These are unusual times, unpredictable and unsettling.
We find
ourselves facing situations that we are unprepared for and we are
uncertain about the future. Hostile identity politics, political unrest,
health crisis, violence and economic uncertainty are at the top of many
of our lists of concerns. The extended stay-at-home orders have
brought to many of us a long and hard look at our current situations.
We will come out of this experience with a "new normal" but we
don't know what it will be and may not know for a long time. Now
more than ever, clients and their therapists are in this together.
Therapists can help their clients find contentment, even joy, in these
new times by are restructuring their lives and relationships. New and
satisfying routines are being developed.
Many people report feeling anxious, depressed and having
trouble getting a good night's rest. They want to be prepared and
strong in order to look ahead and make choices that are meaningful in
the short and the long term. Through careful listening, therapists help
people build more stable personal narratives, consider a wider range
of choices and improve their relationships. People need to identify
and articulate their emotions and use them to move ahead more
productively with their lives while managing their feelings so that
they don't become overwhelmed. Finding meaning, passion and
power can enrich life and enable people to face these uncertain times.
Therapists can be helpful in the short and long term. I don't
think things will be the same but the new may not be so bad. New
habits like meditation, walking, and exercising can beneficial and
have lasting effects. We also learn that we can't sit back and do
nothing, this is a time to stand behind your beliefs and make a lasting
change—it is good for you and it is good for all of us.
Copyright 2007–2020 PTCNY
All rights reserved
Judith Gringorten, LCSW, DCSW — Executive Director
Robin Halpern, LCSW–R, DCSW — Assistant Director
Special Projects Coordinator: Leslie Goldstein, LCSW, BCD
Articles &... Editor: Robin Halpern, LCSW–R, DCSW
