Unsurprisingly, at the beginning of the coming of Covid-19 the method of medical masking came up as a topic for discussion. Governing bodies in many locations enacted mask mandates. I have always supported these. I still mask up in public spaces. But many did not, and there was insufficient enforcement to affect most of them. In discussions the anti-maskers became defensive. Resistance was greater than I had anticipated. Disappointed, I had to reevaluate my ideas about people in general.
We seem past that phase now. Powerful people who have little or no background in science (together with “experts” who for some reason are willing to speak in a manner inconsistent with mainstream research) have decided that economic concern trumps best preventative medical practices. The mandates ended. Most people I have seen wander about in public with their bare face hanging out.
What is most interesting to me is that far fewer people calling in search of psychotherapy start to argue with me about the need for preventative medical masking, vaccination, working in virtual space, or the like. Conversations are more peaceful. It’s a blessing.
My sense is that many and maybe even most people don’t like being told what to do. I know I sure don’t. At least, I don’t when it’s authoritarian power-tripping kinds of people who are doing it just to be in command. Not at all. But to me there’s a big difference when mainstream research scientists tell me what seems to be best practice as far as we understand it right now. I will listen to such people all day long. It frightens me that so many people react to scientific implication as if it were authoritarian domination. In any event, fewer people seem inclined to argue with me about my boundaries here at Sussman Psychological that was the case during the mandate. Those boundaries are the same as they have been since the first time any vaccines became available. Go figure.
In any event, they’re not changing (my boundaries, that is). Potential and existing clients have options for attending sessions here whether they mask or not, whether they are vaccinated or not, whether or not they believe there is a pandemic. What no client has is the option to place me at medical risk because they disagree with the implications of mainstream science. I’m playing it safe as I can.
I hope you do, too. Peace.