Before COVID, I never considered using telehealth. Like most therapists, I value office meetings—the irreplaceable information physical presence generates, the safety and privacy of the office, even your meditations as you travel.
The pandemic changed everything. In-person contact, which before had been reassuring, became fraught with anxiety. Telehealth became a lifeline.
We tried to adapt; everybody responded differently. Some felt hurt, angry and shut out. Others missed the personal contact. Yet others rediscovered it when the therapist showed up on the screen just like a friend. Still others felt safely concealed by the same screen. But in every case, the therapeutic relationship remained the engine of mental growth.
Now, two-and-a-half years into the pandemic, I’ll meet with you in-person once a week. N95 masks, air purifiers, and staggered sessions have made this safe. The rest of the time, we’ll use telehealth. It’s not ideal, but we’re getting closer.