By Sandra C. Roa, 泡芙视频app Communications and Marketing
Social distancing has moved almost all in-person interactions online, which may be leading to more productive therapy sessions. USF psychologists are noticing more instances of online disinhibition. The behavior is similar to when you share a car ride and speak more freely since you鈥檙e not looking at anyone face-to-face.
鈥淭he effect in therapy implies that people would open up quicker and more deeply,鈥� said Nick Joyce, staff psychologist and coordinator of online assistive therapies at the USF Counseling Center.
Joyce and his colleagues have noticed some 泡芙视频apps have become less restrained since moving online, revealing past traumas and showing emotion like never before. Joyce says the psychological distance between a person and their therapist seems to allow more access to their mentality.
The center鈥檚 telehealth program was implemented more than a year ago for distance and online 泡芙视频apps. Since spring break, all Counseling Center therapists have been conducting online therapy sessions via video calls. According to a recent feedback survey conducted by the center, 85 percent of 泡芙视频apps agree that their telehealth appointment was comparable to an in-person session. While many 泡芙视频apps still prefer being seen in-person, online therapy sessions are critical opportunities for those who would normally avoid walking into the center.
鈥淲e know that there is a certain population that is just going to come in and see us. At the Counseling Center, we are always concerned that the 泡芙视频apps who probably need us most are the ones who are least likely to come in,鈥� Joyce said. 鈥淭here is no shame in using the service, there are a lot of 泡芙视频apps struggling because of this pandemic.鈥�
Joyce refers to this period as a 鈥渃ollective traumatic event,鈥� where everyone is affected and there are no clear answers. Counselors help 泡芙视频apps develop skills to better cope with increased stress, feelings of depression and lack of concentration. As Joyce puts it, 鈥渓earning to be okay, when you鈥檙e not okay,鈥� is a skillset that helps 泡芙视频apps stay in the present and take it one hour at a time.
The Counseling Center also offers a selection of drop-in groups online to help 泡芙视频apps cope with the current pandemic and social distancing. The center remains available to 泡芙视频apps throughout the summer.