How The AGP Therapy Team Stays Sane During the COVID-19 Crisis
Always one to turn lemons into lemonade, I entered the COVID-19 quarantine with one goal in mind: To use this newfound time to become my #BestSelf. What does that mean you may wonder. Well, depending on my anxiety and/or energy level, that goal included:
I’ll follow a fitfluencer’s daily fitness plan!
I’ll Marie Kondo my life!
I’ll wear something other than sweatpants!
Needless to say, my yoga mat’s collecting dust, my sock drawer’s still in disarray, and my love of elastic waistbands has only grown stronger.
In times like this, I can’t stress enough: Therapists are people, too.
Just like you, we struggle with self-compassion. And sometimes we need a cocktail of structure mixed with accountability, garnished with a reality check. Thankfully, I’m surrounded by an amazing team of therapists who not only hold space for their clients, but for each other.
I surveyed the team and asked:
what’s one thing you’re doing to support your well-being right now?
What’s one thing you’d like people to know or consider?
Here’s what they shared:
Douglas Brown, LMSW, CASAC-T
One of my longstanding go-tos when I need some relief is a jigsaw puzzle. I find them challenging and they force me to focus on something beyond my “thoughts.” They provide a great sense of progress, accomplishment and completion. Sometimes, if my mind is really racing, I’ll put classical music on in the background, too.
I’ve been leaning a lot on trying to find those things we typically ignored before (a stop/look/listen approach). I’m also leaning on gratitude/action lists (i.e. make a “things I like in my house” inventory; permission to binge watch a show). I also thought about a daily exercise to “do something you’ve always done” (i.e. read a book) and “do/learn something new” (i.e. knitting).
Kara Lissy, LCSW
Yoga or pilates. It reminds me that moving my body is still within my control while so many external factors are outside my control.
Consider writing a gratitude list every night. You'll surprise yourself how much you still have to be thankful for even in times like these. It'll set you up to be even more grateful when things are back to "normal.”
Ladi Agahiu, LMSW
I make sure to take a walk outside to recenter and reconnect with nature. I practice social distancing, but I know for my balance I need fresh air and to see sunlight or the night sky.
I know many have heard this a thousand times, but I often say that we are all in this together and we must find ways to support each other in new ways- video or phone calls, or text messages. If we all do our part, we will get through this, since we are all going through this at the same time.
Valerie Hoagland, LMSW
One thing I'm doing to support my own well-being right now is giving myself permission to "feel without fixing." What does this look like? It looks like checking the facts: Is it normal to feel anxious, lonely, or scared during a crisis? Yes, yes, and yes. Rather than dismissing or trying to "fix" those "bad" feelings, I name them and allow them to be. I remind myself that every emotion has a beginning, a middle, and an end and that my capacity to feel is a strength.
I'm sharing a lot of concrete skills with clients right now, like how to maintain structure, set boundaries, and manage depression and anxiety while being at home. Most of all, however, I'm really enjoying helping clients find permission to rest and to interrogate their relationship with the need to be productive. Rest is fundamental to our ability to heal, to hold compassion for ourselves and others, and to engage in social justice. Rest is even more important now that we are adjusting to our circumstances. So I'm telling clients and I'm telling myself: Rest is nourishment. It's ok to take a step back. (Pro tip: resting pairs well with chocolate chip cookies.)
Julia Lawrence, LMSW
Like others, I’ve been spending a ton of time with my dog and trying to use him as a reason to get out a few times each day. I joke that he’s the only true beneficiary of this crisis and will forget how to be alone after this! I’m also trying to take this as an opportunity to check in with friends or family I may have fallen out of touch with since everyone is usually so busy.
We talk a lot about practicing acceptance and taking things one day at a time, but this is the moment when the rubber hits the road with regard to ramping up those skills. This situation is bringing up challenges for everyone, and it’s important to remember that it’s not a suffering Olympics. If you’re fearful of getting sick, disappointed about the lack of structure, a canceled vacation, missing your family-it’s all valid! Try to show extra compassion for yourself and everyone around you.
Diane Martori, LCSW
To support my well being right now, I'm doing yoga and meditation regularly, usually at the start of my day. I find that grounding myself in the morning allows me to be there for others and provide support to them throughout the day.
I'd like people to know that it's ok to not be ok. It's important to feel and validate our own feelings. And when you are ready, you can focus on the positive or on the things that you make you laugh or bring you joy.
Laura Goldstein, LMSW
One thing that I’m doing to support my well being right now is taking an online workout class. Every day I take a yoga, cardio or strength training class and I feel so much better after I do!
I have been advising my clients to take things one day at a time, integrate self-care into their schedule everyday, and try a new or old hobby/skill.
Alysha Perlman, LCSW
Self-care is super important at all times but even more so now! Keeping up with my workouts is number one to me. I need to stay active! A lot of the studios I go to are offering free Instagram live workouts or subscriptions to apps. Making sure I add the workouts I am interested in to my calendar makes it easier to stay up to date with what is being offered and maintain a good work/life balance.
It is hard not to feel alone when you are self-isolating and practicing social distancing. However, I find it helpful to remember we are all in this together and when it is all over we will have a newfound respect for one another. It is also helpful for me to try and think of one thing I am grateful for every day during this stressful time :)
I can proudly share that thanks to the AGP Team I’m meditating daily, adding more structure, and forgiving myself when that structure finds itself watching another episode of “New Girl” accidentally on purpose.