New Accommodations for COVID19
As concerns have grown regarding COVID-19, and the restrictions in place by the governor I am currently only offering Telehealth (video or phone sessions) while we navigate this current situation and in order to comply with social distancing. Once the restrictions are lifted I will then confirm the date in which in person sessions will be available. However, if you, or someone you come into close contact with, are considered high risk you may continue to utilize Telehealth as an alternative to in-office sessions. If you feel anxious, uneasy or uncomfortable with person-to-person interactions you may also take advantage of Telehealth. I realize that many clients may need to limit their social interaction for the health and well being of themselves and/or the people close to them.
As always if you, or anyone you are in close contact with, are sick please refrain from coming into the office and use this feature instead. Below you will find a link to the HIPPA compliant program that I will be using to conduct sessions. (https://doxy.me/ashtonmartini) You can also download this program for free from the app store.
And under the tab 'helpful forms' you will find the needed paperwork for Telehealth Therapy. Please print, sign and email these forms back to me at [email protected]. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I know this can be an anxiety-producing time for many of you so I have listed some ways to manage panic below. For now, remember your deep-breathing, orientation to the present moment and focus on the things within your control.
Thanks,
Ashton
Helpful ways to manage panic:
1. Belly Breathing - Taking some deep cleansing breaths from the belly sends a message to your brain that you are safe and can calm the body. Click HERE for instructions on how to do this. Here is a link for kids: Belly Breathing for kids .
2. Mindfulness – Pay attention to the present moment. What is happening right now? What do you notice in the room you are in? Most panic is a result of future-focused thinking and when we orient toward the present moment we allow the brain (and body) a break from the constant worry. For a helpful video on Mindfulness click HERE .
3. Name It – It sounds simple, but when we name our anxiety (or other emotions) we see a decrease in how hard those feelings hit us. It also helps us externalize the problem and see it from a distance instead of getting stuck in it.
4. Connect to Your Values – Sometimes when fear takes over we lose sight of our values or what is most important to us. Refocus on those values and move toward them as much as you can. For an exercise that may help you sort those values out a little better click HERE .
5. Gratitude – When we are so fearful of what we may lose we sometimes forget what we have. Remember to look at what is going well in addition to the fear. The goal of this is not to drive out the fear, but to share the same space with it.
