Nancy Koff Marriage & Family Therapy Practice

Loneliness is a part of the human condition, though it's difficult to admit to and difficult to feel. During this time of quarantine/social distancing, the rise in loneliness is a given. here are some coping strategies: 1) Accept the feeling: you're not alone in your loneliness. Find solace in knowing that many can relate to what you're feeling. 2) Be mindful of your lonely thoughts. They are only passing thoughts; they do not have to define you. Meditation will help you to l...et go. 3) There's a difference between loneliness & depression...explore that difference. Loneliness is a reaction to feeling isolated. Depression is a broader feeling that permeates all aspects of one's life; a more general feeling of sadness, hopelessness, & numbness. 4) Find ways to connect. Reach out to a family member, friend or professional. We are in this together. See more

Our lives have undergone a drastic change in a short period of time with this COVID pandemic. Please do not be afraid to ask for help! Mental health professionals are set up to help you via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime or other platforms for teletherapy. For myself, the challenge was to create the same emotional connection produced from an in-person session. I discovered that there are some real advantages to a video therapy session. My patients are able to wrap themselves in their... favorite blanket, and hold their dog/cat on their lap. It can be challenging for them to find privacy...some are meeting from their cars. I suggest they find a room with a closed door, put on music in the next room to help drown out sound or use headphones/earbuds. Please do not let the inconveniences prevent you from seeking help. There's a global sense of panic/anxiety but we can come out of this resilient and stronger. See more

Let's just breathe.

This is a powerful poem/video that has helped me to think about this pandemic in a very different way. Please take a few moments to watch it. Comments are welcomed.

For Parents of young children...I'm getting a lot of requests from my clients for help with communicating with children about COVID-19. 1) Think about what you want to say & rehearse it before you talk to them, to minimize anxiety that you communicate to them. Children take cues from caregivers about how anxious they need to be. Seek out resources online to assist with what to say. 2) Be open. Avoiding speaking about this will feed anxiety. if the child brings it up, tell the...m you're glad they did. This communicates to them that they can come to you with any future anxieties. 3) Answer the question your child asks, but not more than that. Then ask them to repeat back what you've told them, to be sure they understood. Let them know you're open to answering any more questions that might come up for them & reassure them that it's normal to feel scared or anxious. 4)Limit their media exposure and consume media with your child, so that you're available to interpret the information. See more

Are you practicing mindfulness to manage mood? This means doing grounding exercises, sensory modulation, deep breathing and meditation. Allocate a space in your home where you can go to breathe & be calm and make it clear to others, if you reside with others, that this a necessary practice for your mental well-being.

Isolation and loneliness feed anxiety and depression. As we must continue to socially distance, it is helpful to reach out virtually to different types of support networks. Outreach via Zoom & Facetime to family, friends, colleagues, faith-based communities, and social organizations will strengthen your overall feeling of connection. many support groups are being offered via these platforms, such as 12 step programs and anxiety support. I, like most other clinicians, am providing teletherapy. If you're in need of a referral to a group for a specific issue, I have many referral sources...feel free to contact me.

Self care is especially needed in times of crises, for good mental health. Good self care practice involves providing yourself with exercise, eating healthy foods, and sleeping an adequate amount each night. Spending some time outside, if possible, is extremely helpful to lifting serotonin levels, which provide for elevated mood. When the sun is shining, try to get out for 30 minutes of Vit D , while social distancing, of course.

Follow me on my professional Instagram account for mental health strategies and support for these challenging times. https://instagram.com/nancykoff_lmft?igshid=4cu8yre0byih

COPE is a support service for those experiencing the death of a loved one...I highly recommend this agency & its programs. This support group is specific to those who have lost a loved one to COVID.

COPE is now offering a COVID GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP A healing space for those who have experienced the death of a loved one due to COVID Please join Janet Zimmerma...n, LCSW-R on Thursday Evenings from 7-8:30pm From July 9th to August 13th, 2020 This group will take place virtually via Zoom. For more information and to register for the group, please contact our Clinical Director Michelle Graff at [email protected] to complete an intake.

This is a great TED talk about positive thinking & the happiness advantage...the essence of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy..I love it...so write 3 gratitudes daily & meditate.