Take a deep breath
I want to take a moment to encourage you to take a deep breath in, hold, and release when you feel ready. Just breathe, be present, check-in with yourself.
Dealing with Pandemic Stress
What a time of constant change and uncertainty. At Bridger Peaks Counseling, we recognize the impacts that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on our community and the world. We can feel the sense of stress, insecurity, and all the emotions that come with being alive during a pandemic. Additionally, we want you all to know that we are here to support you and will continue to support you and this community.
When the Coronavirus pandemic started to become more of a reality, we as a practice encouraged a group discussion that explored what our responsibilities as therapists were. We examined our social responsibility, ethical responsibilities as therapists, community responsibility. We decided that we want to continue to support you and our community. Therefore, we decided that the best way to do that would be to incorporate online therapy, or telehealth into our practice. We wanted it to be an option for you to either continue to see one of our clinicians, or to seek out counseling, either for the first time or as something you’re needing again in your life.
To be honest, I, as a clinician, wasn’t quite sure what to expect by doing online therapy with clients. So I understand it you may have some questions about it too. That’s why I thought it might be important to discuss what you might expect from using an online platform for therapy.
Online Therapy and Confidentiality
What comes to mind first is confidentiality. Often, there is safety and comfort in coming into an office and talking face to face with a therapist. While online does remove the physical face-to-face, we have chosen to use a HIPPA compliant platform, the Spruce App for online therapy sessions. This allows us to chat via video and it has built-in safety and security features to protect your privacy. This app also allows you to responsibility text a clinician without jeopardizing your privacy. Through an informed consent document, we can set you up with online counseling in less than five minutes!
Online Therapy and Consistency
Consistency is another factor that comes into play when discussing online therapy. Many of us have had to change routines which can feel uprooting. Our team of clinicians see clients weekly and find a time that works best for you to make sure you get an hour every week to focus on you and what you are needing. We can help you create some routine and consistency in this ever-changing time world we live in.
Online Therapy and Finding an Online Therapist Who is a Good Fit
I always encourage clients to make sure that the therapeutic relationship feels like the right fit. Much like putting on a shoe, therapy can feel really challenging and uncomfortable if it doesn’t fit right. We want to create a comfortable environment during a session, even if it is helf virtually. As therapists, we are trained to notice body language, changes in tone, and emotions that may come up, and continue to practice these skills even online.
Online Therapy and Safety
Last but not least, I think about safety, which seems to sum up all the able points. Safety can mean many things. Safety to come, just as you are, right where you are in that moment. Safety that this therapeutic relationship is still a place dedicated to you and your needs, even if it is virtually.
Online Therapy in Montana
Online counseling does feel different than a face to face interaction however, I feel very fortunate to have this option during the pandemic. This is a time that we all need to support one another and find ways to connect, even if that looks different for the time being. Our number one priority is to support this community we love so much and want to continue to do this by offering online counseling as an option to you. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to see if online counseling might be a good fit for you and this time. Montana, we are listening and want to be here for you.
Begin Online Therapy in Montana With a Bozeman Therapist
If you would like to schedule an appointment for online counseling near Big Sky, MT you can contact our Bozeman, MT-based counseling practice. Our team of caring therapists all offer online therapy and would be happy to meet with you.
Other Services at Bridger Peaks near Big Sky, MT
Our counseling practice in the Bozeman, MT area can help you and your family members with many mental health concerns. We see teens and adults for individual counseling, which includes depression therapy, anxiety treatment, body image counseling, and more. Reach out to our caring therapists with any questions.
about the author:
Dani Stack, MS, PCLC
About The Author, Dani Stack
I am enough. When you hear that, do you believe it? To me, being “enough” is worthy of love, self-care, taking up space, and feeling capable of handling all the emotions, challenges and victories that come with life. Sometimes, our beliefs can navigate us away from a place that we feel we are enough. Dani wants you to help you own the belief you are enough, take away any doubt you may have and embody being enough and everything that comes with it.
She believes connection is vital to a positive therapeutic experience. She connects with my clients by creating a space for you to show up just as you are and meet you there. She takes an eclectic approach that is rooted in person-centered and strength based, with a focus on your needs and goals. After all, therapy is about you.