As of May 1st, the state of TN is allowing people many people to return to work and resume activities with proper social distancing. Therapy is by nature an intimate activity and my office is cozy, not spacious. I do not feel I can safely see people in person at this time because (1) I cannot properly maintain 6 feet of distance and (2) do not personally feel safe to return to work in the office yet. This is an ever changing situation and as we get closer to June, if the numbers remain low and we can maintain social distance I will try to return for 1 or 2 days for those who prefer in person.
There will be limits and rules we both must agree to. Here are some that I have been hearing from colleagues in the field and will be using as well:
Clients to remain in their car until I am ready for the session. I will text/call you to let you know and you will come straight to my office for the session.
Clients will use hand sanitizer on arrival to my office and limit touching objects.
There are no hand shakes or hugs anymore.
You must wear a mask during session as my office cannot allow 6 feet of distance. I will wear one too.
If you are sick or have come in contact with someone who is sick, DO NOT come to session. Stay home and self quarantine until you can be tested to make sure you are not contagious.
No additional members of the family or loved ones may attend session.
Spacing out sessions so I have time to sanitize between clients to make sure we are all safe.
I know this might not be what you wanted to read but safety is my top priority and I would never want to risk the lives of others. Teletherapy is always an option and I have been providing this service for the past 6 weeks. I will continue to over remote sessions until this pandemic is over. According to the CDC and WHO, this will most likely contiue throughout 2020 and possibly well into 2021.
I know remote sessions are awkward. I know it feels hard to talk to me over a video instead of in person. I know sometimes you have family in the home with you and worry about privacy. These are things we can overcome and talk through. If you haven’t yet tried, consider giving teletherapy a chance as it might not be as bad as you think.
Stay safe out there and continue to maintain safety with face masks, hand washing, and social distancing.
