The Benefit of Online Counseling…Right Now.
With all that is going on in the world right now, it is imperative that we take care of ourselves BOTH emotionally and physically. To name a few of the ongoing events that I perceive as anxiety provoking amongst Americans at this time: the news is outright flooded with the newest information regarding COVID-19 (aka Corona Virus), Americans are hoarding food and essential household products (leaving many to go without), friends and family (and perhaps yourself) may be preoccupied with the topic-in thought or conversation, and essential workers in health care (including myself) are faced with the task of going to work each day and risking exposure. All of these things- eliciting anxiety, panic and fear amongst us.
A friend of mine recently asked me, “How are you handling this?” I responded with, “I’m taking the recommended precautions- that is all I can do.” It is times like these, where a situation is out of our control, that we must utilize skills to accept the situation for what it is. Now now- don’t get me wrong, I am no anomaly. Just the other day- we received information that a nurse at the VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic where I work full-time, tested positive for COVID-19 …and for a moment- it sent me spinning. These are the moments when I use the very skills I teach my clients! After all- we are all just people. People navigating life… in the best ways that we know how.
Now- back to Telehealth (online counseling). Telehealth offers many unique benefits that traditional face-to-face counseling simply does not. The most valuable bullet-point (at this moment in time) is that we have been strongly advised to remain in our homes if able and to practice social distancing. Telehealth allows you to have all of the benefits of therapy..right from your own home. Additionally- you, as a client, have the ability to discuss what is going on in your life.. in the environment that is most comfortable for you. For many, this may include delicate information that is difficult to share in an office environment that is unfamiliar. Telehealth also offers those with hectic schedules flexibility. Whether you are a parent with children, working shift-work or simply full-time…telehealth can help to meet your scheduling needs. Not to mention it also eliminates the need to sit in traffic during rush hour after work- just to make it to your appointment.
I will now be offering telehealth/online counseling to both existing and NEW clients. Whereas previously, I ran my practice by meeting with the client face-to-face at least one time prior to moving to teletherapy. I recognize the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created in everyday living and the need for people to have access to support during this difficult time. Perhaps you were looking for a therapist before this all started and COVID-19 has just gotten in the way (yet again), online counseling is a great and effective way to supplement. I have extensive experience in utilizing Telehealth as a means to deliver therapeutic services and routinely practice this at my full-time VA gig (way before the COVID-19 outbreak). For some, it can take a moment to adjust to and for others- won’t phase em’ ! Recently- I have had to transition many of my VA clients from face-to-face sessions to video counseling and believe me - for many I was initially met with resistance! AND…I have noticed in many cases that when we were able to “try it” - our session went seamlessly! If you are interested in discussing setting up a Telehealth appointment, have any concerns or questions about it..I do offer a 15 minute free phone consultation and would love to speak with you about it!
For more information about my secure Online Counseling Services, please click here!
Stay Well,