Counselling in the Era of COVID-19
♥
By: Khadija Osman
Online and over the phone therapy sessions have been offered by mental health professionals (MHPs) for years now, and there has definitely been a rise in popularity as more businesses and service providers go digital. However, a large number of patients would still never choose to take advantage of it, have never thought about it as an option, and many MHPs do not even offer the service.
But now, the coronavirus pandemic has affected our ability to simply pop over for a visit with our therapists to pour out our hearts in person.
The spread of the coronavirus and subsequent lockdown of major countries worldwide affected most citizen’s ability to travel and interact outside the comforts of your own home. The fear of contracting the coronavirus is doubled in the fields of “essential workers,” and while these people continue going in to work for the greater good, we’re seeing major changes from all of these needed establishments.
Many MHPs are now moving to ONLY providing online or over-the-phone therapy to minimize face-to-face interactions.
But despite the safety precautions, the transition to this different kind of modality has actually been a blessing in disguise.
A Matter of Convenience
There are already people worldwide who will immediately see the upside to a mobile or in-home therapy option. Anyone with a disability that might affect their mobility or otherwise their ability to leave the house or those that live far away from their closest MHP with little access to transport links or a car will immediately see the convenience. If they’re already struggling to receive care for in-office therapy, this could open them and their MHP to going with outpatient therapy in the future as well.
Some of us travel often between homesteads to live in different towns, counties or even countries. That could be because of jobs, a long distance relationship, or simply a nomadic lifestyle. These are all becoming increasingly more popular in modern days for either a small portion of time or for years. Instead of trying to maintain a juggling act with your life and your mental health, you’ll see much more freedom from an outpatient therapy option.
And finally there are also people who are just extremely busy, whether with work or with a family. Maybe they can give an hour of their time to therapy but they can’t manage a three hour commute. This way you can jump into therapy at home with very little prep time and still be able to care for your family or get back to work as soon as you are finished.
Set up your Sacred Space
This also means you can have control over what you’re up to just before the session begins. It might feel like a bit of a distant memory now, but you can probably still picture fighting your way on and off of a bus, running the last ten minutes to your appointment, trying to decipher the receptionist’s mumbled instructions and tapping a hole through the floor waiting for your name to be called. Instead of taking part in that frankly ghastly beginning to any interaction, when you’re doing outpatient therapy you can do whatever you want to do before you begin. Literally, anything at all. You can write down the things you want to discuss in session, allowing time to prepare and collect your thoughts. Or alternatively, you can try a calming activity, such as yoga, meditation, or light reading to get you into a sharing mindset.
Get Comfy
Something I can’t get over with outpatient therapy is the wardrobe choice. On days I’m feeling bloated, sweatpants and cardigan sweater is pretty much the only thing I can force myself to climb into. So you can understand the absolute torture of then having to rip off that wearable safety blanket and put on more “suitable” clothes, fit for an actually “capable” person before I leave my house. Or nowadays, before I jump on a conference call. Thankfully, if I remember to stay seated the whole time my boss isn’t subject to the Juicy brand plastered across my posterior.
On the opposite end, after days living in my sweatpants and cardigan combo I might finally want to play with makeup, slap on a feather boa and try on my best Ru Paul-esqu outfit. I don’t want my therapy session being in an hour to mean I have to pare down that look and take off the stripper leggings. With outpatient therapy, you can forget about what the average joe might think your bum looks like in this ensemble and just get on with feeling better. Remember to use this advice within reason though; nudity is not permissible on an outpatient therapy video call!
Get Cozy
It’s not just you, therapist offices are always disappointing. UUnless you’re the Kardashians, it is unlikely you’ll recieve the Ritz experience. You can probably expect somewhat uncomfortable chairs in an unfathomably beige room, housed in a dull walk-up that could use a little TLC. And I do not expect the post COVID-19 world will rectify that.
Now, your house might not be the decadent palace you wish it were but it can be such a comfortable space! Create a little spot for your video or phone call, get yourself set up in a comfy chair with a cozy blanket and make sure you can’t be disturbed. You don’t want a roommate, partner, or child walking in to use the games console while you’re trying to deal with your innermost turmoil on the living room couch.
Snack Attack
While you’re setting up your little therapy center in your home, don’t forget the most important part. Snacks! A jug of lukewarm water that’s been sitting out since at least this morning, if not this entire week, is something that’s become a staple in MHP offices. But in your house you can stock the good stuff. Make yourself something hot and comforting to drink and set it beside you before your chat begins. Set up a bowl with some fruit or something in it in case you feel hungry. These can provide added comfort, but will also mean you don’t finish an hour of talking with dry mouth.
With lockdown the way it is for most countries at the moment, you might not have the choice over whether or not to seek out outpatient therapy. But someday when overcrowded waiting rooms are again a reality try to remember it as an option. Because these advantages go both ways. MHPs with disabilities, family responsibilities, and unconventional lifestyles are out there working too and are offering this service to connect with and help everyone that they can. If taking up online therapy can help cushion their burden and be something amazing in it’s own right, there’s no reason not to try it.
Counselling in the Era of COVID-19
♥
By: Khadija Osman
Online and over the phone therapy sessions have been offered by mental health professionals (MHPs) for years now, and there has definitely been a rise in popularity as more businesses and service providers go digital. However, a large number of patients would still never choose to take advantage of it, have never thought about it as an option, and many MHPs do not even offer the service.
But now, the coronavirus pandemic has affected our ability to simply pop over for a visit with our therapists to pour out our hearts in person.
The spread of the coronavirus and subsequent lockdown of major countries worldwide affected most citizen’s ability to travel and interact outside the comforts of your own home. The fear of contracting the coronavirus is doubled in the fields of “essential workers,” and while these people continue going in to work for the greater good, we’re seeing major changes from all of these needed establishments.
Many MHPs are now moving to ONLY providing online or over-the-phone therapy to minimize face-to-face interactions.
But despite the safety precautions, the transition to this different kind of modality has actually been a blessing in disguise.
A Matter of Convenience
There are already people worldwide who will immediately see the upside to a mobile or in-home therapy option. Anyone with a disability that might affect their mobility or otherwise their ability to leave the house or those that live far away from their closest MHP with little access to transport links or a car will immediately see the convenience. If they’re already struggling to receive care for in-office therapy, this could open them and their MHP to going with outpatient therapy in the future as well.
Some of us travel often between homesteads to live in different towns, counties or even countries. That could be because of jobs, a long distance relationship, or simply a nomadic lifestyle. These are all becoming increasingly more popular in modern days for either a small portion of time or for years. Instead of trying to maintain a juggling act with your life and your mental health, you’ll see much more freedom from an outpatient therapy option.
And finally there are also people who are just extremely busy, whether with work or with a family. Maybe they can give an hour of their time to therapy but they can’t manage a three hour commute. This way you can jump into therapy at home with very little prep time and still be able to care for your family or get back to work as soon as you are finished.
Set up your Sacred Space
This also means you can have control over what you’re up to just before the session begins. It might feel like a bit of a distant memory now, but you can probably still picture fighting your way on and off of a bus, running the last ten minutes to your appointment, trying to decipher the receptionist’s mumbled instructions and tapping a hole through the floor waiting for your name to be called. Instead of taking part in that frankly ghastly beginning to any interaction, when you’re doing outpatient therapy you can do whatever you want to do before you begin. Literally, anything at all. You can write down the things you want to discuss in session, allowing time to prepare and collect your thoughts. Or alternatively, you can try a calming activity, such as yoga, meditation, or light reading to get you into a sharing mindset.
Get Comfy
Something I can’t get over with outpatient therapy is the wardrobe choice. On days I’m feeling bloated, sweatpants and cardigan sweater is pretty much the only thing I can force myself to climb into. So you can understand the absolute torture of then having to rip off that wearable safety blanket and put on more “suitable” clothes, fit for an actually “capable” person before I leave my house. Or nowadays, before I jump on a conference call. Thankfully, if I remember to stay seated the whole time my boss isn’t subject to the Juicy brand plastered across my posterior.
On the opposite end, after days living in my sweatpants and cardigan combo I might finally want to play with makeup, slap on a feather boa and try on my best Ru Paul-esqu outfit. I don’t want my therapy session being in an hour to mean I have to pare down that look and take off the stripper leggings. With outpatient therapy, you can forget about what the average joe might think your bum looks like in this ensemble and just get on with feeling better. Remember to use this advice within reason though; nudity is not permissible on an outpatient therapy video call!
Get Cozy
It’s not just you, therapist offices are always disappointing. Unless you’re the Kardashians, it is unlikely you’ll recieve the Ritz experience You can probably expect somewhat uncomfortable chairs in an unfathomably beige room, housed in a dull walk-up that could use a little TLC. And I do not expect the post COVID-19 world will rectify that.
Now, your house might not be the decadent palace you wish it were but it can be such a comfortable space! Create a little spot for your video or phone call, get yourself set up in a comfy chair with a cozy blanket and make sure you can’t be disturbed. You don’t want a roommate, partner, or child walking in to use the games console while you’re trying to deal with your innermost turmoil on the living room couch.
Snack Attack
While you’re setting up your little therapy center in your home, don’t forget the most important part. Snacks! A jug of lukewarm water that’s been sitting out since at least this morning, if not this entire week, is something that’s become a staple in MHP offices. But in your house you can stock the good stuff. Make yourself something hot and comforting to drink and set it beside you before your chat begins. Set up a bowl with some fruit or something in it in case you feel hungry. These can provide added comfort, but will also mean you don’t finish an hour of talking with dry mouth.
With lockdown the way it is for most countries at the moment, you might not have the choice over whether or not to seek out outpatient therapy. But someday when overcrowded waiting rooms are again a reality try to remember it as an option. Because these advantages go both ways. MHPs with disabilities, family responsibilities, and unconventional lifestyles are out there working too and are offering this service to connect with and help everyone that they can. If taking up online therapy can help cushion their burden and be something amazing in it’s own right, there’s no reason not to try it.
About author: Khadija osman
Khadija is a professional writer and bookseller from London, England. She is passionate about talk therapy, comic books and cats.
About author: Khadija Osman
Writer Bio: Khadija is a professional writer and bookseller from London, England. She is passionate about talk therapy, comic books and cats.
Find me on instagram @k_o_writing
