenges in the legal profession, such as anxiety, perfectionism, and chronic stress, and explore the stigma surrounding these issues. Jennifer explains her transition to therapy, the neuroscience behind anxiety, and introduces somatic therapy and EMDR as effective tools for lawyers. The conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for lawyers seeking support, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social connection.

Jennifer Kupferman is a former Biglaw attorney, who’s now a psychotherapist in private practice in New York City. She specializes in working with lawyers across a range of issues including anxiety, depression, work stress, and building self-confidence. She’s also a regular contributor to the New York Law Journal on issues related to lawyer health and wellbeing, and a public speaker on these matters.

Mental Health Challenges in Law (00:03:12)

Isolation and Loneliness in Legal Profession (00:04:45) 

Why Work with Lawyers? (00:05:51) 

Thinking Like a Lawyer vs. Emotional Well-being (00:06:09) 

Stigma and Vulnerability in Law (00:07:29) 

Trends in Lawyer Mental Health (00:08:08) 

Generational Shifts in Work-Life Integration (00:08:54) 

Law Firm Resistance to Mental Health Initiatives (00:09:46) 

Neuroscience of Anxiety and Stress (00:10:49

Why Anxiety Persists for High Achievers (00:13:12) 

Chronic Stress and the Nervous System (00:14:15) H

Breaking the Stress-Zone Out Cycle (00:16:13) 

Therapeutic Approaches: Parts Work (00:17:05) I

What is Somatic Therapy? (00:19:22)

How Somatic Therapy Works (00:21:02) 

Evidence-Based Somatic Techniques (00:23:43)

Introduction to EMDR Therapy (00:24:38) 

How EMDR Works in Practice (00:25:40) 

Addressing Skepticism about EMDR (00:27:53) 

Reframing Self-Criticism and Therapy Readiness (00:30:13) 

Signs It’s Time to Seek Support (00:31:44) 

The Importance of Connection (00:32:46)

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