• John Glisson

Blog

Coping With Uncertainty Through Telehealth

Coping with Uncertainty Through Telehealth and Online Counseling

Feeling Out of Control? You Are Not Alone.

Life is full of uncertainty, and at time this uncertainty is on more prominent display that others. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has sparked a variety of reactions, and many are feeling overwhelmed by quarantine restrictions or general anxiety and fear. Speaking with an online counselor can help.  If you are an Idaho resident living in the Boise metropolitan area and are interesting in online counseling/telehealth Boise services, please continue reading to learn more.

How to Cope with Uncertainty

For many people, COVID-19 has sparked intense feelings of uncertainty and lack of control. While this response is understandable, it is important we work to keep stress and anxiety at a manageable level. Here are a few things you can do to cope:

  • Take care of you body by eating well-balanced meals, sleeping, getting appropriate exercise, and avoiding exposure to unhealthy substances.
  • Limit your time consuming media or reading news stories. While an appropriate dose of information is helpful, spending too much time thinking about the pandemic can cause undue anxiety.
  • Connect with people you love via a phone call, Skype, FaceTime, or even email!
  • Try something new – perhaps a new recipe, an art project, or a new exercise routine!
  • Consider telehealth or online counseling. If you need someone to help you process your emotions during this time, an online counselor can be a calming and encouraging resource.

Telehealth Boise on a computer

Telehealth Boise Services

Processing your emotions out loud with a safe and trustworthy professional can be one of the most helpful ways to navigate uncertainty in the midst of crisis. While many people are quarantined in the mist of the COVID-19 outbreak, online counseling can bridge the gap between the counseling office and your home.

I offer online counseling services to people in the Boise, Idaho metropolitan area. If you are interested in telehealth Boise services, please contact me at (208) 918-1034 or email johnnie@glissoncounseling.com.

 

Is Online Counseling Right for You?

Is Online Counseling Right For You?

When you think of counseling, what comes to mind? Many people envision a traditional counseling set up: An allotted time frame, a inviting office space, and a face to face meeting with a professional counselor. While many people have benefitted from this form of counseling, online counseling can be a wonderful alternative to in-person counseling in certain contexts. Keep reading to find out if this telehealth option is right for you!

Online Counseling is Convenient

In today’s busy world, scheduling time to invest into personal growth can be challenging. With online
counseling, you can shave off time from a commute to the counseling office and meet with a counselor via a telehealth set up in your house, office, or wherever you have a good internet connection! If you have children, telehealth can save you the need to find a babysitter as you receive support from the comfort of your own home.

Idaho Online Counseling Services

Online Counseling is Comfortable

Where do you feel the most comfortable? Many people feel most at ease in their bedrooms, living rooms, or cars. Telehealth offers you the luxury of engaging in conversation with someone you can trust while remaining in a physical space of comfort – wherever you have solid internet service.

Online Counseling is Effective

Several studies have shown that online counseling can be just as effective as in-person counseling. In fact, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Psychological Disorders  found that online cognitive behavioral therapy was equally as effective as in-person therapy for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Idaho Online Counseling

If you are an Idaho resident and are interested in Idaho online counseling, I offer telehealth services through a safe and secure network. Call me at (208) 918-1034 or email johnnie@glissoncounseling.com to make an appointment!

Is Your Marriage Secure or Insecure?

Marriage & Relationship Counseling

I recently had the opportunity to meet and receive training from Dr. Sue Johnson in Chicago. She developed a therapy specifically designed for relationships called Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. The focus of her approach is to help couples create a strong secure attachment (or bond) between partners. Her belief is that it is less important in what couples fight about and more important in how they fight (the dance). Is there trust and safety in arguments? Do partners withdraw from the other person, or do they attack? When couples become accessible and responsive in the midst of confrontation, it opens the door for healing and safe attachment in the relationship. Her research shows that when couples create a secure and safe attachment with a partner, people can heal from various types of issues or problems like anxiety, depression, trauma, infidelity, and much more. Having a secure relationship with your partner or spouse can help you navigate through all the peaks and valleys of life.

If you are interested in reading a book about creating safety in the relationship with your partner, Google has a free preview of Dr. Sue Johnson’s book called Hold me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love.

If you and your partner are having relationship issues and would like to seek counseling, call me today for assistance at 208-918-1034. My goal is to help restore relationships through couples, family, and marriage counseling in the Treasure Valley areas including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, and Star, Idaho.

Communication During Arguments

Communication During Arguments

Here are a few tips to think about when engaging in a conflict or heated argument with your partner:

  1. Avoid assuming you know what your partner is thinking (mind reading).
  2. Work toward a win-win solution rather than a win-lose situation.
  3. Reflect how you feel using “I” statements rather than “you” statements. Example: “I feel angry” rather than “You make me angry”.
  4. Avoid name calling or belittling. Lift your partner up instead of tearing him or her down.
  5. Take responsibility for your role in the problem. Avoid blaming.
  6. Stay emotionally engaged in the conflict. Avoid withdrawing or shutting down to escape the problem.
  7. When emotions or tempers begin to escalate, agree to take a time out to cool down. Commit to re-engage at a specific time to continue to work through the problem.
  8. Value your partner by respecting that they may have a different point of view or opinion. At times you can agree to disagree.
  9. Reflect what your partner says in a way that helps him or her to feel understood. Avoid telling them they are wrong for the way they feel.
  10. After acknowledging your feelings, identify your needs and desires for the relationship. Example: “I need to know that you care about me” or “I desire to have a closer relationship with you”.  Avoid the trap of saying “I need you to…”, because it will likely u your partner on the defensive.

If you and your partner continuously have escalated arguments without compromise or resolution, you can create lasting damage or instability in your relationship. Call me today for assistance with communication during arguments at 208-918-1034. My goal is to help restore relationships through couples, family, and marriage counseling in the Treasure Valley areas including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, and Star, Idaho.