A New Day

A New Day For Psychologists, Therapists and All Mental Health Professionals

With the Coronavirus Pandemic affecting all of our lives -- every one of us -- Psychologists and Therapists are needed more than ever. As we become, by definition, "Crisis Workers and Interventionists," we are called to duty to provide a modicum of calm in a sea of of anxiety, fear, change and uncertainty. This unprecedented experience affects people from every walk of life. Young children and older adults may be confused, mystified, worried and even terrified about the sheer scope of this situation. 

We are faced with a formidable responsibility and challenge for our profession: It is a New Day in that we must immediately implement and embrace an online format for our work. This sudden, yet experimental necessity will likely change the delivery of Psychotherapy and to some extent, Healthcare, forever. This will, of necessity, be a useful, reasonable change that allows people to find help and support that they would not otherwise be able to access. This Call of Duty to our existing clients and others who may need our assistance, provides a connection to those without other mentally healthy options. A soothing voice, some education and clarification, as well as sense of hope for those that are stressed, confused and lost will be available to those who are suffering. This is a tremendous responsibility for us. Unlike a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or fire, this is going on everywhere and affecting humanity across the globe. The time frame is uncertain. It is up to us to step up and provide what we are able to provide online. The technology is there… and we must embrace it. 

It is remarkable that all of my clients seem to be greatly receptive and appreciative of this support. The service we provide needs to be readily available to those who don't have easy access. NOW.

Be well, my friends.

Talking to Kids about Coronavirus

These are tough and trying times for everyone. Let’s think aboutour kids who are now home and out of school. It’s difficult enough for grown-ups to really understand the Coronavirus, let alone a young child. Here is a brief explanation for kids. I hope it helps.

TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)…

THE CORONAVIRUS (ALSO CALLED COVID-19) IS:

1) A sickness that people can catch much like a cold or the flu. It can be mild, like a normal cold but it can also be a very serious sickness that people have to be careful about. This is being seen in all countries throughout the world.

2) The sickness can cause a cough, a fever and some difficulty in being able to breathe.

3) While most people do not get really sick, some do. Older people and people with other sicknesses may get more sick. Not too many kids get really sick.

4) Everybody, including kids, have to careful STAYING SAFE FROM SICKNESSES that are contagious. This means: washing hands throughout the day, washing hands for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song), sneezing into your elbow and TRYING not to touch you face. This will make them less likely to get sick and they will be HELPING to keep other people from getting sick, especially older people and those with health issues.

5) There are many grown-ups who are here to keep kids safe.

THE CORONAVIRUS IS NOT:

1) Something that you can catch by being outside, by eating food or watching TV.

2) Something that WILL NOT go away. Many people are working hard to prevent people from getting the Coronavirus, and to help people to get better if they get it. 

3) Something that will keep schools closed forever. Schools, dance studios, teams and sports, and what we were doing before, will be back again. You can see your friends through FaceTime and online games (with adult supervision) and you will be able to see them and play with them in person when things settle down and the virus is under control.

4) Something that should stop you from laughing, playing, having fun and loving your family.

FOR PARENTS:

1) Help your kids to understand what is going on in the world in reaction to the Coronavirus from their point of view and context…closing of schools, canceling of events, people becoming worried/anxious.

2) Please explain to kids why people and places are being very careful and cautious about spreading and safety.

3) Be mindful of your child’s thoughts, ideas, fears and worries about this. Explain that grown-ups are taking steps to keep everyone SAFE. The world is full of people helping to make this situation better.

4) Use language that kids can understand. Kids also seem to have a much better reaction if they should get the virus than older or already sick people. Kids are safer.

5) Encourage your kids to ask questions and express thoughts, worries or fears. 

6) And try…really try to keep the news off as much as reasonably possible. And while it is fine to be honest about anxious feelings and concerns - you don’t have to pretend everything is perfect - be mindful of laying your worries on the shoulders of your children. Try to model healthy coping skills that include good nutrition, exercise to mitigate stress, talking honestly about feelings and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms such as taking your fears out on others by losing your temper, or using/abusing chemical substances to self-medicate your stressful feelings.