COVID-19 RESPONSE
In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, we want to make sure we are doing everything in our power to keep our clients, their families, and our team and their families as safe as possible. We care very much about the wellbeing of everyone, and we are determined to minimize any unnecessary exposure, either from traveling to/from the office or from cross-contamination with people who may not be symptomatic but could still be contagious.
Therefore, we have moved ALL sessions to an online platform until further notice.
We understand that there are certain situations that make meeting online especially difficult for some individuals. Please see our recommendations for addressing these potential barriers below:
What do I do if I do not have a private room available at home?
This can be tough. Do you have a room of your own? If so, can you download an app that acts as a sound machine? The key to using one is that you want to place it outside your door, rather than inside. So, if you have two devices available you can use one to play the sound machine and place it outside your door. This strategy can really help a lot! If you have earbuds/air pods these can help tremendously as well.
Are you sharing a room with someone else? Would it be possible to negotiate times where you each can have some time to yourselves in the room?
Are you still feeling like this won’t allow enough privacy? Do you have a vehicle that you could sit in while you meet? Is there another quiet place within walking distance of your home?
What do I do if I don’t have a computer or I don’t do well with technology?
Technology can certainly feel daunting at times. The program we use is pretty user friendly, though, and we can walk you through the process. If you will be using a computer, you will get a direct link that you can simply click on to join the session.
You do not have to have a computer to do video conferencing. If you are using a phone, you will simply need to download an app where you will be able to access the link to your session.
What if I am a new client and I haven’t yet met with my therapist for my initial evaluation?
Not meeting your therapist in person first can be disappointing, and can feel intimidating to some. We would much rather meet you in person first as well, and we will be working towards meeting our new clients in person as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
In the meantime, we just need to make sure you are a good fit prior to your first session. We are now offering new clients free 10-20 minute phone-consultations to determine whether our therapists are a good fit for you.
Once we determine you are a good fit for our practice, we will send you paperwork that you will be able to fill out online prior to your session. You will no longer even need a printer or scanner to complete your forms, as we have converted these to electronic versions for you!
The Really Cool Thing About Meeting Online
As someone with a background in Community-Based Mental Health (Angie here), I can tell you that there can be something extremely beneficial to working with clients in their homes.
Experiencing challenges with disciplining your kids? Feeling lonely or isolated? Having anxiety about the mess around you? The trouble with maintaining boundaries with loved ones? Your therapist can walk with you through these challenges IRL (in real life), if they can be there with you when the events are occurring. Truly, this current push towards online therapy can be a real opportunity to get needed support right in the environments that can be most challenging.
Not thinking any of this applies to your particular situation? Well, there are other upsides too. We would also love to see your dogs/cats/pets or items with meaning to you, and use this as an opportunity to get to know you and your situations even better!
To all of you who will be meeting with us online for a time, thank you for hopping on board to decrease the risk for everyone, and especially of those most vulnerable. And thank you to all who will be welcoming us into your home as we move through this journey with you! We will continue carrying you in our thoughts and hearts as we move forward in our important work together!
Warmly,
Angie, Camrie, and Wren