Opportunity in change: how to make the most of disruption

In times of disruption, turmoil and chaos, it’s hard to accept that change can be as good as a holiday and that variety is the spice of life. Now more than ever with the current COVID-19 health scares and economic instability, I know many people are feeling unsure, frightened and angry at the change that has been thrust onto their lives. 

It’s hard enough to manage day to day life with well-established routines. When you add in working from home, losing jobs, closing businesses, not accessing essential items and taking over home-based schooling among all the other shifts happening in people’s lives right now, it’s understandable that the concept of change can have a negative emotion attached to it. 

While change can sometimes come with inconvenience, it also always comes with opportunity. For example, if you’re home more than you’ve ever been before, the opportunity is in gaining an hour or two back from no longer commuting, and what you can do with that time now? Can you start an income-earning venture in the morning? Can you spend an hour in the early evening in your garden? This is time you didn’t have a few weeks ago!

When you understand that you can find opportunity in change, then opportunities will open everywhere.

The rise of online counselling

For my clients, and for anyone who is using this time to assess their current circumstance, self-esteem, work conflicts, communication, relationships and other areas of their life, the present environment offers an opportunity to work on all this and make the next chapter even better than the last.

Up until this moment, my drive to support people in releasing guilt, anger, friction, pain, hurt and so many other thoughts, emotions and behaviours that hold them back has been fulfilled though meeting with clients to listen and engage as a counsellor. Traditionally, this has meant sitting across from each other in a room and speaking face to face. But understanding the health implications that can come from carrying out a consultation in this format now, means I’ve also had to develop an opportunity mindset and pivot away from the inconvenience mindset.

I realised I can still do what I love, and still help individuals like yourself overcome barriers and challenges, just in a different environment. With the wonders of video conferencing, all it takes is a click of a button to speak through a laptop, tablet, phone or desktop and see each other at the same time. In fact, the concept itself is not new; there some 30 years or so of research proving that therapy via digital channels is very effective.

I have actually been delivering counselling services by this channel for three years, however it’s been in a part time capacity around face to face sessions. Given we don’t know how long this COVID-19 disruption will last, it’s important you know you don’t have to wait until the health crisis is stamped out before receiving the support you need; that the services are still available to you now. 

For some, I know this may induce thoughts and feelings of trepidation, fear or inadequacy, but when you put that to the side for a moment and recognise the benefits that come with this format, it makes pushing through that first barrier worth it. Once you realise there’s considerable convenience – like you don’t need to take time off work, arrange child care or drive around the block three times to find a car park – then your screen is about to become your new best friend. 

How to make the most of online counselling

1. Start with one session, where we spend 10-15 minutes talking through getting the camera and audio session all set up, so you feel comfortable with the technology. It’s okay if it goes wrong (that’s quite normal!), as I have a backup option if the technology doesn’t work. That’s simply calling you on the phone. 

2. While on the program Zoom (which is simply a website link, you do not need any special programs), you do not have to have the video turned on if you don’t want to. It is preferable however as so much of our communication is through facial expressions, body language and other nonverbal communication.

3. Find yourself a quiet space – keep away from road noise and social gatherings or meetings so we can both hear each other well. I won’t start a session until we check the door is locked, no one else is in the room and that you’re in a safe, private space. 

The reality is change is inevitable. What we do with new circumstances is up to us, and by taking “offline” counselling sessions “online”, which is a very easy process, we start to create new ways of thinking, speaking and behaving, and that in turn can have a domino effect on our lives. 

To book in an online session, simply email me at colleen@new.lifestylecounsellingservices.com.au. It might even be that your first session is all about coping with change.