The How-To’s for COVID-19 and Online Therapy
There is no denying that the current pandemic has caused all of us to approach our daily lives differently. There is plenty of confusion, uncertainty and questions floating around the world right now. Which is why it is important to create as much normalcy as you possibly can - and that includes therapy. Whether you are actively in therapy or you are considering seeking out a therapist, the stay at home order should not be a roadblock preventing you from achieving the personal growth you are seeking. Many revisions have been implemented to the current mental health standards to allow for more flexibility for online therapy As a result, I wanted to write a blog to discuss the best ways to get the most of your online therapy.
Find a safe space to access online therapy - if you are accessing online therapy from home, it is essential that you find a space that is quiet, private, and uninterrupted. You might be saying - that is not possible… I have kids, dogs, a small house, or various other concerns. The good news is that there are many ways to get creative with finding a safe place. You can go for a walk with headphones, you can sit in your car, you can even throw a bunch of blankets and pillows into a closet to make it more comfortable.
Be mindful of noise concerns - it is easy to feel distracted when accessing online therapy from your home. As a result, try and create a noise buffer. You can use a cell phone with a white noise app, turn on a fan, utilize headphones, or find a place outside that will excuse you from the noises within the house. Again, a car can be a great option for this.
Treat online therapy as though you are face-to-face with your therapist - getting acclimated to online therapy might take a few sessions. To make this acclimation happen more quickly it is important to take your sessions seriously. Meaning, get ready for them as you would for a normal face-to-face session. Take a shower, get changed, be mindful when setting up your space. It is also important to pay attention to other, non verbal cues that you can access from your therapist. Online therapy can be an incredibly important tool to help you decrease the isolation and lack of connection that is a byproduct to this current way of life.
Use your time constructively - your therapist can help guide you through this process but it is important to take your online sessions as seriously as you would if they were face-to-face. There is an added element of support with modern technology. Perhaps you are more willing to be vulnerable with your therapist while in the comforts of your own home? Maybe you feel more relaxed to share without the additional commute or stress of an average work day? Maybe you are feeling incredibly pent-up being stuck in the home with family? Utilize these nuances to enhance the therapeutic experience. It is a gift that we have the ability to continue psychotherapy through the outlet of online therapy.
Utilize other online resources - with gym closures and social gatherings prohibited you may have lost your day to day human connection. There is an incredible amount of resources online right now to keep you connected to other people. Gyms and yoga studios have moved their classes online, people are connecting by way of video conferencing and other forms of social media. Utilize these! You do not have to be alone and by committing yourself to actively stay involved with those you love, you will nurture your well being during this confusing time.
If you are not currently connected with a therapist - there is no better time than the present. The world is currently functioning at a slower pace. Because of this, I have observed that because of the slowing down, many individuals are turning inward and utilizing this time to reflect and grow as human beings. I encourage you to do the same. If you are interested in learning more how I utilize online therapy you can learn more here.
If you are interested in setting up a free 20 minute consultation please reach out! I specialize in eating disorder treatment, therapy for college students, and EMDR therapy.
-Ellie