I Asked My Therapist How She’s Coping During Quarantine
Friday was therapy day for me. I’d spoken to my therapist the week before to figure out how we were going to work out our session. She shared how she’s been coping through her mental health issues while making time for her clients and family.
My family started seeing our therapist while we were still homeless. She arranged it so that we could all see her on Mondays. This arrangement gave us a whole afternoon to sit inside, use wifi, and enjoy air-conditioning.
Once we made the transition into our new apartment, our van broke down. Our therapist began coming by our apartment to work with us until we could figure out another option.
She’s always been versatile. I wasn’t surprised that our therapist found working from home to be mostly a smooth process.
I miss face-to-face interaction with my clients.
Coping with Change
I started our conversation by asking how she’s coping with her county’s stay-at-home order.
“I’m not going to lie. It’s been stressful. My kids are doing their school from home, and they get bored easily. I arrange it so that I can go to my room to talk to clients with the door closed. Your privacy is important.”
I asked her what the most challenging part of therapy sessions from home.
“I miss face-to-face interaction with my clients. There is a disconnect that happens when you are on a video call. I think it’s because they can see themselves, so they get self-conscious. It’s difficult to talk opening while worrying about how you look.”
Lots of Options
I asked her if she minded not using video calls with me. I would prefer the phone.
“Absolutely! I am open to texting or instant messaging, as well. Whatever works best for you, I will adapt to that. I want you to be comfortable. I am here to help you, and if being on the phone helps you, that’s what we will do!”
I asked my therapist what clients could do to help make her job more manageable.
Our First Session from Home
Last Friday was our first session from home, and it went better than I thought it would. She kept me on track with my thoughts and helped me realized that I’m dealing with the stages of grief in my personal life. Once we talked more about that, I realized she was right.
I was in a numb stage, and it worried me. Understanding that this was a process that everyone goes through — each in their own time — helped me immensely.
Did Distance Therapy Work for Me?
We talked a little past our hour session, and my therapist let me know she was going to need to end the conversation. She reminded me to relax and indulge in self-care.
I left the session feeling just as satisfied as I did during our face-to-face conversations. My therapist’s warm and insightful approach worked just as well over the phone.
How You Can Help Your Therapist
I asked my therapist what clients could do to help make her job more manageable. The following is a list of ideas she gave me.
- Prepare ahead of time.
Get in touch with your therapist and work out a day and time when you can have a session. Ask them what options they have available for communication.
Download any necessary applications before the day of your session so you can test it. That way, you can avoid losing some of your precious therapy time to technical difficulties.
- Let your therapist know if you need to reschedule
Just because you aren’t going into a building, doesn’t mean your therapist’s time isn’t valuable. Your therapist is making time for you. Be sure to respect her time so that she can plan accordingly.
- Be versatile if you can
Versatility isn’t an option for everyone, but if you can be flexible with your time- please do! I can do this, so we plan our sessions according to when she can best fit me into her schedule.
- Be patient
It’s not easy to transition into a new form of communication. It’s difficult for you and your therapist as well. Try to be patient as you both adapt to changes.
Therapists are People, Too
My therapist has a very young child at home. I heard her in the background once during our chat. I offered to wait while she checked on her, but she let me know that her partner had her child in hand.
“We planned all that out before I started our session. When I talk to you, you are my focus. You deserve that kind of attention, Toni, and don’t forget it. If there is ever a real emergency, I will let you know.”
I think we tend to forget that our therapists are people, too. They deal with their mental health and family issues while helping us with ours.
During this pandemic, people need their therapists more than ever. I’m thankful for every one of these amazing heroes who help us keep our mental health in check!
A Note from the Author
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared some valuable advice for coping with stress during the pandemic. ¹
Ways to cope with stress
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Need help? Know someone who does?
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others
- Call 911
- Visit the Disaster Distress Helplineexternal icon, call 1–800–985–5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotlineexternal icon or call 1–800–799–7233 and TTY 1–800–787–3224
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