For many, the thought of starting therapy in the middle of a pandemic feels overwhelming. Your schedule and routine has blown up, and you’re just trying to keep it together. Adding another appointment into the mix, even if it would be with a supportive person, feels sub-optimal. But I would suggest that now is the best time to start therapy!
Therapy is More Convenient Than Ever
With Los Angeles (and all of California) being under a stay at home order, psychologists and therapists have moved their practices online. With online therapy, you can work with your therapist from the safety and comfort of your home. No need to worry about encountering germs while traveling to your therapist’s office or accidentally breaking social distancing protocols. Just click a link, and voila! There’s your therapist, ready to work with you.
Prevent Chronic Mental Health Issues
If your levels of stress and anxiety are higher, it’s best to address it now before it becomes a longer-term problem. Research has shown that chronic stress, left unaddressed, can turn into issues like anxiety and depression… and even physical health problems! Squeezing in a therapy appointment might temporarily feel a little stressful, but it’ll pay off in the long run.
Promote Personal Growth
Some people are adjusting to pandemic life relatively well. In fact, they find themselves with extra time on their hands. Many end up using that leisure time to think and reflect on their life. This can end up disastrous if you end up falling into a “what if?” spiral. Instead, with the guidance of a therapist, you can use those reflective moments to foster personal growth.
Counteract Social Isolation with Connection
With shelter at home orders and social distancing guidelines, many people are experiencing feelings of disconnect and isolation. Offset those negative pandemic byproducts by engaging in one of the deepest connections you can forge— a therapeutic relationship. Experiencing the unconditionally accepting and non-judgmental support of a therapist can help you feel authentically connected.
Your Living Situation is Strained
Pre-pandemic, living with your family, roommate, or partner worked just fine. But now that everyone is spending time together 24/7, things are starting to feel a little strained. Little quirks that felt cute in small doses are incredibly annoying in large quantities. Relying on one another for all in-person interactions and socialization is becoming untenable. With the help of a therapist, you can learn how to manage the stressors and possibly even improve the household relationships.
Gain Perspective
COVID-19 life means you’re spending a lot of time with you, yourself, and I. That can create an echo chamber where you start to lose perspective on what’s going on. Working with a therapist can help you do a reality-check with respect to relationships, anxieties, and self-critical thoughts.
Access a Safe Space
When so much of the world feels like it’s spinning out of control, having access to a safe space can make all the difference between “I’m stressed but holding on” and “I’m unraveling and on the verge of a meltdown”. The consistency of seeing a supportive outside person can be just the kind of self-care the doctor ordered. Therapy is your unique safe place to use in whatever way is helpful to you. No need to worry about taking care of your therapist’s feelings, making sure that you’re being a “good” partner, or filtering your thoughts and feelings. Just be who you are in the moment, knowing that your therapist has got you.
If you’re ready to start online therapy, contact us for a free 20 minute consultation to see how we can help.
