Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, we have all been encouraged to curtail social gatherings and close contact in the weeks to come. Therefore, we at Family Circle Counseling have made the decision to temporarily suspend in-person services until April 1st, 2020 when we will re-evaluate the situation and service provision options.

At the same time, we recognize that contact with those we trust is a significant support in reducing anxiety and boosting immunity and wellbeing. Therefore, Family Circle Counseling therapists wish to offer you the opportunity to continue therapy during this challenging time, in a format that is comfortable for you, and protective of the common good. **3/23/20 - We now have the infrastructure for HIPAA compliant telehealth services through Zoom, both for video and audio tele therapy. Please contact your Family Circle therapist directly (phone numbers) to either schedule a session or to make a plan together about how therapy can proceed in these "shelter-in-place" times. Family Circle Counseling therapists commit to staying in touch with all our current clients by phone or email. We will likely begin telehealth intakes with new clients starting April 6th. Our primary concern is for your emotional and family health and well being.

The current health situation has many feeling anxious, an appropriate response to a real situation. We know that our anxiety can escalate quickly as news updates, social media and personal conversations center around this current situation, becoming overwhelming to some. The following can be helpful in managing the distress:

• try to limit your exposure to the news and these conversations - taking in current information is helpful, but obsessive focus can lead to overwhelm. Try to disconnect from the media and play games, read, cook, do craftwork, watch movies, etc. instead. Doing even 5 mins of meditation can be calming/grounding.
• while we are being advised to have distance from others, we know that isolation can increase feelings of depression. And talking with trusted others can be comforting. So, use text, phone, video to connect with friends and family in positive ways.
• nature does wonders for our mental health and wellbeing, so try to get outside as weather and health permits. Go for walks, listen to the birds, breathe the fresh air. We have been enclosed due to our Minnesota winter for a long time already.
• engage in physical activities including yoga, walking, playing games Many fitness and yoga/wellness sites are offering free access during this time, such as *Down Dog; Yoga for beginners; HIIT; Barre and 7-minute workout; Yoga with Adriene (on youtube).
• get plenty of rest, eat healthy, stay hydrated as all of these help our internal resources and replenishment.
• additional resource to help deal with anxiety and stress: Calm blog
  

This is a rapidly evolving situation and we will continue to update our voicemail and website. We will also continue to update you personally about when telehealth will be available or other options that can be made available. If you have any questions or concerns during this time, please contact your therapist directly. Contact information for each therapist is available on our website. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to post on our website some ideas and resources for taking care of yourself and family during this unprecedented time.

Sincerely, Wendy Baker, Krista Nelson, Maureen Maslinski
owners, Family Circle Counseling