When fear overwhelms a client, it can knock the thinking brain offline . . . . . . and with the current pandemic there’s a lot of news that can trigger a fear response. So how can we help clients manage their fear even when the headlines are scary? Jud Brewer, PhD, has several ideas […]
A Tool to Help Clients Calm the Nervous System
Uncertainty is hard to live with. And the stress and fear that often accompany it can be demanding . . . . . . especially when it comes to the nervous system. That’s why we reached out to Deb Dana, LCSW to get her perspective on how clients can calm the nervous system when they’re […]
Practical Ways to Improve Telehealth Sessions
A lot of practitioners have made the switch to telehealth sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic. But seeing patients on a computer screen can be surprisingly exhausting. Beyond that, it can introduce new clinical challenges to the session. In the video below, Christine Padesky, PhD and Ron Siegel, PsyD will get into some practical ideas to […]
How to Befriend Your Nervous System During Quarantine
How do we stay socially distant yet safely connected? Well, according to Deb Dana there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here . . . and it also depends on the “shape” of your nervous system. In the video below, she’ll share the 3 states of the nervous system and explain a simple exercise your clients can use […]
Grief During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Fear. Anxiety. Worry. Probably most clients can relate to at least one of these during the COVID-19 pandemic. But there’s another emotion that very few people are talking about, even though it’s probably just as common: grief. So we asked Joan Borysenko, PhD, and Rick Hanson, PhD to share some thoughts that could be helpful […]
What Can Help COVID-19 Frontliners Who Are Exhausted and Overwhelmed?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare workers are being pushed to their limits (and beyond) as they selflessly care for patients. Not only are they under enormous strain at work, they also face the fear of bringing the virus home to their families. So what can help providers who are feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or afraid […]
How to Keep Relationships Strong While Social Distancing
What can help clients keep their relationships strong even when they can’t get together with people they care about? Bill O’Hanlon, LMFT has several strategies for fending off loneliness and building relationships during the pandemic. Have a listen. Click here for full transcript Mr. O’Hanlon: So, how do we connect with people […]
Why Do We Sing Together During Quarantine?
Why are we all singing together during quarantine? Whether it’s balcony singing in Italy or Zoom “choirs” on YouTube, group singing has become extremely popular. So why might that be? Well, Bessel van der Kolk, MD has an idea. Have a listen. Click here for full transcript Dr. Vigil-Otero: How can we […]
When the COVID-19 Pandemic Leaves Us Feeling Helpless
For most patients, the COVID-19 crisis has created a “new normal.” They may be stuck at home, unable to work, or feeling isolated from dear friends and family. This all can leave people feeling helpless. So what can we do to help patients regain a sense of agency during the pandemic? Bessel van der Kolk, […]
An IFS Approach to Fear and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Worry, fear, anxiety. If we’re honest, they’re feelings that most of us would rather not experience. But right now, a lot of clients are finding them hard to avoid. So what’s one strategy to help clients face these difficult emotions in a healthy and self-compassionate way? Richard Schwartz, PhD, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), […]