A uniquely personalized therapeutic collaboration
“Carry out a random act of kindness with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana
We wanted to let you know we are thinking of you. This is a time to support each other so that we stay physically and emotionally healthy. We aim to honor everyone’s appointments in the manner that best suits both client and clinician.
As of today, our office remains open and our clinicians are deciding on an individual basis if they prefer to move to video or telephone sessions. If your clinician decides to move to a remote platform, they will contact you directly before the appointment. You may request a telephone or video session as well. We will be flexible with our video and phone times as we know that usual time spots may not be available given the disruption in many people’s schedules. Please be open with us about what you need.
If the following applies to you, please plan a video or telephone session in lieu of in person sessions.
• If you or a family member have been exposed to COVID-19
• If you have recently traveled outside the country
• If you are immunosuppressed or feeling unwell for any reason
We know these are hard, stressful times and we are here to support you during this time of upheaval and anxiety.
Keep a schedule:
Keep a schedule, even if you are mostly staying home. Keep your waking and sleeping hours as usual. Sleep is a tremendously helpful tool to help us reset, stay healthy and heal. Additionally, it helps manage anxiety and depression. Keep working at your job or at school if classes are in session. Any structure to help shape your day will be of great benefit.
Exercise.
We have been blessed with sunny weather and higher than usual temperatures. Get outside, get some fresh air and move your body. The research about the importance of exercise to manage stress, anxiety and depression is overwhelming. Additionally, many local gyms and exercise studios are using or creating online platforms. In our Stamford community, Upper Deck Fitness has an already existing online platform (first class is on them!) and Dew Yoga is moving to video soon. Sama Yoga in New Canaan is also moving to an online platform. In addition, there are many apps and websites that enable online exercise.
Meditate:
Research also shows that meditation helps manage stress and anxiety. Our favorite apps include Insight Timer, Calm.com and Headspace.
Stay Connected!
If there was ever a time that social connection matters it is right now and if there was ever a time that social connection was easily accessible without being in each other’s presence it is also now. Take the time to invest in your relationships, schedule a video chat or phone call with friends. Plan an at home movie night with family, have a fun family cooking challenge, do an art project, play games, pull out puzzles. These can become very special times with those we love if we invite such energy.
Keep your attitude in check.
It is important not to engage in catastrophic thinking, but rather to focus on the idea that we are all in this together and that this will indeed pass. This is a temporary situation. It may last for a bit, but it is definitely not permanent. Write down notes to yourself on how to keep yourself optimistic and grounded. Engage daily in grounding activities ( see above suggestions) and make notes to yourself about things you can look forward to in the future.
Finally, if you find yourself really struggling, reach out to us for support. These are indeed times when folks can become very anxious, depressed and isolated. We are here to help avoid this.
Wishing our whole Riverwalk community good health and patience during this time.
In closing, please enjoy this poem from Thich Nhat Hanh.
They don’t publish
the good news.
The good news is published by us.
We have a special edition every moment,
and we need you to read it.
The good news is that you are alive,
and the linden tree is still there,
standing firm in the harsh Winter.
The good news is that you have wonderful eyes
to touch the blue sky.
The good news is that your child is there before you,
and your arms are available:
hugging is possible.
They only print what is wrong.
Look at each of our special editions.
We always offer the things that are not wrong.
We want you to benefit from them
and help protect them.
The dandelion is there by the sidewalk,
smiling its wondrous smile,
singing the song of eternity.
Listen! You have ears that can hear it.
Bow your head.
Listen to it.
Leave behind the world of sorrow
and preoccupation
and get free.
The latest good news
is that you can do it.
Unsure what to do next? Talk to a member of our team to get started.