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Therapy For Teenagers: How Can Parents Help Teens Go Through Online Therapy Successfully?

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Being a teenager is difficult. These children often experience many internal and external changes that affect their mental health, behavior, and even education. Therapy can help make the journey easier and offer a teenager some much-needed support. However, parents need to be attentive and involved with their child’s mental health, especially if the child is attending therapy online. Here are some ways in which parents can help teens go through online therapy successfully:

1. Give Them the Option

Many teens are afraid to attend therapy because they don’t want their friends and schoolmates to find out. They would rather keep their mental health issues private. Some teens won’t even want to share their concerns with their siblings or close friends. Parents can help by providing them with an alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy. You can find a reliable, effective, and well-established etherapy platform and encourage your teen to use it.

2. Value Your Child’s Privacy

It can be difficult for parents to hold their curiosity and concern back. They want to know what their child is thinking and feeling at all times. They want to know whether their teen is facing bullying at school, has any self-esteem issues, or is struggling with mental health problems.

However, some teens will not be comfortable or willing to share these details with their parents. It is important to assure your kid that whatever they discuss with their therapist will be private unless it actively harms them. It is important to assure them that discussions about things like self-esteem issues, sexuality, gender identity, etc, will remain private unless they are ready and comfortable to share. This will go a long way in making the therapy more effective.

3. Communicate with the Therapist

Parents and therapists should work together to help teenagers remain on the right track. Few people know kids as well as their parents do and sometimes they can help therapists get a better insight into their patients. Conversely, parents sometimes fail to understand some aspects of their children and an outsider’s perspective can help improve their understanding of their children.

It is a good idea for parents to get in touch with their kid’s therapists just to ask how things are going. It is also a good idea to have a couple of group sessions with both parents and the child involved.

4. Support Outside Therapy

A therapist may recommend some lifestyle changes and coping mechanisms to your teen to help them deal with their mental health concerns. For example, if your child has social anxiety, the therapist may help them identify triggers and determine how to either overcome the situation or avoid it. Parents should provide support outside therapy to help their child overcome the problem or avoid being overly stressed.

You need to strike the right balance between encouraging the child to step out of their comfort zone without pressuring them. Make sure the home environment is warm, welcoming, and supportive to improve the impact of regular therapy.

At eTherapyPro, we believe that teens can benefit from active and involved parents who also know how to give their children some space to grow on their own.

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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.

Can Your Teenager Benefit from Online Therapy?

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Teenagers face many uncomfortable or distressing situations. They are still developing and the pressures of performing well in school, maintaining a social circle, and trying to grow into their own personality can be very stressful. Almost every teenager can benefit from some therapy but those with mental health concerns need assistance urgently.

The world of mental health has expanded to include online therapy in recent years. Instead of visiting a therapist’s office, patients can attend sessions from the comfort and privacy of their homes. Many parents want to consider this option for their teenagers but are concerned it wouldn’t be the right choice.

Is Online Therapy The Right Choice?

Experts agree that online therapy is a good choice for teenagers, especially in this day and age. The current generation is full of digital natives who are very comfortable communicating via the internet. They are accustomed to speaking with friends from different corners of the world and communicating purely through text.

In fact, some studies show that teenagers are more willing to access mental health services if they’re available online than traditional face-to-face therapy. Because teenagers are so comfortable with this mode of communication, they’re more likely to open up and respond positively.

Some studies also show that kids prefer different types of therapy for different situations. For example, if they want to discuss something very personal and close to their heart like their sexuality or gender identity, abuse, or suicidal ideation they prefer online therapy.

However, they wish to discuss things like bullying, conflict in peer groups, guidance on education, or career, they prefer face-to-face therapy. All surveys indicate that teenagers are simply more willing to try therapy to begin with if they go through an online platform.

What are the Benefits of Online Therapy?

Studies and surveys prove the efficacy of online therapy but what are the benefits? Many parents what to get the best solution for their children and don’t know if e-therapy is the best. Here’s a look at some of the benefits that can help you make an informed decision:

  • Familiar Medium – Online therapy is beneficial because the medium of communication is familiar and comfortable. Children are less likely to be nervous and consider this medium low-risk in comparison to others.
  • Convenience – Kids have less time on their hands than most people realize. Between homework, projects, socialization, and other activities, they rarely have the energy to invest in attending face-to-face sessions. Online therapy is convenient because they can attend sessions while relaxing in their room. There’s no need for them to visit a therapist’s office.
  • Privacy – Teenagers rarely want their friends or peers to know they’re attending therapy because they don’t want to face any sort of mockery or discrimination. Online therapy offers a lot of privacy and anonymity, which can reduce the risk of people finding out.
  • Affordable – Sometimes parents are unable to get their children help because traditional therapy is expensive. Most e-therapy platforms are more affordable than face-to-face therapy because of the lack of overhead costs like maintaining an office or hiring staff. That makes e-therapy a more convenient option for parents as well.

However, it is important to choose the right platform and ensure the platform you use has reliable, qualified, and safe therapists. Well-established organizations like eTherapy Pro are a good choice.

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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.

Signs That You Have a Social Anxiety Disorder

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Everyone feels a little shy or uncomfortable in some social situations. Things like the first day of school, the first few weeks at work, attending a party in a new neighborhood, etc, can all cause anxiety, but that nervousness isn’t social anxiety disorder. Many people experience a crippling sense of nervousness and anxiety even in the most mundane situations. These individuals may have an undiagnosed social anxiety disorder. In some cases, the signs of social anxiety remain invisible and undiagnosed.

1. Emotional

Emotional symptoms are the most noticeable among the different responses to social anxiety. They start showing up even before you’re in social interaction. These can include:

  • Fear of being dismissed or rejected.
  • Fear of interacting with people, even if they are familiar to you.
  • Intense fear of engaging with strangers.
  • Avoiding being the center of attention or conversation.
  • Refraining from commenting on topics or entering into discussions even if you’re interested.
  • Being extremely self-critical after the social engagement is over.
  • In children, the emotional response can lead to crying and temper tantrums.

These are the typical emotional responses if you’re facing a social situation and have a disorder. If you or your loved one experiences these, it is a good idea to consult with a professional.

2. Physical Responses

The body responds to emotional stimuli and will react if you experience distress. If you are concerned that someone has a social anxiety disorder, watch out for the physical signs mentioned below:

  • Rapid breathing and heartbeat.
  • Trembling and shaking.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Tense muscles, especially in the jaw.
  • Blushing and avoiding eye contact.
  • Dizziness or a feeling of lightheadedness.
  • Upset stomach, including nausea.
  • Inability to form thoughts or ideas for a moment.
  • Feeling drained and tired after every social interaction.

These are the common physical signs of social anxiety disorder. Many people can even go into panic attacks because they are unable to handle the social stimulus.

3. Behavioral Symptoms

People suffering some social anxiety will adopt certain behaviors on a fairly regular basis. While a person without any disorder may experience the issues mentioned below, they will not face them consistently. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Avoiding interacting with people, especially strangers.
  • Skipping work or school regularly.
  • Avoiding dating or even making new friends.
  • Inability to eat in front of other people.
  • Avoiding using a public restroom.
  • Missing opportunities to further your education or career.
  • Consistently avoiding eye contact.

It is important to keep in mind that the symptoms can change over time, especially as a person grows older and the nature of their emotional response changes. The responses can also change based on the type of social situation.

These are the most common signs of social anxiety disorder. Acute social anxiety can become a big problem. It is best to book an appointment with a therapist to get an official diagnosis and treatment, especially if the concern is impacting your life significantly. eTherapy Pro offers effective and convenient online therapy solutions to help people with social anxiety. You can attend a few sessions for free so see if it is a good solution for you.

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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.

Having Trouble With Online Therapy? 5 Reasons Why That Can Happen

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Online therapy is a very convenient and easy-to-use platform for people who need mental health services. These websites are accessible and their therapy offerings are affordable. However, some people don’t get the results they want from online therapy and struggle to get through the sessions. There are many reasons why online therapy can be less effective for some patients. Here’s a look at some of them:

1. Wrong Platform

There are many online therapy websites out there and all of them are not made equal. Some platforms have a big team of great therapists that specialize in different fields. Other platforms only have a small group of therapists with limited experience or qualifications. It is important to choose the platform carefully to ensure you get the best possible support.

2. Unsuitable Method of Communication

Online therapy platforms like eTherapy Pro provide different communication options. You can talk to a therapist through chat, voice calls, or even video calls. It is important to choose the medium of communication that suits you the best. Some people are very concerned about their privacy and choose text-based therapy, which is a valid option but not suitable for everyone. Pick a medium that works for you and allows you to communicate effectively.

3. A Bad Schedule

Consistency is an important aspect of therapy. If you attend sessions consistently and follow the advice offered by the therapist, you’ll be more likely to succeed. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of online therapy. You can schedule sessions at any time at your convenience. But this flexibility means that people have the freedom to be inconsistent. They can leave long gaps between sessions or cancel some, which can diminish the effectiveness. The best way to avoid this problem is to set up a proper schedule and stick with it.

4. Distractions

Attending sessions from your home can save time, money, and ensure you’re comfortable in your safe space. However, your home is also more likely to have distractions like children, pets, and other family members. If you’re constantly distracted during the online therapy session, it won’t be very successful. That’s one of the reasons why it is important to ensure everyone around you knows not to disturb you unless it is urgent.

5. Not Taking it Seriously

Some patients don’t take online therapy as seriously as they take regular face-to-face therapy. The convenient and informal approach often encourages clients to be laxer in their participation. Therapy requires equal contribution from both the therapist and the patient. Unless you are actively invested in the discussions during therapy, you won’t see any results. It is also important to apply the expert’s recommendation to your day-to-day life.

Sometimes clients put in 100% effort and therapy still doesn’t work out for them. In these cases, it is best to explore other options. Fortunately, online platforms like eTherapy Pro provide free sessions so you can experiment with the platform to see whether it works for you. That saves money and helps reduce stress.

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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.

Signs That It Is Time To Try Online Couples Therapy

Online Couple Therapy

All relationships can have their ups and downs. Disagreements, differences in opinions, and misunderstandings can bring even the strongest relationship down. Sometimes, it is best to bring in an outside party to help you get some perspective and navigate the relationship. At eTherapy Pro, we encourage couples to seek out therapy when they start having problems with their relationship. You don’t even need to leave your house for this as online therapy is very accessible and reliable. Here’s a look at some signs that tell you it is time to seek out online couples therapy:

1. Lack of Coexistence

A couple’s lives often revolve around each other. That means they plan their schedules to accommodate each other, plan for holidays, breaks, or purchases together, seek each other’s advice before making big changes, etc. A lack of coexistence is one of the biggest signs of relationship problems. If you’re not eating together despite being in the same house at the same time, if you never have recreational activities together, or simply spend meaningful time together, your relationship needs some help.

2. Lack of Communication

Lack of communication is also a big red flag. A happy relationship requires open and honest communication. It also requires compassion and empathy. Couples learn to listen to each other and consider things from their partner’s point of view. Lack of proper communication can lead to misunderstandings, hurt, and distance. If you notice that there’s a communication breakdown between you and your partner, consider getting online therapy.

3. Keeping Secrets

Everyone is entitled to their privacy, even when they’re in a relationship, but keeping big things that can affect both of you a secret is a big sign of a problem. For example, if a person is planning a trip out with friends but doesn’t inform their spouse until the last minute, they have been keeping it a secret and excluding their partner from the conversation and the trip.

4. Thoughts of Infidelity

People can be attracted to other people even when they’re in a committed relationship. However, there’s a difference between being attracted to others and contemplating actually pursuing that attraction. If you have thoughts of infidelity and have been making moves on someone other than your partner, consider getting online couples therapy.

5. Fighting

All couples have their arguments but if you argue more than get along, therapy may help. Sometimes couples get into a state where they argue and bicker over the smallest things constantly, which is never a healthy and balanced situation. You may need to speak with a therapist to understand the root cause of the problem and resolve it.

6. An Unsettled Feeling

Sometimes things appear good on the surface but the relationship feels less balanced and intimate overall. You know that something is wrong but just can’t put a finger on it and it is making you feel uncomfortable. Most people think they should ignore these feelings and focus on the positives but experienced therapists disagree. Sometimes your instincts are right and you need some help trying to understand why those feelings persist.

Online therapy is one of the best ways to deal with relationship problems because it is accessible, affordable, and discreet. No one needs to know you’re seeing a therapist.

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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.