Or : How NOT to become a Homicidal Therapist during a Pandemic
By Susan-Darker-Smith (UK)
An explosion of fireworks at midnight signalled the birth of 2020. Then, just a few weeks into the year, a virus was born which reminded us that we are in a digital age. For, unlike influenza or chicken pox, this one also had digits attached. Covid-19.
Across Europe, schools and workplaces stood empty . In some countries, the military stood guard, preventing anyone from leaving their homes and protecting borders. In France, patisseries and restaurants stood empty. And in Ireland- the worst possible scenario : the pubs were closed.
At first, there was fear for fiscal survival. How would we, as therapists, survive financially without being able to see clients? Then, our thoughts turned to our clients. With most mental health services closed indefinitely – there was no service provision available for those with mental health difficulties – let alone those experiencing isolation and hopelessness in the face of a pandemic.
We had to adapt. Not just for ourselves – but also for them.
The first thing was having to use a digital platform. Telehealth as they call it in the States. Online-Therapy as it’s referred to in Europe.
America was used to Tele-health. For Europe, this was new. Daunting, in fact. And for many of us, we felt as confident as a tarantula in heels.
Nightmares of what could happen played out through our minds: Things that could go wrong… disasters waiting to happen … suicidal clients made worse through the use of online platforms…
A client who had just confided they feel unlovable, invisible and worthless and then POOF! Your computer suddenly decides to reboot. Half an hour later, you log back on to find your client tucking into a quart of ice-cream, tears streaming down their face.
Or the client who has just told you they are hearing voices – only to have your cat walk across your computer keyboard and the movie you were watching late last night gets turned on: ‘Here’s JOHHHNNNNYYYYY!!!’
The answers, it turned out, were much simpler than I thought. And much of it turned out to be about technology, rather than about therapy.
So, lets talk about technology. Some simple rules:
- Make sure your computer is connected to your router via an ethernet cable. This will reduce the risk of your internet failing in the middle of an important conversation with your client.
- Have an agreed plan with your client about what will happen if internet connection unexpectedly (for whatever reason) fails.
- Set clear rules for therapy to manage distraction – especially with Teenagers. Instagraming friends in the middle of an online session is not okay – even on a virtual platform.
- Remember that whilst the format may seem unfamiliar, effective therapy and attunement is still possible on an online platform.
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