On Therapy in the Time of COVID-19
We want to make some space to talk about the emotional and social implications of the COVID-19 global pandemic and tell you how we’re adapting our offerings at Kindman & Co. to support our clients and community in this complex time of need.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing collective trauma. This does not mean that everyone will have symptoms of PTSD, nor does it mean that each person will be equally affected—as we’re already seeing, underserved communities and communities of color are suffering disproportionately as a direct result of economic inequity and more limited access to health care. What collective trauma does mean is that, in addition to our individual experiences, we are as a society experiencing a shift. We are changing how we relate to our environment, how we relate to each other, and how we relate to ourselves. This is a time rife with fear, grief, shame, guilt, overwhelm, and sadness. And as the emotional climate becomes increasingly stressful, we have ever more limited connection to our former supports and routines.
Collective trauma like this has lasting significance and power, as collective memory tends to be longer than that of individuals. What we experience now will impact future generations (think about the change in your experience of airports after 9/11, and the increased presence of racism and xenophobia). There is no way to know for certain what the lasting impacts of COVID-19 will be, but it is clear that providing access to mental health care and strengthening community is critical at this time.
“We are committed to providing care and support to our community, and to folks in need.”
While this global pandemic has isolated and stressed individuals and families, it has also initiated a simultaneous economic decline. As folks continue to have hours cut, and lose their jobs and access to health care, we are seeing access to mental health care be further narrowed. As a social justice-oriented practice, this is not okay with us.
We are committed to providing care and support to our community, and to folks in need. To that end, we are working to innovate within our practice and offer more therapeutic services at reduced costs.
In response to COVID-19, we will now offer telehealth services, including:
· 30-minute mini-sessions. We have decided to offer a limited number of shorter, reduced fee sessions for $50-75 to increase access to individual therapy from now until September 2020.
· Womxn’s Process Group This therapeutic process group, which is open to all female-identified and feminine-of-center folx, will make space for collaborative support, emotional processing, and new relationships. Group members will navigate grief and loss as a result of COVID-19, and explore new kinds of intimacy, self-assuredness, and authenticity.
· Parenting Process Group As we navigate through this unprecedented time, parents and caretakers are experiencing new and increased stressors, triggers and emotions. Sometimes discussions with friends and family are not enough. This group provides a space for mothers, fathers, and caretakers to process and vent your thoughts and feelings with others facing the same or similar experiences. You will learn new tools for coping, managing your stress, fear, and overwhelm, and receive encouragement to find the motivation to utilize existing skills.
· College Students Group There have been unprecedented changes in educational experiences. It can be very challenging to adjust to new formats, isolation from friends and peers, or being back home with family or caretakers. You may be experiencing new or increased anxiety or depression. This group offers a space to connect with others navigating similar experiences and to learn new coping skills and the motivation to utilize existing tools you possess.
We will be introducing even more group offerings in the coming weeks, and will continue to adapt our services to support folks via telehealth throughout this crisis.
If you have interest in or questions about mini-sessions or groups, please reach out to our administrative assistant at hello@kindman.co, or to any of our therapists. If you have questions about accessibility or our sliding scale rates, please contact us at hello@kindman.co or by phone at 213-793-8223.
Online Counseling During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Not quite sure online therapy is the right option for you? We get it. The thought of sitting down in front of a computer to have a deep, meaningful conversation can feel a little strange. However, we assure you that our clinicians take every step to create a virtual therapy environment that is just as inviting and restorative as our actual office.