Face-to-face therapy; masks?

[mynameiscalypso]

Just wondering what the norm is. Since the start of the pandemic, my regular sessions with my psychiatrist have moved online. They're about to go back to face-to-face sessions in the next few weeks and he indicated last time we spoke about it that it would all be wearing masks (both the therapist and the patient) bar any medical exemptions. While I have no particular issues with wearing a mask in the supermarket or on public transport, I don't like the idea of therapy with them. I find therapy very hard as is and it just feels like it's putting a barrier up in between us and it doesn't feel 'safe' for want of a better word. I totally appreciate that it's the clinic's right to request people wear masks but I was wondering what others were doing? I don't really have an issue with online therapy sessions so would stick to them probably if masks were mandated but just didn't know how common it was.

I’ve been seeing a therapist face to face for about five months, and we’ve always both worn masks, despite both being fully vaccinated — in fact, neither of us has ever seen the other’s face.

We are allowed to not wear them if there is a clinical reason (eg, a patient with paranoia being more disorientated and suspicious) but only depending on our own personal risk assessment /wishes. I do have a couple of patients who really struggle with them and we don't wear them. I tend to agree with you that its a barrier. But we have needed to protect ourselves and others.

You can ask to stay online for this reason?

Thanks both, that's helpful. I was 50/50 about going back to face to face for a number of reasons (mostly dull practical reasons) so it's no hardship to stay online.

It’s a shame this is being stipulated. I have been having therapy throughout the pandemic. When it became guidance not to meet indoors I decided to pause rather than switch to video or phone. As soon as meeting indoors was permitted again, we have resumed face to face without masks. I would find a mask a massive barrier. Would you feel able to broach this with your therapist?

@CausingChaos2

It’s a shame this is being stipulated. I have been having therapy throughout the pandemic. When it became guidance not to meet indoors I decided to pause rather than switch to video or phone. As soon as meeting indoors was permitted again, we have resumed face to face without masks. I would find a mask a massive barrier. Would you feel able to broach this with your therapist?

Thanks for your input - I have a very good relationship with my psychiatrist so I have made my views clear! I don't necessarily expect them to change the rules for me but I did say that I didn't think I would be the only person to feel that way so, if nothing else, it's reassuring to hear that others would feel that it's a barrier too.

We've done face to face right through except for the first lockdown and a brief period during the 3rd. No masks ever.

Hello, I’ve been face to face for a long time now (was only online for the for the first lockdown) and we meet without masks. Sat 2m apart with windows open.