With our community’s children home from school, and much of our normal schedule disturbed, we are all trying to deal with a new and unfamiliar reality. It is now up to parents to structure the day and provide for davening, learning, education, exercise, and leisure time. Very important as well, however, is the need to maintain a calm atmosphere and give children rational explanations, according to their ages and their reactions to stressful and changing situations. 

The current situation has of course triggered anxiety in both adults and children. The suggestions that follow can be helpful. If, however, you feel that your anxiety is affecting your ability to function, it would be best to seek the services of a professional.

In making mental health referrals, we are often asked about the skills and therapeutic techniques that therapists will use. This article will hopefully give a basic overview of some of the effective characteristics and techniques that clinicians implement.

The field of psychotherapy requires a broad range of abilities, which will be outlined below. However, before we continue, we must mention that all of these abilities need to be further developed throughout a therapist’s career. There is no such thing as someone who is such a natural that no further self-development is needed.