Wondering Why Your Therapist Isn’t Returning to the Office Yet?

I get it, many of you may prefer in person sessions to video or phone sessions.

It’s no surprise most therapists prefer them too. We’ve been fortunate to be able to work remotely, seeing current clients, welcoming back former clients, and meeting new ones.

We’ve overcome barriers to how to have sessions – Doxy, VSee, Zoom, Phone, where to have them – in your home, car, outside, as well as the technology glitches that happen during session.

Even so, there are times when digging deeper, talking about the hard things you talked about in person feel even more difficult or intimate in virtual or distance sessions. Some clients may even be holding on, filtering what they discuss until in person sessions are resumed.

Unfortunately, many of us don’t know when that will be.

Across the country, states are reopening at varying rates without clear guidance for those returning to face to face sessions. Most therapy practices fall under “medium exposure” risk according to OSHA meaning staggering clients, limiting people in the office, taking temperatures, avoiding the use of a waiting room, disinfecting thoroughly between clients and wearing masks or having a plexiglass type barrier are all recommendations to see clients in person.

One of the basic tenets of a clinician’s code of ethics is do no harm.

As therapists weigh the harm that could occur by returning to the office, they are thinking of not only of you and your family, but also of their other clients and colleagues and their families, as well as themselves and their loved ones. There are a lot of people and factors to consider, including whether any of these people have risk factors or are immunocompromised.

Most therapists are doing lots of research to determine when to return to their offices.

Our liability insurance providers are also weighing in with considerations. Trust Insurance recently stated that, “that providing in-person services during this crisis will add significant risk to patients/clients, providers, and the broader community.” Since we have a reasonable alternative to in person sessions, for many it makes sense to continue virtually for the time being while we continue to monitor the situation.

Our goal is to continue to support you in your needs whatever the mode of delivery.

If you are seeing a therapist virtually, don’t hesitate to ask questions about continuing virtually or meeting in person. Keeping these feelings to yourself can impact the therapeutic relationship and your progress. Let your therapist know if you have been reserving some deeper issues or discussions for when they’re back in the office. With a trusted relationship, these issues can be worked through whatever the mode of communication. If you’re feeling uncomfortable with video sessions, request a phone session or vice versa. With your therapist you can work together to identify how to make your sessions more effective for you.

Karen Whitehead, LCSW, psychotherapist, life coach, and dog lover. Want to experience a life where you actually LIVE MORE? I help women banish people-pleasing and guilt, work less, and live more! Ready?