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May 28 2022

Transitioning to an Online Therapist? 6 Tips That Can Help

Transitioning from a regular therapist to an online therapist can be a difficult process. You are accustomed to visiting a counselor’s office and discussing the issues face-to-face. Many people don’t believe that the online medium can offer the same level of comfort and support.

Fortunately, research suggests otherwise and many patients have found eTherapy to be more effective than other options. Here’s a look at six tips that can help you transition effectively:

1. Understand the Difference

The first step is to understand the difference between online and traditional therapy. Online sessions are often much different than face-to-face counseling. You are communicating through a different medium, so you may need to approach the sessions differently. Attending sessions in a noisy home environment may not work as well as it should.

That’s why understanding the difference between the two options is essential. You need to know what you’re dealing with before you proceed. It is a good idea to discuss the option with your current therapist if you’re uncertain.

2. What Medium Works?

The next factor to consider is the medium of communication. Different platforms offer different mediums. Look at the online therapy provider’s website to see what kind of options they offer. The most popular options are text-based like messaging, email, chat, etc. Some platforms offer voice and video call facilities as well.

Consider what medium you are most comfortable with. Do you express yourself better in emails and chats? Do you prefer to speak directly? The success of your sessions depends on these factors.

There’s no need to worry about the communication medium from the get-go. Most therapy platforms are flexible and will allow you to switch to a different medium if your current one doesn’t work out.

3. Looking for the Right Platform

The quality of the therapy platform is also an important factor to consider. You need to speak with qualified professionals with the right training and certifications. That can only happen if the platform performs all due diligence when they hire someone.

Look for a therapy platform that has good reviews and a good reputation. Explore their website to see what kind of services they offer. Look at all of the pages and their content to see if they are informative.

Most of all, look for free sessions. Many online therapy websites provide a few free days or sessions so you can experiment to see if the platform is suitable. You can also ask the website’s customer service agent about the counselors available.

4. Get a Professional Assigned

Once you have picked a platform, it is time to get a professional assigned to you. All you need to do is fill up a form detailing your requirements and concerns. The form will have several questions aimed at understanding your issues and will only take a few minutes.

After you have filled in a form, the system will process it and the platform will assign a therapist to you. This therapist will be someone with the training and experience to handle your particular concerns. For example, if you are struggling with depression, the therapist assigned will specialize in depression and related concerns.

5. Evidence-Based Practices

A good therapist will employ evidence-based practices to help you deal with your mental health concerns. These practices have years of research behind them and have been proven in many trials. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one such approach that can help address a wide range of issues ranging from social anxiety to panic attacks.

This approach is no different from the approach employed by traditional therapists. Once you get accustomed to the new medium, you will recognize the approach and adjust accordingly. You can also ask the therapist what kind of approach they use to address mental health issues in their patients. Most counselors will be happy to explain their process.

6. Understand Your Goal

What is your goal with therapy? Do you want to find ways to improve your focus and productivity? Are you struggling with depression and self-sabotaging behavior? Approaching therapy with a goal in mind can help you remain focused and motivated even when the platform has changed.

You can discuss your goals with the therapist in detail during the first few sessions. That will help improve the chances of your success.

The transition will be easier if you approach it with a positive mindset. There is very little difference between traditional therapy and online therapy. It is a good idea to take it seriously and follow the therapist’s advice as much as possible. That will help you get on the right path with your mental health and ensure you recover quickly.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.

May 23 2022

Benefits of A Mental Health Therapist Online in California

Access to mental health has improved significantly in recent years with the rising popularity of online therapy. More and more people are attending sessions online, speaking with qualified therapists from different parts of the country, and generally focusing on their mental health. It is easy to access a mental health therapist online in California at an affordable rate these days.

However, some people still hesitate and wonder if online therapy is a worthwhile investment. Should they spend their time and money on such a platform when there are traditional options to consider? This is a pressing concern now as the world is opening up post vaccinations and other such concerns.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest benefits of sticking with your online therapist or choosing online therapy:

1. Comfortable Medium

When it comes to online therapy, you have a choice of different mediums. You can choose text, voice, or even video depending on the online therapy platform you choose. It is easier for people to pick a more comfortable communication medium and open up to the therapist through that.

When it comes to traditional therapy, you have no choice but to talk to the therapist face-to-face, which can be a challenge for many people. Individuals who can’t speak, choose not to speak, or struggle with social anxiety may find traditional therapy either overwhelming or ineffective. Online therapy, however, is more accessible to people from all walks of life. That is one of the reasons why more people choose psychologist services online in California.

2. Access to Therapists

It is easy to take access to therapists for granted when you live in a large city or town but if you are in more remote or rural areas, access to proper therapy can be difficult. That’s especially true for people with very specific requirements. For example, individuals struggling with social anxiety connected to their race or ethnicity may not be able to find a therapist who understands their concerns in their immediate vicinity.

Online therapy is a better option because you have access to professionals from all over the country. You may find a mental health therapist online in California who hails from the other side of the country and specializes in your concern. They will be able to provide more tailored advice and help speed up your recovery process.

3. Benefit of Privacy

Attitude towards mental health concerns has improved significantly over the years but there is still some stigma associated with it. That’s one of the reasons why people wish to keep their mental health concerns as private as possible. However, it isn’t always possible to do so with traditional therapy when you have to visit a counselor’s office regularly.

Online therapy offers the benefit of privacy. You can attend sessions in your bedroom, study, a café, or even a garden without people being any the wiser. Privacy is one of the most attractive aspects of online therapy and is also why so many young individuals prefer to access psychologist services online in California.

But this isn’t just limited to privacy. You can also attend the sessions anonymously, which can be an added benefit for people in unsafe situations. For example, if you’re an LGBTQA+ teen in a very conservative family, you may benefit from therapy with a trained professional but can’t access it safely. Online therapy makes it easier for individuals in unsafe or uncertain environments to access much-needed help.

4. Affordable Psychologist Services Online in California

Online therapy is more affordable than traditional therapy in most cases. This is because there are fewer overhead costs and some of the therapists are from more affordable areas outside large cities or expensive locations. That is particularly beneficial in California because the cost of living here can be very high.

You may be able to attend more sessions and remain in therapy even when your budget is a little tight. Many people are unable to access mental health services because they are expensive. Online therapy is a great alternative and is effective as well. It ensures access to people who are in the most difficult circumstances as well.

5. Effective Therapy

Research suggests that online therapy is just as effective as traditional therapy. In some cases, it is more effective. For example, some experts observed that teen patients responded better to online therapy on matters close to their hearts like their mental health, sexuality, and other such concerns. The response from other demographics is also very positive.

Increasing evidence shows that online therapy is a good choice for many individuals. All you need to do is attend a few free sessions to see if it is a good choice for you. If it isn’t, you can always get back to traditional therapy without any risk or investment. Free sessions make things easier and allow you to experiment with the platform.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.

May 21 2022

Behavioral Health Therapy Online in California

Many people suffering from mental health concerns adopt destructive or unhealthy behaviors. These behaviors can have a big impact on the patient’s personal, professional, and social life. Fortunately, these issues can be addressed through professional behavioral health therapy online in California.

While the impact on professional and social life can be devastating, the impact on personal life can be even more insidious. The stakes are higher when a loved one is involved and can be harmed by a patient’s destructive or unhealthy behaviors. This is especially a concern in a marriage where the patient’s spouse and/or children can be affected. That’s one of the reasons why experts recommend exploring the option of behavioral health therapy.

Why Does Behavioral Health Therapy Work for Couples?

Behavioral health therapy has been used successfully to help couples overcome hurdles for some years now. It focuses on the evaluation of the behavior of both partners and engaging in active feedback. After the evaluation and feedback, the active healing and address process begins.

The focus of this approach is to both encourage change and acceptance. Individuals are encouraged to change their destructive behaviors and modify approaches that can be hurtful or unpleasant for their partner. On the flip side, the partner is also encouraged to accept some of the more benign aspects of their partner’s personality as long as they aren’t actively harmful to them.

According to the experts in the field, if the positive interactions in a relationship occur more times than any negative interaction, the relationship is healthy. Early research showed that the ratio was 5:1. If a couple had one negative interaction in five positive interactions, their relationship was less likely to end in separation.

However, it was also observed that if the ratio tipped further than this during a relationship, it was over 90% more likely to end in separation.

That’s one of the reasons why behavioral health therapy online in California can be a boon for couples struggling to overcome their relationship problems. There is a focus on identifying and cataloging the amount of negative interaction vs. positive interaction to get the best results. If you find yourself in a deadlock that you can’t escape from, getting a professional third-party involved can help significantly.

Black Couple Therapist Online in California

Problems in romantic relationships are universal but people of different races, ethnicities, and nationalities require different approaches. For example, marriage between a Chinese couple would require a different approach depending on the people’s cultural background and attitude towards marriage or being together. Similarly, a black couple requires a therapist that can understand their cultural background and attitude towards a relationship, which is why a black couple therapist online in California is suitable for getting help in such cases.

How will behavioral therapy work for black couples? How can behavioral health therapy works to help you overcome your differences? Here’s a look at the two phases of this type of therapy:

1. Evaluating and Understanding Each Other’s Behavior

The first aspect of behavioral health therapy is to understand behaviors, personalities, and the root cause of issues in both individuals. A black couple therapist online in California will either provide a questionnaire or ask some guiding questions during individual sessions to understand the landscape.

These questions will help the therapist understand the different perspectives of the individuals involved and identify the key clashing points. This is a very important process because you can’t just treat the symptom and assume that everything will be alright. You need to treat the underlying cause before things get better.

A therapist is observant, detail-oriented, and attentive. They will encourage dialogue between the couple and see how they interact with each other. The evaluation process can take a few sessions and the experience can be a little stressful for the couple involved because they are essentially airing out their dirty laundry in front of a stranger.

However, after a few sessions, even the couples with the guiding hand of the therapist can identify the issues. That’s one of the reasons why it is important for people to attend therapy. The presence of a professional is often necessary to start a dialogue and make people a little more self-aware.

2. Active Discussions

Once the therapist understands the different aspects of the couple’s relationship and their issues, the tone of the sessions changes. The focus shifts to healing and repair so that the couple can move forward in their relationship. There are two things the therapist focuses on during this session and what’s what needs to change and what needs to be accepted.

The goal is often to ensure the most destructive behaviors need to change. Things like dependency on drugs or alcohol, uncontrolled anger, poor communication, active sabotage, deliberate provocation, etc, are negative behaviors that can harm a relationship. A therapist will make patients identify these behaviors and their root cause to address them.

The next step is to encourage acceptance. There are some things about your partner you may not like after you get into a long-term relationship with them. For example, if your partner has a poor memory for dates and forgets special occasions often, there are ways to accept and work around this. If the partner has certain habits that are irritating but not destructive, you can work on acceptance instead of change.

The focus on acceptance is what makes modern behavioral health therapy so effective compared to the other therapy alternatives. There is less pressure to become perfect and more encouragement to become accepting. Both partners benefit from this.

Black Therapy Online in California

The therapy itself is effective but what about attending sessions online? Is there any difference between online therapy and traditional face-to-face therapy? Many people choose black therapy online in California over traditional options.

Research suggests that online therapy is just as effective as traditional therapy and sometimes more so. It has a lower drop rate and higher success rate because it is so private and easy to use. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your home without anyone noticing you are going to therapy. Black therapy online in California also helps if you live separately or are divided by distance. It is easier to attend sessions online even if you’re in different parts of the country.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.

May 16 2022

Why is Online Therapy a Good Choice for Teenagers with Anxiety?

Anxiety is a very difficult disorder and can compromise a teenager’s quality of life. It can make socializing, participating in school activities, and even achieving good grades more difficult than it needs to be. That’s one of the reasons why getting therapist is a great step and can help your teenager.

However, many parents are understandably concerned about letting their teenagers discuss personal problems with strange adults online. Reliable eTherapy platforms can provide consistent and professional support to help your teenager manage their anxiety.

Here are some reasons why you should consider looking for an online therapist for anxiety near me.

Testing Things With Free Online Counselling Chat 24/7

Most online therapy platforms allow a few free online counseling chat sessions. This allows patients to experiment and see whether the new mode of communication is suitable for them. Most modern teenagers are digital natives and are very comfortable with online communication. They can have long conversations with their therapist through messages just as easily as they can through voice discussions.

In fact, many teenagers are more comfortable with text conversations than voice conversations because they allow teenagers more room to think about what they’re saying and express their thoughts clearly.

You can sit on one or two of these sessions to see how the conversation is flowing between your child and the therapist. If you and your child feel comfortable with the medium after you have tested it thoroughly, you can book more sessions with the counselor.

Free chat saves both time and money. It is a less stressful endeavor for both the patient and their parent, which is one of the reasons why online therapy has a lower drop-out rate. Traditional therapists don’t usually offer free sessions and it can be intimidating for a teenager to visit a therapist’s office.

With online sessions, you can ease your child into the process and get them into the habit of attending therapy.

Higher Success Rates and Lower Drop-Out Rates

Teenagers drop out of therapy often and their sessions aren’t very successful, especially if the child is asked to attend against their will. Online communication is a more comfortable medium for them and they find it easier to open up when they are chatting with their therapist.

This leads to more success and lower drop-out rates. When kids get into the habit of speaking with their therapist online, they eventually like having someone in their corner to help them deal with anxiety. They are more likely to implement the recommendations by the therapist to manage their anxiety triggers.

However, it is important to find a counselor that can communicate well with a teenager. This is a difficult age and children can often react unpredictably to stressful situations. If you want to get your child into therapy, consider searching for terms like therapist for teenager near me.

Counselors who have experience with teenagers will know how to speak with them in a way that’s most comfortable for them. They will ensure your teens feel seen and heard, which can go a long way to ensure success.

The Benefit of Anonymity

Privacy and anonymity are two of the most attractive aspects of online therapy. Most teenagers hesitate to attend sessions because they don’t want anyone to know about their problems with anxiety or their need for assistance. While the world has progressed considerably over the years, there is still some stigma attached to mental health issues.

Teenagers want to get along with their peers and are afraid of being unpopular. Online counseling offers patients a lot of privacy. They can attend sessions from the comfort of their home and don’t need to worry about anyone knowing about therapy.

When teenagers are comfortable and feel safe, they are less likely to feel anxious about therapy and can focus on other things like discussing their concerns with their therapist. It is easier to establish a rapport with the counselor and develop strategies to counteract anxiety.

What to Expect from Online Therapy?

Online therapy is pretty straightforward. You need to just fill out a form and share details regarding your mental health concerns. The online therapy establishment will consider your requirements carefully and then match you to a qualified therapist.

Your teen can have a free online counseling chat 24/7 just to test the platform out to see if it appeals to them. It is best to let the child attend a few sessions instead of giving up after the first one. Sometimes it takes time for the therapist and their patient to click.

After a few sessions, if the teenager still doesn’t seem to like the sessions, you can arrange for another online therapist. The process is quick, easy, and can be done from the comfort of your home. Online therapy platforms give you access to many therapists from different parts of the country so you’re sure to find someone that suits your child’s needs perfectly.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.

May 14 2022

Mental Health Counseling – How Does It Help?

In the United States alone, there are over 45 million adults with mental health issues and just over 42% of them reach out to mental health professionals for assistance. Across the world, one in five individuals suffers from mental health concerns. This is an alarming statistic by any standard when you consider what a profound impact mental health issues can have on people’s lives and their loved ones.

Regular mental health counseling offers a wide range of benefits that can help you get your life back on track. Attending counseling is a worthwhile investment of your time and effort. We explain everything you need to know about mental health counseling.

Who is a Mental Health Counselor?

A mental health counselor is a trained professional with formal education in psychology. They can assess an individual, discuss their mental health concerns with them, and provide a diagnosis. They can also recommend different strategies and coping mechanisms to help patients improve their quality of life.

A counselor can’t prescribe medication but they can help in every other way. If your health concern requires medical intervention, the counselor will either encourage you to seek a psychiatrist or recommend one from their professional connections.

Does Mental Health Counseling Help?

If you’re on the verge of googling mental health counseling near me but hesitating, it is a good idea to leap. You can back out after a couple of sessions if you feel it isn’t doing anything to help. However, if you stick with it, you will see several benefits like the ones mentioned below:

1. Provide a Safe Space

The most important thing counselors provide is a safe space. You can speak your mind, be open about your concerns, and explain your struggles to the counselor. Sometimes all you need is someone patient and willing to hear what you have to say. Just a few free mental health counseling sessions can help you feel safe with the therapist.

A safe space is one of the biggest hurdles in people’s journey toward mental health. Most don’t know whether they can trust even their loved ones with their thoughts and burdens. Speaking with a professional who is being paid to listen to you is a relief and can help people overcome the initial barrier.

2. Identify Mental Health Issues

A counselor is trained to identify their patient’s mental health issues by listening to their concerns and asking guiding questions. It usually takes several discussions for a counselor to come up with a proper diagnosis. However, identifying a mental health issue is the key to developing a good solution.

It may take the psychologist some time to come to the right conclusion, which is why it is important to attend a few sessions with them. If there is a good rapport between a patient and a counselor, the issues are easier to deal with. Once the mental health issues are identified, you have a solid roadmap and can plan a treatment process that will help you improve your quality of life.

3. Identify the Root Causes of the Issues

Once the mental health conditions are identified, the therapist will move on to identifying the root cause. Mental health issues can develop for several reasons ranging from chemical imbalances in your body to the outside environment. For example, children from abusive households often have long-term mental health problems like anxiety, self-esteem issues, depression, etc.

Identifying the root cause helps therapists develop a good treatment plan that doesn’t just address the symptoms but also the root cause. For example, if your lingering depression started after you lost a friend to an accident, the therapist will help you process the grief and develop a healthier mindset towards it.

4. Recommend Ways to Overcome or Manage Them

The next step is to develop ways to overcome or manage your mental health concerns. There are several ways to do this. Changes in lifestyle, regular therapy sessions, discussing your problems, and getting advice from a different perspective – all of these factors can help you manage your mental health concerns.

Therapists are trained to come up with solutions that would suit their client’s unique requirements. With the therapist’s help, you can develop coping mechanisms that will work for you and reduce the impact of your mental health on other aspects of your life. Coping mechanisms don’t just help you when you are triggered but also help you avoid those triggers.

5. Set Personal Milestones Regarding Mental Health

Setting milestones can help individuals track their progress on their mental health journey. Tracking your progress is important because that can help you stay motivated. Many people struggle to remain consistent with their therapy and lifestyle changes. It is very easy to relapse sometimes, which is where milestones can help.

By looking for a mental health counselor near me, you have already taken a big first step. The next step is to remain consistent. Every time you hit a milestone, you can congratulate yourself and feel a sense of accomplishment.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post and any associated articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of eTherapyPro. These posts and articles are shared for your enjoyment and consideration. Read them or not at your sole discretion and liability. They are not intended to replace counseling services rendered by licensed professionals. Consult with your counselor before implementing any content from these articles into your life.