Corona Virus Update!

Dear client, I understand that many people are anxious about the spread of the COVID-19 Corona Virus in our community and across the globe. I want to assure you that the safety, health, and well-being of my clients and our community in general is my highest priority and understand the importance of education and prevention in order to avoid unnecessary anxiety, stress, and panic. Please refer to the following websites for more factual information about COVID-19:

As I continue to remain open for business at scheduled times in both on my offices in Coconut Cree and Ft. Lauderdale, I want to reassure you that at both locations my teams have:

Implemented hand hygiene protocols in accordance with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Maintaining the highest level of infection control and sanitization. More specifically: after each session, our clinicians are spraying the office with disinfecting spray for soft surfaces and wiping hard surfaces with disinfecting wipes (including the office door handle). Disinfecting wipes, disinfecting spray, and hand sanitizer is available to each client to use in office and waiting area. Restroom has disinfecting hand soap and paper towels available for use. All team members are following the 20 second guidelines for hand washing. The waiting area and all handles are being wiped with disinfecting wipes (including the main suite door handle) multiple times a day.
Monitoring all coronavirus developments, news and recommendations from Broward County Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization.
On my part I have suspended all business-related travel and participation in conferences and social gatherings that might put me at risk

I know it's a difficult time for our world and strongly believe that we can conquer this challenge as a community by following recommendations. I’m are aware of the distress that this global pandemic is causing and continue to remain available to support you, please contact me directly if you have questions about your in person appointments or want to transition to virtual counseling. I also highly recommend that you give yourself breaks from the news. Here are some suggestions on how to manage your stress:

Zoom in, and get a close look at important details and information that is provided about COVID-19 by real sources —get close enough to make sense of it. Then, zoom out, and see the big picture—but perhaps get rid of the less important information that can be irrelevant and only add to the fear and create panic.
Use internal flexibility to take a look at different perspectives about how to manage information and emotions about it and avoid becoming rigid and fixated on one
Step back from social media, videos, and news outlets that reinforce fear
Use this as an opportunity to increase family cohesion and role model positive leadership and stress management by talking to your family about the importance of following rules and remaining calm.
Use some of your time in session to speak to your therapist about the balance between productive versus unproductive worry, stress and anxiety
Create a playlist that has encouraging and empowering sons.Create a list of activities to do as a family and go out only if necessary.
Avoid social exposure!Use positive affirmation and relay on reassuring and hopeful thoughts. Actively challenge pessimism and anxiety provoking thoughts.
Speak to your medical provider about ways to manage your personal risk if you are part of a vulnerable population
Balance the use of hand sanitizer with the use of lotion, disinfecting wipes, and disinfecting spray to minimize pain and dryness in hands
A really helpful infographic about the realities of coronavirus can be found at https://informationisbeautiful.net/

There is no right or wrong way to feel about COVID-19. If at any point between sessions you notice a level of fear or anxiety that is concerning to you or difficult to manage, please reach out by phone to discuss setting up a session. Let’s all be extra kind and helpful during this difficult time. This too shall pass! Stay Safe and Healthy! Warm regards, Carolina Gaviria, LMHC, NCC, CEDS