​Dear Patients: 
 
We wanted to share with you some decisions we have made in view of the Corona Virus situation.

Although the Center will remain open for the time being, we would like to offer the option of holding sessions remotely (Tele-health) during this period of health emergency. We believe that by doing so we reduce the risk of contagion and contribute to reducing the rate of spread of the epidemic. 
 
Naturally, if for some reason you prefer to continue with in-person sessions, we will  see you in the office for as long as it remain possible. 
 
During the weekend your therapist will be in touch to coordinate the sessions. 
 
We know that in these moments of uncertainty we all face anxiety. These resources could be helpful:

Corona Virus Anxiety

Tips to Regain Your Calm

Practices to Deal with Corona Virus Anxiety

Kids and Corona Virus


We wish you to be healthy and calm.

Roxanna Losada Radley and Sandra Cohen

When we are tense we tend to be impulsive, but when we are relaxed we have better judgment. If we are anxious, angry, or stressed, our breathing changes. When we focus on breathing it becomes difficult to be worrying at the same time.

​Find a place where you can sit quietly and undisturbed for a few moments. To begin, you might want to set a timer for about 10 minutes, but after some experience you should not be too concerned about the length of time you spend meditating.
 
Begin by bringing your attention to the present moment by noticing your breathing. Pay attention to your breath as it enters and then leaves your body. Before long, your mind will begin to wander, pulling you out of the present moment. That’s ok. Notice your thoughts and feelings as if you are an outside observer watching what’s happening in your brain. Take note, and allow yourself to return to your breathing.
 
Sometimes you might feel frustrated or bored. That’s fine—these are just a few more feelings to notice. Your mind might start to plan an upcoming weekend, or worry about a responsibility. Notice where your thoughts are going, and accept what’s happening.
 
Whenever you are able to, return your concentration to your breathing. Continue this process until your timer rings, or until you are ready to be done.
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​During the body scan exercise you will pay close attention to physical sensations throughout your body. The goal isn’t to change or relax your body, but instead to notice and become more aware of it. Don’t worry too much about how long you practice, but do move slowly.
 
Begin by paying attention to the sensations in your feet. Notice any sensations such as warmth, coolness, pressure, pain, or a breeze moving over your skin. Slowly move up your body—to your calves, thighs, pelvis, stomach, chest, back, shoulders, arms, hands, fingers, neck, and finally your head. Spend some time on each of these body parts, just noticing the sensations.
 
After you travel up your body, begin to move back down, through each body part, until you reach your feet again. Remember: move slowly, and just pay attention.
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Use this exercise to quickly ground yourself in the present when you only have a moment. The goal is to notice something that you are currently experiencing through each of your senses.

• What are 5 things you can see? Look around you and notice 5 things you hadn't noticed before. Maybe a pattern on a wall, light reflecting from a surface, or a knick-knack in the corner of a room.
• What are 4 things you can feel? Maybe you can feel the pressure of your feet on the floor, your shirt resting on your shoulders, or the temperature on your skin. Pick up an object and notice its texture.
• What are 3 things you can hear? Notice all the background sounds you had been filtering out, such as an air-conditioning, birds chirping, or cars on a distant street.
• What are 2 things you can smell? Maybe you can smell flowers, coffee, or freshly cut grass. It doesn't have to be a nice smell either: maybe there's an overflowing trash can or sewer.
• What is 1 thing you can taste? Pop a piece of gum in your mouth, sip a drink, eat a snack if you have one, or simply notice how your mouth tastes. "Taste" the air to see how it feels on your tongue.

The numbers for each sense are only a guideline. Feel free to do more or less of each. Also, try this exercise while doing an activity like washing dishes, listening to music, or going for a walk.

Written by: ​Gabriela Fiszbein, LMSW

Contrary to popular belief, meditation isn’t something that you do. It’s a state of consciousness. It’s being present and aware of what goes on. The aim of meditation is not to suppress any thoughts. It‘s to be able to let go of our worries, plans and wishes. A space where we just watch our thoughts come and go.

Meditation is becoming aware of your thoughts and focusing on your breath. You pay attention to your breath and when you get lost in thought, you bring your attention back to your breath. Sounds easy right? It’s so easy, but then again it’s so NOT easy.

When you begin meditating you will be quickly introduced to your thoughts, one of the main concepts of meditation is learning how to pay attention to your thoughts.
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There are many supportive strategies (called “skillful means”) that create a conducive atmosphere for the deepening of presence. The art of practice is employing these strategies with curiosity, kindness and a light touch.