View from garden couch
As of early March my private psychotherapy practice, case consultations, dream analysis and now also corona adjustment issues are all virtual appointments. I use Skype, Doxy.me and Facetime, depending on what works best at the time.
Note: Since I offer my services online now, anyone in the state of California can schedule a psychotherapy appointment.
For limited dream analysis sessions or corona adjustment support - not psychotherapy, there is no geographic limitation.
I still offer a free telephone consultation for someone considering entering my practice or working with me in another capacity. My phone number is 310-474-4165. But the best way to contact me is by e-mail:
The below post was written just before social isolating became more severe to include stay at home practices, a business shut down except for essential services and outlawing group assembly (which sounds terrible but saves lives.)
"Hello,
"Coronavirus fears are spreading throughout our communities. While I believe conscientious self-care and hygiene practices will be adequate to ensure our health, we can make adjustments to increase prevention.
"My office is cleaned on a regular basis. This includes rugs and furniture. Door knobs and surfaces are disinfected. We sit six feet from one another. As I understand the existing protocol, six feet is the suggested and recommended social distance, particularly if someone is ill."
Consulting room
"However, since my office is situated in a garden, and since the weather now is more benign as we approach Spring, I'm offering you a choice of location.
"You can still meet with me in my office. If you wish, we can have appointments outside in the garden. It's your choice. Please let me know what you would prefer. And, your decision doesn't have to be permanent. You can change your mind at any time.
"I will let you know about where to wait before our appointments if we are meeting outside. Perhaps staying in your car until the gate opens for you is the most practical and efficient procedure."
Bougainvillea is almost always blooming.
"Please let me know what you think about this possible structural change to our sessions. And please know, I am confident we will ride this experience out well. Frankly I'm more concerned about public fear responses than I am about the virus itself.
"Still, we need to care for ourselves and think through what is best emotionally as well as physically. I want you to be as comfortable and secure as possible in this environment as we work together."
With love and respect,
Joanna
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Written by Joanna Poppink, MFT. Joanna is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in eating disorder recovery, stress, PTSD, and adult development.
She is licensed in CA, AZ, OR, and FL. Author of the Book: Healing Your Hungry Heart: Recovering from Your Eating Disorder
Appointments are virtual.
For a free telephone consultation, e-mail her at
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