Lee Beaton – Psychotherapy & Counselling

 

The current health crisis is putting stress not just on individuals but also on our relationships. While we are compelled to isolate ourselves to stop the spread of Covid19, help can be just a zoom, Skype or phone call away.

 

I am here to support you and your family’s well-being, during this unprecedented time. This pandemic is not only proving to be a challenge for us socially, but also personally –affecting our identity, our mental health, our household circumstances, our finances, and even our very way of life.

 

As Tich Nhat Hanh said, ‘You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself, until the storm passes.’

 

TIPS; TO STAY GROUNDED

Avoid constant news checking, focus more on the here and now by checking in with yourself – how are you feeling right now? It’s alright to be scared. Don’t avoid that feeling, just breath through it. Also check in with your oved ones and see how they are going. Tune into the here and now, with those nearest and dearest to you, not the constant updates on the news and social media.

 

Use your senses: name 5 things you see; Smell your favourite scent – something that grounds you; recite your favourite poetry; SING (my family is spending a lot of time finding karaoke versions of songs we love on Youtube); do puzzles; play music. Centre your mind by stretching and breathing, telling yourself you are here, now and all is well.

 

Notice when you are seeking constant external validation from others and turn towards yourself instead. Use your wiser Self to tell yourself I’m safe right now, things will be okay.  Use your breath, breathing out for longer than you breathe in.

 

RESET YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

Pause… Slow down… Tune in and practice how simple it is to reset the nervous system to calm.

HOW

Again, use your breath. Breathe in and out, spending longer on the out breath. Purse your lips like you’re breathing through a straw.

Continue with this practice with longer out breaths for a few minutes which will relax the nervous system and reset you back to calm and ease. Repeat.

 

 

PRACTICE PATIENCE AND LOVING KINDNESS

It all starts with you. Practice loving kindness whenever you can. Here is a great short guided practice on cultivating loving kindness for self, others and the entire world.

 

Download here: http://bit.ly/33uAqcM

I will still be available to work with you during this pandemic using Zoom, Skype or Facetime or via a phone call.

You can book a session at http://leembeaton.com/contact.

 

I also understand that these times are bringing up financial challenges for many of us. I don’t want this to be a barrier for anyone receiving support, so feel free to contact me to discuss your circumstances further.