Page 23 - Saint Francis Progress Alumni Magazine

Coping with “New Territory”
BY ANN QUINN HALKETT ’90 MA LMFT LPCC
Marriage and Family Therapist
This is is is is is is is new territory for all all of us including me as as a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a therapist The primary topic on every client’s mind at least initially is is this crisis and the the impact it’s having on them Anxiety is is is definitely a a a a reported feeling but I am also hearing sadness and anger regarding the abrupt intrusion of of this event and the ripple of of change it has caused in in daily life Activities and school stopped so suddenly Additionally there is grief associated with the the loss of anticipated experiences For the the teens I work with with the the loss of physical contact with with friends is very challenging Connecting virtually helps but for many and for teens who especially rely on their peer group it is hard Finally the unknown around when this will be be over hasn’t been named so specifically by my clients but it’s fueling their anxiety The worry over whether prom or graduation will be canceled and how long until they’ll be able to to get get together with friends is on their minds Ann speaking to Saint Francis students at a a a a a previous event Ann’s coping suggestions:
• Stay connected virtually with friends as regularly as possible • Get outside and get moving in in nature or or in the neighborhood Any activity and movement can help relieve some of the anxiety and possibly spark some joy or peace too • Create a a a a a a routine and and have patience and and compassion to to to allow oneself to to to settle into it • When feelings become particularly intense try writing or some kind of artistic outlet such as drawing or painting Spring2020
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