If you had a choice

My therapist knows how much I hate video sessions - mainly because of the lack of privacy and constant technical disruptions. Today (during video session) she asked if I wanted to “go for a walk” during our next session. I was kind of shocked by this mainly because I didn’t think she would be open to a non-traditional setting. She told me to think about ... idk what to do. Obviously we would both wear a mask and maintain distance. Thoughts?

I am seeing my T in person, social distancing with masks. It is awkward but not near as bad IMO as the troubles with phone/internet. My T has said he sometimes walks with clients in the park near his office but it is currently closed. I would try it personally.

I personally wouldn't as it would not work for me. Wearing masks, issues re privacy, hey what if I cried, noise/disruption etc. I prefer it to be just T and me, even if virtually and even if I only saw them from the torso upwards. That would beat the only pro of seeing them in 3D.

How do you feel about it?

You both make excellent points that I’m going back and forth with. Wearing a mask will prevent her from seeing my facial changes - except for my eyes. She’s very observant that way. On the other hand I’m curious of what it might feel like being out of her office - her space. Will it feel more balanced? Will we be able to have enough privacy to talk? I’m leaning towards trying it - it can’t be as bad as video sessions.

I would probably feel awkward if I cried in public or something, but I would still give this a try, if there is a good place for walking. A park or something. Down the street in NYC, probably not so much.

A walking session could be good, really, I've heard that people think better when they walk than when sitting still.

T and I discussed how she is waiting before meeting with clients for a few reasons. One is the lack of ability to read facial expressions both ways. For some clients she needs would rather read facial expressions. Also, she has all cloth furniture so sanitizing between clients would be impractical. She wants to protect herself AND more importantly her clients. Even if she were to see clients in person, I dint think I would at this point. I am literally workinf on the front line right now. I screen every single person who comes onto thr hospital while I am on duty. I take take temps of patients and staff. Also, all clients need to be escorted to where their appointment. I am very likely to get the virus and would feel horrible if I passed it onto people.

I walked with T a couple of times lasr summer. It was noce but different. The appointments were more low key. I wouldn't do them right now, though

Nothing wrong in giving it a try, then!

Her office is near Central Park.. plenty of space at the moment.. I was thinking Battery Park or Columbus Circle .. some areas actually have designated circles spaced exactly six feet apart.

I would walk.

This is a really good read - hitting home on this very topic.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opini...c/?arc404=true

My therapist offered to do therapy in a parked car one time (long story) so I guess it wouldn’t be outrageous if she offered to go on a walk. I’d probably say yeah.

She told me that she used to do it with her younger patients years ago. So that’s probably why she’s open to it. I guess it can’t hurt as long as we are both wearing a mask and properly spacing. Should be interesting.

My therapist and I, when we are in the same country at the same time, go for many walks and go out to eat a lot. even during the pandemic.

She sounds like a nice friend.

I certainly would give it a try.