The Importance of Telehealth/Phone Therapy
We are currently living in a time none of us have experienced in our lifetime. The constant news, media attention, and even misinformation in some cases being spread across the world about COVID-19 has caused mass panic, stress, trauma, grief, depression and anxiety. Many people are in a state of confusion, shock and some are even going stir crazy due to shelter in place procedures.
This is a difficult time for us all in one way, shape or form or another. During this time, mental health & wellness is key in being able to endure and get through this global pandemic. With that being said, we also live in the world where many of us have access to technology of some kind. If you have any access to an iPhone, android phone, tablet, desktop or laptop computer this is a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of video and/or phone counseling services! Below I will list some advantages to utilizing phone and video options for counseling.
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Dr. Wayne Dyer
1. Counseling of any kind can be helpful during these uncertain times
Video and phone counseling during this time can be essential to your sustaining optimal mental health. Many of us are uncertain about the current events in the world and as the weeks continue to go on may become more concerned. When you have to adapt to doing something vastly different than you were use to for so many years it can be extremely difficult. Some may adapt more smoothly to situations than others. If you are having difficulty with general anxiety, health anxiety, working conditions, being confined to working and being at home 99% of the time, being laid off, furlough, worried about your family or friends this could be a good opportunity to take advantage of video or phone therapy. It allows you to connect to a therapist who can help support you, guide you, inject positivity and optimism into. It allows you to be vulnerable in a safe space and to process through any thoughts, feelings and emotions you may be experiencing.
2. Counseling of any kind can be helpful for anything you may be going through past or present even if its not COVID-19
Even if you are not experiencing panic, anxiety or depression in relation to the issues going on in the contemporary world surrounding COVID-19, you can still take advantage of counseling for other reasons. You may be experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, concern or panic about something else. There may be other things you want to gain clarity on or get perspective about. Again, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of connecting with a therapist and using this time to help yourself process or grow through something you may be dealing with.
3. Its simple and can be convenient from anywhere
While many of us are working from home (remotely), some people are still having to show up to work in – person. You are honestly one phone call or email away with getting connected to the counseling services you may need. If you are worried that it will take a lot to get scheduled for counseling and having to jump through a lot of hoops to do so well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t! If you still have to go into your office for work you can plan to have a video or phone session with a counselor on your lunch break, before or after work. If you want to have video counseling those accommodations can be made by the therapist as they can send you the link for telehealth, zoom or even if you would like to utilize facetime. Phone counseling may be even easier if you don’t want to engage in video counseling where you can still have a full session with a counselor who can help you process or learn new coping skills. Take advantage of all the resources you have at your fingertips! We are here for you!
4. If you are on the fence….
If you are on the fence about phone or video counseling and would prefer to meet in – person that is completely understandable. Unfortunately, we are at least temporarily living in a time where many therapists have switched over to telehealth therapy modalities to ensure safety for everyone. Believe me we would all jump at the chance to connect with you in – person to grow a deeper interpersonal therapeutic relationship with you. For the time being, I challenge you to consider your options. For some phone or video counseling may be awkward or weird but consider what you may gain from those interactions with a counselor once the ice is broken. Challenge yourself to look at things in another lens and to look at how the situation can work for and be advantageous to your well-being. You may be pleasantly surprised giving either modality a try!
