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GXC 2025 Online Virtual Conference - Mental Health Without Borders

Realistic Expectations in an Unrealistic World: Helping Young People Reclaim Their Self-Worth in the Age of Filters, Fame and AI

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Description

In an era dominated by digital filters, AI-generated influencers, and curated perfection, young people are under increasing pressure to meet impossible standards. This session examines how modern media influences identity, self-worth, addiction and mental health, and explores the responses that clinicians, educators, and caregivers can provide.

Drawing on clinical insight and personal experience, Heather Hayes and Fiona Yassin examine the psychological, cultural, and technological forces that challenge young people's sense of self. With warmth and depth, they guide participants through both the risks and the opportunities that exist in helping young people reclaim authenticity in a world that increasingly prioritises image over identity.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the influence of social media, AI-generated content, and perfection culture on adolescent identity development, self-worth, and mental health.

  • Identify the connections between perfectionism, trauma, addiction, and control-seeking behaviors in young people.

  • Apply trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate therapeutic tools that support body neutrality, digital awareness, and values-based identity development in clinical practice

  • Facilitate shame-free, developmentally sensitive conversations with young people and families about appearance, self-worth, and digital media culture

  • Recognize when specialized support or referrals are warranted, and implement appropriate clinical pathways for comprehensive care.

Educational Goal

This presentation will deepen participants’ understanding of how digital media, AI-generated content, and perfection culture shape adolescent identity, self-worth, and mental health. By integrating trauma-informed perspectives with practical therapeutic tools, participants will enhance their ability to support young people and families in fostering authenticity, resilience, and values-based identity development in clinical and educational settings

Presenters

Heather Hayes is the founder and CEO of Heather R. Hayes & Associates, Inc. She is a Master’s level Licensed Counselor in the State of Georgia, Board Registered Interventionist (CIP) and Certified ARISE Interventionist. Ms. Hayes earned her B.A. from Emory University and her M.Ed. from Antioch University in Counseling Psychology. A veteran of the behavioral health field, Heather has over 35 years of experience in treating clients with complex mental health issues and the full spectrum of addictive disorders. She has also worked with clients of all ages and specializes in the treatment of adolescents/young adults, trauma, behavioral issues and eating disorders. Known as one of the country’s most prominent authorities on these topics, Ms. Hayes is a coveted speaker on the national and international stage, is widely-recognized for her comprehensive and trauma-informed approach to intervention, and has been published in numerous journals, books, and other industry publications. Ms. Hayes also serves as an on-air expert and consultant for CNN and Dr. Oz and has been featured on A&E, ABC, CBS, BBC, FOX, MTV and NBC. In addition, Ms. Hayes is a featured interventionist on the 2018 & 2019 seasons of A&E’s high-profile show Intervention. Throughout her career, Ms. Hayes has been a lifeline for clients at their most profound points of suffering. She offers clients and their families a safe haven as they navigate the recovery journey and works with the entire family system to support long-term, sustainable healing. As an independent interventionist and a staunch proponent of professional ethics, Ms. Hayes does not have financial relationships with any treatment centers or clinicians. Over 95% of her interventions have successfully ended with the subject agreeing to treatment. Outside of work, Heather uses her expertise to give back to her community by volunteering as the psychological profiler with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department Hostage Negotiation and SWAT Team.
Fiona Yassin, MSc, MICP, EMDRIA, UNCG, is the International Program Director at The Wave and a U.K. and internationally registered psychotherapist and accredited clinical supervisor. She is EMDRIA-certified in trauma therapy and holds specialist training in the treatment of eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and high-conflict family dynamics. Fiona is also trained in CBTe, FREED, TF-CBT, RO-DBT, GPM, and MBT for both adults and families, with additional qualifications in reflective parenting from the Anna Freud Centre. A Fellow of APPCH and a senior accredited addiction professional, Fiona is also a member of The Association of Child Protection Professionals and ANZAED. She holds an MSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health from King’s College London, where she received The Dean’s Award, and is currently completing an MSc in Psychiatry at Cardiff University and a PhD in Mental Health Research at Lancaster University. Outside of her work, Fiona enjoys long beach walks, her garden wildlife, and spending time with her family.

Financially Sponsored By

  • GXC Events - The Global Exchange Conference