Being a Therapist during a pandemic

Talk about worst case scenario right?

This has truly been an eye-opening experience and unfortunately, it’s only just the beginning. I have an unbelievable amount of compassion and gratitude for the front line workers who are risking their lives in order to help others. To be a therapist going through a pandemic feels like the ultimate case of imposter syndrome. When we were first asked to stay home, It was a challenge trying to support my clients through what felt like a “shared trauma,” while also trying to make sense of it in between sessions. Starting your day with a nice cup of coffee, only to have a panic attack after watching the latest COVID-19 update 5 minutes before your first client. Get it together Dominique.

I bounced back, redirecting my focus to the dialing tone of my computer calling my client. Now is the time to practice what I preach; Be mindful of what comes up for you, embrace uncertainty and give yourself permission to grieve. I bet you didn’t think grief would look like this, did you? This experience, the discomfort you feel, is all grief of what once was. The loss of structure, connection, jobs, resources, money, etc. What was once normal has completely been flipped upside down. The sense of certainty has completely dissipated leaving us with increased anticipatory anxiety for what our future will look like, let alone tomorrow. What has helped me personally, is taking it day by day. This is an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Be present and focus on each moment of your day and how you plan to spend it, rather than trying to count down the days until it’s over. This is the universe telling us to slow down, take a breath and make ourselves priority.

I know it’s exhausting to wake up each day with so much uncertainty, but you are stronger than your anxiety wants you to believe. It’s been hard to adjust to our “new normal” and it sucks not being able to tell my family, friends and clients’ when this will all be over in order to provide them with some sense of comfort. Everyone’s bravery and tolerance through all of this has been truly exceptional. It has helped me get through each day knowing that we have this shared experience and remembering that we’re not alone. Knowing that we do have some control in slowing this down and working together to overcome this. It will pass, just as any other worst case scenario, but not knowing when, allows us to only live in the present moment. So stay inside, wash your hands, focus on what’s in your control, keep going and never stop growing.

Be Well & Stay Grounded.