I am back to telesessions fully for now due to the number of COVID19 cases in Yavapai County. Approximately 10% of my clients prefer to suspend counseling until we can meet in person again. I absolutely understand, the in-person work is more powerful for some of them. For some, telesessionsare not an appropriate platform, i.e. too young.

The rest of my existing clients are agreeable to doing telesessions. It has been an interesting transition. Pre-COVID19, doing telesessions had not been even a blip on my radar. Now that it is a necessity, I have adapted and evolved, as we do. I do enjoy some of the ease of it, wearing my converse sneakers instead of professional shoes. Even on occasion I may don some slippers. But, this does not take anything away from the intensity of the work.

Telesessions, in some ways, can be more intensive. You are “face to face” in a way with your clients via the screens that is not the same as an in office visit. Also, it is interesting to see how much energy one puts into trying to send the therapeutic energy through the screen. All in all, providing counseling services during COVID19 has been a learning experience.

Once it is clear to move back to in person sessions, I will continue to offer telesessions for clients who prefer the ease of these sessions. The feedback I have received from some is that it is easier to not have to acquire a sitter or travel to the office. I guess that is one silver lining takeaway from 2020.