Most of what we’re seeing this last fortnight has been a mixture of horror stories and humour, the kind we Irish are particularly good at in times of adversity. Good old fashioned denial has its place.
But it’s been mostly horror hasn’t it?
Nothing is as contagious as fear.
Hi guys.
I’ve been contacted by a small amount of clients and several supervisees with regard to how to continue working effectively and safely as a therapist/psychologist during the next couple of weeks.
Bearing in mind the range of anxieties that are out there and the facts we have thus far, I want to put this out there, even though I’m sure you’re tired of hearing it:
COVID is transmitted through touching infected sneeze or cough droplets then touching your face, prolonged exposure to an infected person, or touching surfaces that someone who has the virus has coughed or sneezed on.
The best way to prevent exposure is to wash your hands properly, avoid infected people and avoid large groups. Next is to self-isolate if you believe you are infected.
And so, in alignment with the IAHIP, PSI and HSE I am confidently continuing to see clients on an individual basis. I have access to a private bathroom in BOTH practices. Each bathroom has soap and I have several sanitisers. I sanitise all hard surfaces including door handles before and after each client as well as attending to my own personal hygiene. There are no children in my house and no other people use my Youghal office entrance – or indeed my side of the building – it is entirely private. And to get super pedantic, there are more than 2 meters separating my face from yours, again, as per guidelines for infected persons (Of course, I am not infected and I would ask that if you are, that you stay at home).
The only “real” difference in my practice will be that I won’t be shaking anyone’s hand before or after sessions until this has run its course.
Also, in accordance with all professional bodies and EAP providers I am offering all clients regardless of health status Facetime, Skype, telephone or Zoom sessions – online payment will be facilitated. And of course my 24 hour cancellation policy will be waived if you have a sudden onset of symptoms.
Zoom is probably best. It’s free and easy to use: I would email you a unique password for your session and off we go!
If you are a current and existing client of mine I will be mailing this to you for your records.
Meanwhile , please, be aware that the media is catastrophising and there are sensible measures we can all take to protect ourselves and the vulnerable among us. I posted this on Facebook yesterday from our PSI president – it’s worth a read:
Stay well!
*I will update this page if there are any changes to my status
There is a lot of talk of romance and relationships at this time of year isn’t there? I usually aim for submitting a piece here or somewhere online about Valentine’s Day before the actual day – kinda missed the boat on that one this year!
But actually, to be honest, I think I did that on purpose… subconsciously at least. Because I see Valentine’s Day as having too great a potential for acting as a glossing over, a box ticking exercise much like some of the other Hallmark Days we celebrate. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE a bit of slushy mushy romance! My hubby got me a stone from my favourite beach and painted a heart on it and that was me gone weak! Utterly!
But..
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We don’t have a great history, spiders and I.
I know all the things you’re supposed to know – like –
But seriously. Spiders. All those legs and eyes…
Christmas has a way of jerking those tears right out of us doesn’t it? It’s a time where the pressure to be happy is really on – HO HO HO! Jeepers. It’s a cheer fest, that’s for sure. One that would make the calmest people want to gouge their own eyes out if they are also trying to cope with feeling of loss and loneliness.
Especially, with COVID. Our second year now. We have feelings that don’t “match” with how we are ‘supposed’ to feel at Christmas.
Here’s the thing though:
This week I heard, for the first time, the origin of the iconic witch-on-a-broomstick image – and it’s AWESOME!
I have often wondered what the whole broom thing was about. I idly mused that it might be a phallic thing. Then I’d dismiss that, assuming that my brain was going off trying to find sex at the bottom of everything – I know, I know… #rollseyes #typicaltherapist…
It’s a question that’s bothering parents all over Ireland today. Probably even more so this year as it falls on a Friday. Kids are coming home from school asking if they can go out, can they drink, can they drink at home? C’mon just the one?? You’re so boring… Everyone else has cooler parents… Can they have their friends over for a couple of cans – nothing too heavy, no spirits in fairness…
In fairness…
Some people woke up this morning feeling dark, empty, hopeless. Maybe they didn’t sleep, again. They feel desperate, crazy even, from lack of sleep. Not being able to think straight, not even knowing that they’re not thinking straight. Some people today can see no value, no point in being alive. There is no joy, not even peace. A quiet mind would be enough. But how to get that…
Well, that flew didn’t it??!
So, the exams are over and you’re thinking “Yay! Stress? Nah – done, distant memory, ‘be grand now!”
And it is done for some, but for others a new and unexpected stress has already kicked in. It’s a little trickier than pre-exam stress, because the people around you might assume all students are now the embodiment of Zen and relaxation, because technically the exams are over.
Aren’t we blessed here in East Cork? As a native of Youghal originally and now back in East Cork I am a dedicated sea addict.
(It’s Ok, I’m aware of it and I can stop any time I want…)
