While these changes will seem less warm and inviting than usual, please know that our hearts are the same: we want you to feel welcome and safe here. These changes in cleanliness are meant to care for your best interest, and we will all adjust together. Please help us by staying informed (checking this page before your appointment for updates), doing your best to cooperate with new procedures, and maintaining your own healthy habits as recommended by the CDC. Please be patient with us as we try to care for you well and to protect those among us who are the most vulnerable. During a season of uncertainty, change, and loss, we want to be a source of security, comfort, and hope for you. Now more than ever, our community needs the strength and hope that ALCS has to offer, a strength that comes from a Sovereign Father who is the source of Abundant Life.
During this season, part of caring for you well may be to offer you sessions by video or phone. While this is not optimal therapeutically, for some it may be the best option. Should you prefer this option, you can have your session online through a service called
Doxy.me. You do not need to download anything. Please email your therapist, and they will send you a link. When you click it, it will take you to the website for the session.
Doxy.me is fully secure, HIPPA compliant, and made for telemedicine. See the bottom of this page for a flyer with more information on
Doxy.me.
It has always been our policy not to charge the late cancellation fee in cases of illness. However, if you have any reason to believe that you could pose a risk to others, please cancel your appointment or arrange for a phone or video session. While we ask that you be as thoughtful of your therapist’s schedule as possible, we will not charge you a late cancellation fee if you are concerned that you could be a potential risk.
While we know these times can be upsetting and easily trigger anxiety for some, we want to help you navigate this time with wisdom, discernment, and understanding. Here are some of our suggestions for keeping your mind and heart healthy during this time of illness.
- Be careful who you are listening to for information about COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization are your best sources.
- Be careful how much news you watch or listen to during this time. While we all want to be informed, focusing too much on the news can create an unhealthy and unhelpful stress and anxiety level that can actually reduce your immune system's effectiveness in fighting disease.
- Take the precautions that are suggested, and plan and prepare as you can, but remember that your Heavenly Father is the source of your provision. You will face tomorrow’s challenges with tomorrow’s grace and tomorrow’s strength. (Stay tuned for a blog by our director for more on this topic!)
- Remember others during this time. Our Lord was passionate about protecting and caring for the weak and the vulnerable, and nothing makes our own cares look smaller than giving and looking after others. At a time when we are all facing challenges, kindness goes a long way.
- Be intentional about how you will use this time. When you are past this crisis and looking back on it, what things of value would you hope to have pursued? Spend energy increasing your awareness of unhealthy control in your life and practice a peaceful surrender to God. Go for a walk during this spring season and be carried away from stress with fresh fragrances of blooming plants and beautiful shades of green as new life begins to sprout. Pursue these present moments and move away from anxious thoughts by reminding yourself that the One who gave you your first breath, gives you each one. Then, notice your breathing as you walk…just notice it, don't worry about changing it. Spend the extra time these restrictions give you to have more connection with your spouse and children. Use phone calls and video options to stay connected to family that live further away. Take time to read a book that will move you forward with your counseling goals or one that you have been wanting to read for a long time. And spend time in prayer, asking God to help you have His perspective and to bring the good He desires from this evil situation.
We all have to face the realization that there are many things in this world and in our relationships that we cannot change. COVID-19 is a new disease and a potential threat to our health, but it need not be to our hearts. Our hearts have faced many possible threats and we have learned to release our anxiety and be empowered without obsession. Take care of yourselves and allow ALCS to continue to offer help in a manner that best suits your needs. We look forward to connecting with you in person, with a phone call, or with a video screen.