Orange-Sullivan Chapter

In today’s world the prevalence of emotional burnout and the cost of chronic stress has hit crisis proportions. This is particularly true in the field of law. In surveys lawyers are reporting significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and emotional exhaustion when compared to other professions. In this presentation participants will become familiar with the signs, symptoms and causes of burnout.  Individuals will explore both the internal and environmental/ cultural factors leading to increases in chronic stress. The long- term effects of chronic stress on our physical, emotional, relational and cognitive functioning will be outlined.  Evidenced based strategies for the reduction of chronic stress and burnout will be discussed.  Lifestyle changes, cognitive interventions and behavioral strategies will be explored. Each individual will be asked to create an individualized plan to address their unique circumstances.   The reduction of stress in our everyday lives is essential. This presentation will help individuals focus on the changes that are within their power to make. The journey towards a more balanced, less stressful life starts with just one change. 

Kerry Murray O’Hara, PsyD – Clinical Psychologist & Director of DBT Wellness & Psychological Services

Dr. Kerry O’Hara is the Director/Founder of DBT Wellness & Psychological Services in Saratoga Springs, NY, which she opened in 2018. She has over 25 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient, residential, forensic, outpatient, and academic. Her area of expertise is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), a highly researched evidenced based treatment. Dr. O’Hara’s DBT Wellness Center provides individual, family, & group therapy. In addition, she provides clinical trainings, wellness consultation services for business, and program development.

Over the course of the last 6 years Dr. O’Hara has focused on the mental health crisis and wellness for the field of law. She has presented for the NYSBA and numerous other law associations and seminars. Dr. O’Hara has presented on such topics as; the culture of law, how law school training effects wellness, what creates clinical depression and anxiety for lawyers, vicarious trauma and burnout, issues related to senior lawyers, reducing self- destructive coping for lawyers and self-care creating a balanced lifestyle for lawyers. In addition, Dr. O’Hara has co-authored articles for the NYSBA Journal regarding barriers for wellness in the profession of law and the pathway to a more hopeful future. Dr. O’Hara recently has co-facilitated Wellness pod casts for Mental Health Awareness & Wellness week for the NYSBA. Additionally, she has been co-facilitating the weekly Lawyer Round Table discussions addressing the isolation, depression, and anxiety lawyers experience as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. O’Hara has also been named as a Clinical Consultant to the NYSBA Lawyer Taskforce for Lawyer wellbeing. 

RSVP to rsvp@wbaosc.org for the link to attend.