COVID-19: Thoughts, Changes, and Resources

At this moment in time in Charlottesville Virginia, I believe we all are experiencing some level of concern, worry, and/or fear regarding the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the strong precautionary actions that are being taken in our community.  

Even as we may be avoiding public gatherings, I suppose many of us are joined together in the attempt to balance opposing desires: to seek information and yet avoid overwhelm, to prepare but not panic, to be cautious but not hypervigilant, to respond but not react...  

...and crucially: to practice “social distancing” while remaining relationally and emotionally engaged with our family, friends, and communities -- to keep close to their kindness and care, even as we keep out-of-range of their "airborne respiratory droplets.”  

Please, connect and communicate with others about your concerns, worries, and fears; it’s incredibly likely that they are experiencing some variation of similar thoughts and feelings.  And the only thing worse than feeling scared is feeling scared and alone (or scared and ashamed, which is really the same thing).

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During this time, it is my aim to keep the experience of therapy as accessible and safe as possible for all my clients, and also to preserve the public health of our larger community. 

With that in mind:

ALL SESSIONS will now take place via SECURE VIDEO CONFERENCE

For online sessions, I am using the Zoom video conferencing platform.

Zoom employs industry-standard end-to-end Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption using 256-bit keys to protect meetings. Zoom encryption fully complies with HIPAA Security Standards to ensure the security and privacy of patient data. Furthermore, to use Zoom, you are not required to create an account, login, or provide your full/actual name. Zoom is compatible with any computer or mobile device with a camera, microphone, and internet connection.

Information about how to use the Zoom service and join your secure online session is on my website at:

www.iTherapyCville.com/video

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I would like to take a moment to share several resources written/presented by Harvard Medical School Psychiatry and Psychology faculty that may be useful in understanding and managing the challenging thoughts and feelings that may arise at this time:

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I also want to urge you to gather medical and public health information from reliable sources (a few listed below), and to mindfully limit your intake of COVID-related coverage in the media, in order to avoid feelings of overwhelm.

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Of course, please CONTACT A DOCTOR as soon as possible, if:

  • You are experiencing Fever, Cough, or Breathing Difficulty

  • You have been exposed to someone who is or may be infected with COVID-19

  • You otherwise suspect that you may be sick or infected with this illness

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And, as always, please feel free to reach out to me if it would be helpful to connect before your next scheduled appointment!


Wishing you as much ease as possible as we move through this strange time together,


Chris

voice/text: 434-260-3530
email: contactme@iTherapyCville.com