Blog

During the Codid-19 pandemic, I have had the wonderful honor and pleasure to provide support in answering various questions regarding this provincial, national and worldwide crisis. In counselling Calgary, or in other areas in Alberta such as Airdrie, Brooks and Okotoks, there appear to be many questions on how to deal with the current crisis and what to do during and after the crisis ends.   

Let’s take a closer look at Part 1 of some Common Covid Questions that have been asked.

1. Have people been requesting help with different issues than before the pandemic?

It’s not that clients have been requesting different help per se. It’s more that the current crisis has compressed what was already negatively going on in the client’s life. Like a pressure cooker or volcano, you can only hold down the pressure so long before release of pressure occurs and kaboom, more support is now required to get through these challenging times and working alongside a counselling therapist is a great way safely release the pressure cooker valve in your own life. 

1. Has your practice at New Life Counselling experienced any notable changes during the pandemic, in terms of number of people requesting support or the issues they are facing?

I have definitely observed some interesting ups and down at New Life Counselling. I believe this in part due to the current realties of families being under significant financial strain, work strain, especially if you’re a frontline nurse or small to medium sized business owner. Other considerations are adapting to the stress of things like having to shop longer due to lineups and the emotional, mental ramifications of social isolation (especially if your single or already having challenges with your partner). And finally, if you are ill, immune compromised or have contacted covid-19 this can prevent a client from seeing the therapist, and create a reverse momentum in therapeutic care (i.e. “I know I should go see a therapist, but I’ll wait a bit more until this blows over.”)

I think it’s important to note that I have observed many therapists (including myself) now doing therapy by either phone or online video counselling which is also creating a different kind of apprehension in going to a therapist for support. Not everyone is used to modern day technology, so I have been personally supporting individuals and families in educating them on how to download and use programs such as Zoom to provide a quality online counselling experience.     

1. In your area of influence, have people around you been more responsive to your suggestions than before the pandemic? If so, why do think there has been a change?

I have observed initial positive responses to suggestions made during the initial crisis such as A. Continue with your daily routine. B. Create healthy space between you and your family. and C. Develop normalcy out of your daily routine.

Now that the crisis has begun slightly normalize, I’m still noticing what in my industry is known as basic “stages of change” where some people are open and willing to suggestions for change and others need to find their own solutions no matter what is suggested, however, still need to process their thoughts and emotions to a qualified counselling therapist. Ultimately, people have to find their own personal solutions to their negative circumstances so they can discover their own personal motivation to make effective changes in their lives. With counselling, I have the honor and privilege to positively support the individual, family or couple as they increase their ability to walk in New Life. 

To be continued…CLICK HERE FOR PART 2