What It's Like To Be A Therapist During Coronavirus

COVID-19 has changed our lives in so many ways, it has had many negative and also some positive repercussions for us all. We asked our therapists what it’s like to be a therapist during the pandemic in a time when many more people than ever need support for mental health problems. 

For therapists and counsellors it has been a concerning time, we have all worried about the impact it will have on the mental wellbeing of others and at times ourselves. 

Many therapists found the transition from face to face counselling to online or phone therapy daunting, demanding and tiring. Some feel that face to face sessions afford a greater connection between therapist and client and were apprehensive that this connection maybe lost. Some have struggled, as is the case for many people, to establish a work life balance, working from home often blurring the boundaries between work, chores, and leisure, and for some also managing home schooling. Everyone has had to adapt and adjust to the changes enforced by the virus. 

On a positive note, therapists have transitioned and become skilled at working remotely, undertaking training and developing new technical skills to help with this adaptation. This has meant that we can continue to work throughout the pandemic and continue to support people and we are incredibly grateful that we can. We have become even more accustomed to noticing verbal cues in the absence of physical cues such as body language, which are so apparent in a face to face environment. Although we are working remotely we continue to to build strong therapeutic relationships with our clients.

Other positives have been not having to travel to a workplace, hence affording us extra time. Many of us have come to really appreciate online and phone therapy and the advantages it can bring, such as being able to offer more flexible appointments, people being able to have therapy in the comfort of their own homes and also things like sharing documents on the screen during the sessions.  Several therapists are also learning and developing skills in walk and talk therapy, to enable them to deliver outdoor therapy as restrictions ease and the weather improves. 

What we have all realised is that self-care and time for ourselves is even more important than ever. It is so important to have breaks from work, take a short walk, watch a favourite TV programme, have a long bath, whatever works best. Ensuring we take care of ourselves actually makes us better therapists and obviously enhances our quality of life. As with many careers we sometimes forget to follow our own advice and whilst working with others to grow and enhance their lives neglect to do the same for ourselves!

We do miss human connection with clients, colleagues, friends and family, although thankfully technology allows us connection and communication, albeit in a different form. 

At krysallis we have a range of therapists to support with a variety of problems. Meet our therapists to find out more about our services. 

Check out our other blogs:

Your Participation is needed to help design the future

Your Participation is needed to help design the future

Over the past 10 years, usage of the internet has dramatically increased. With this rise, more and more people have found themselves engaging with websites for tasks and entertainment. Unfortunately, protective measures, along with the understanding of lasting effects...

read more

Let’s NOT play Charades- Part 1

Charades was an ideal festive game – an old-fashioned diversion from drunk uncles, teenagers who’d rather be online and the same old family fallouts. But living your life as some kind of charade? Please don’t! Not in 2022 or any year thereafter. Pretending to be...

read more

Jealousy rebranded

Jealousy is not a fashionable emotion. Here in the UK it went out circa 1970 when equal partnership kicked the historical marriage model of proprietorial masculinity and dependent femininity into the long grass. 21st century relationships view jealousy as decidedly...

read more