Interviewing Our AWCH Members
BY HOLLY T.
FACing COVID
with Cosima S., psychologist
Holly: As a psychologist in a mental health facility, you are
considered an essential worker and have continued to go to
work during the corona crisis when many of us are socially
distancing at home. How did work change for you during the
corona crisis?
Cosima: Some patients were inhibited by the prospect of
spouses listening or being disturbed by children. Patients
were welcome throughout to come into the office if this was
the case. Also, technical difficulties were definitely a challenge.
Cosima: Though I had to be present
at work throughout the lockdown,
and it was possible for patients to
come in in person, video sessions
were encouraged early on. Most
patients chose the video sessions.
For one thing, not being able to see
facial expressions because of masks
makes communication much more
difficult.
Holly: The corona pandemic has
brought scary news, worry about
sick friends and relatives, job
uncertainty, new challenges with
homeschooling, and loneliness,
among other things. How has this
affected your patients?
F ocus on what is in your control
A cknowledge your thoughts & feelings
C ome back into your body
E ngage in what you are doing
C ommitted action
O pening up
V alues
I dentify resources
D isinfect and distance
Holly: Are there any advantages to
therapy through video chat, and
would you consider continuing to
offer virtual therapy when things
normalize?
Cosima: I think it will continue
to be a good short-term solution
when patients have contagious
illnesses like colds or are traveling
on business. For patients living
abroad with language and cultural
issues, remote therapy could be
an option as well, but I definitely
think physical visits, if possible, are
preferable.
Cosima: While many patients have experienced increased
anxiety, patients who chronically feel they are doing too little
or who put themselves under excess pressure have actually
thrived under the lockdown. The restrictions enabled them
to develop some helpful habits. In contrast, some anxiety
disorders, for example obsessive-compulsive disorder
involving compulsive cleanliness, have become more difficult
to treat during the pandemic, as some of the associated
behaviors suddenly were being adopted by the general public.
Holly: Were there drawbacks to video therapy?
Holly: Do you have any simple advice for your fellow AWCH
members when dealing with corona-induced anxiety?
Cosima: The acronym FACE COVID, that has been widely
circulated, is very helpful. You can easily find it online through
google.
18 Special Theme: Our New World