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Brave Choices Blog

Telehealth & Additional Resources

3/23/2020

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Best Practices for Telehealth

As we adapt to our new and ever-changing circumstances, we want to share the BEST PRACTICES FOR TELEHEALTH appointments (online/video appointments). 

1. GET READY. Schedule 10 minutes before your session to review instructions and make sure that your connection is working well. Make sure your device is charged and your charger is nearby. Headphones are helpful for the best sound quality and for added privacy.

2. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. Try to find a quiet place to meet. If you live with others, notify them that you will be on a private call. Turn off music and the television so it does not disturb your session.

3. OPTIMIZE THE CONNECTION. Set up your device on a stable and flat surface. This eliminates shakiness in the video. Try to have your face fully in the frame. Close extra tabs in your browser and other applications to optimize your connection.

4. KEEP CALM. Tech issues are normal as everyone adjusts. Keep in touch with your therapist via phone, email or text to sort out connection problems. If a video call stops working, try reconnecting. If the reconnection does not work, text your therapist to get further instructions.

5. GET COMFY. Grab a hot beverage and a comfortable place to sit. Try to stay in one place during your session as you would if you were in the office. 

6. CONNECT AS NORMAL. Look into your therapist’s eyes as you normally would. Try not to look at the camera or your own face. Treat the session just as you would a normal session. Online therapy can feel just as personal as in-person sessions. 

**Adapted from Emma Donovan’s “Tips for Successful Online Therapy Sessions”

Working from Home Mindfully

​Tips for Working from Home Mindfullly: 
7 Key Tips for Working From Home, Mindfully
https://medium.com/@thefatshadow/7-key-tips-for-working-from-home-mindfully-c4b8cd7675f8

Attend an AA Meeting

​Attend an online AA meeting:
https://www.onlinegroupaa.org

On the Frontlines, for Healthcare Professionals

If you know a healthcare professional, first responder, grocery store employee, let them know that there is online therapy available for them at a reduced cost. This is a volunteer created and volunteer run website that connects these first responders with therapists at a reduced cost. https://www.coronavirusonlinetherapy.com

Shopping Hours for Vulnerable Individuals:

SHOPPING:
If you are a high risk individual (Over 60 and/or immunosuppressed) many Twin Cities grocery stores are offering hours for elders, health care providers and immunosuppressed. Here is a list that we have found (Please verify this before going to the store):
Lunds & Byerlys: Daily 7 AM to 8 AM. 
Hy-Vee: Daily, 7 AM to 8 AM
Cub: Daily, 6 AM to 7 AM
Wal-Mart: Seniors Only, Tuesdays, one hour before opening. Pharmacies and Vision Centers are open during this time.
Target: Wednesdays, One hour prior to store opening.
Walgreens: Tuesdays, 8 AM to 9 AM
Whole Foods: One hour prior to store opening.
Costco: Tuesday & Thursday, 9 AM to 10 AM

Please note that many stores offer curbside service when you shop online. ​

Activities:

​There are plenty of ACTIVITIES to do while working/schooling from home. I’ve been calling it pandemic activities:

Good Housekeeping posted:
Bored at Home? Here's a Massive List of Museums, Zoos, and Theme Parks Offering Virtual Tours
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/travel/a31784720/best-virtual-tours/

CNN posted:
All the virtual concerts, plays, museums and other culture you can enjoy from home
https://www.cnn.com/style/article/what-to-do-at-home-streaming-art-museums-concerts-coronavirus-trnd/index.html

Travel and Leisure posted:
Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch
https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

Tour National Parks:
https://crafty.diply.com/121060/you-can-virtually-tour-a-whole-bunch-of-national-parks-from-your?fbclid=IwAR3GMJ2ZPBQnFGBE7JAFXl_fHGi6Ql1wShq0MPJbSbSysaL8XM21JwqjDmE

Amnesty International posted 
6 things to do while at home during COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2020/03/what-to-do-at-home-during-covid-19-pandemic/

USA Today posted 
100 things to do while stuck inside due to a pandemic:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2020/03/16/coronavirus-quarantine-100-things-do-while-trapped-inside/5054632002/

Take a ride on these virtual Disney World rides:
https://www.wmur.com/article/virtual-disney-world-rides/31788233


Coloring Books from 119 Museums:
http://www.openculture.com/2019/02/download-free-coloring-books-from-113-museums.html?fbclid=IwAR0filRECypx22MYiwEykSsLNMurA9A-ktb0HHG5BHgd9EUYV6LnifpzP2A

Additional Activities for Children.

Add links to your resources below. Thanks for your support! 
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    Heather Holt,
    ​MSW, LICSW

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Brave Choices, Inc. is a Twin Cities counseling practice located on Očhéthi Šakówiŋ and Wahpekute land at
1575  7th St. W. Ste. 104, Saint Paul, MN 55102, 612.889.7517

This practice believes that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
​We are inclusive and all are welcome.


​Heather Holt, MSW, LICSW offers mental health counseling for individuals and families at this location. 
St. Paul, MN skyline painting print was produced by Katie Swanson. Used with permission. Image is copyrighted.
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