The ways of interacting were already changing before the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom (like Kleenex means any brand of tissue, Zoom can mean any kind of online meetings) meetings have been becoming more common. Businesses saved money on airfare and hotels, business people spent less time in airports, on the road and in hotels and more time at home. Now with most people spending almost all their time at home, online meetings are the norm. Returning to the road warrior lifestyle seems unlikely.
In the medical world, tele-med was just beginning to get traction. Although in-person appointments will remain both common and essential, online visits will be more prevalent. In a recent example, a patient from Flagstaff had major surgery in Phoenix. The next week, the follow up appointment was conducted online. The surgeon viewed the surgical scars with the patient’s spouse moving a cell phone over the area. It was only the surgeon’s third appointment using remote technology, but he was beginning to feel confident. The surgeon benefits by being more efficient: staying in his office and not having to wear mask and gloves for each patient. The patient benefits from not having to travel two and a half hours and 148 miles each way for a 15-minute appointment while still recovering from the surgery.
In hypnotherapy and coaching, phone sessions have been common for years, with Zoom-type appointments a recent development. Meeting with clients, potentially anywhere and serving those who can’t travel to an office because of health or other reasons, is a benefit for both parties. During sessions that involve visualization and trance, eyes are usually shut, eliminating the need for the client to see the practitioner.
As in many things, when something is gained, something may be lost. Virtual sessions require greater attention to the tone of voice and speech patterns to compensate for the loss observing the client’s body language. Like all relationships, physical proximity increases connection, an important factor in balancing the benefits and limitations of virtual communication.
An increase in electronic encounters is the reality. For maximum benefit, all participants need to use greater focus to be present, sometimes even across time zones and miles. FBN
By Don Berlyn
For more information on be-coming more positive, recovering goals or anything related to using the power of the mind contact Don Berlyn at 928-699-8263,flaghypno@gmail.com or FlagstaffHypnotherapy.com. Consultations are always free!
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