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7 Steps to a Successful Couple’s Therapy Session Online

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If you’re attending a couple’s therapy session online, it can be difficult to manage communication. Many people believe that face-to-face therapy is more effective in these cases and don’t try online therapy. However, research shows that there’s a good track record for couples when they get behavioral therapy online. Here’s a look at some steps that can help you make your couple’s therapy session a success:

1. Agree to Attend

Attending therapy with mutual consent is a positive step and ensures you’re both in the right mindset. It is easier to go through discussions and arrive at a reasonable solution to your issues if both participants are willing to work on the relationship.

2. Choose a Counselor With Experience

Choose a counselor who has experience with couple’s therapy. Different issues require different approaches. Couple’s therapy doesn’t require the same approach as depression or anxiety. That’s why you need to find a therapist with qualifications and experience with marriage or relationship counseling. The therapist should know how to mediate between two opposing parties, help them understand one another, and then facilitate better communication.

If the counselor has experience with couple’s counseling, your therapy will have a higher chance of success.

3. Create a Positive Atmosphere

It is important to create a positive atmosphere around you when you attend therapy. This means, you need to make sure your surroundings are clean, there are no distracting elements, and you have some privacy. Make sure your children are occupied or in someone else’s care. Ensure that you don’t have any distracting elements around you.

It is a good idea to use a computer if you want to chat with the therapist together. A good atmosphere will ensure you are in a good mood and that will always have a positive impact on your therapy session.

If you are living separately, make sure your partner is also communicating from a safe and positive space. It is possible for partners living separately to attend the same therapy session, which makes eTherapy more versatile compared to regular therapy.

4. Attend Sessions Regularly

Therapy is all about forming a habit and actively working on improving your relationship. Inconsistent therapy is largely ineffective, which is one of the reasons why people drop out or don’t feel the effects of counseling.

Schedule a session regularly to get the best results. For example, if you feel attending a session once every two weeks during the initial stages of counseling helps, stick with it. You can always lower the frequency of these sessions down the line.

5. Implement the Advice

Couple’s therapy is about acceptance and change. The therapist will recommend what you need to change in your lifestyle and communication to help you regain some stability in your relationship. If you accept his advice and apply it to your everyday life, your therapy will be more successful.

Accepting and implementing advice isn’t easy so you need to be a little patient. Things can get a little disruptive and heated during sessions, especially if the people involved are feeling intense emotions. It is important to avoid excessive pride or give into hurt feelings. As long as you are willing to put in the effort, your therapy will have a high chance of success.

6. Keep At It

It takes time and effort to stabilize a relationship and overcome communication issues. Sometimes, it will feel like your therapy isn’t working and sometimes it will feel like your relationship is worse than it was before. However, if you keep at it and keep attending sessions regularly, things will start looking better over time.

The progress may be slow, but it will be long-lasting. You don’t need to leave therapy as soon as your issues are resolved. Continue attending for a few more months just to ensure the changes stick and you get through the growing pains of the healed relationship.

7. Try Group Therapy

If you have children, it is important to try a few group therapy sessions with your children involved as well. Sometimes, arguments and miscommunication between the couple is so disruptive, they have an impact on their children. While couple’s therapy may resolve the issues you may have, it won’t resolve the issues your children may develop.

Group therapy with the children will help you find a new balance within your family and continue on a healthier path. Group therapy between parents and children can also help build a more positive relationship between the two.

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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.

5 Reasons Why Online Therapy is Successful

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Online therapy is a relatively new approach to therapy. It has been around for a handful of years and picked up speed when the pandemic ravaged the world. Initially, people were rightfully skeptical about this new approach, wondering if just chatting with a therapist or video-calling them would be as effective as traditional therapy. However, studies show that this approach is as effective as therapy and even more so in certain cases with certain patients. Here’s a look at some reasons why online therapy is successful:

1. More Accessible

Online therapy platforms are much more accessible than regular therapy. You can book a few sessions online and attend them from the comfort of your home, regardless of where you live. You could be in some isolated town in Alaska and still have access to the best counseling available. eTherapy makes it easier for people from remote or underserviced areas to access good therapy.

Accessibility is particularly necessary for people suffering from underrepresented mental health conditions. It is easy to get help for depression or anxiety but sometimes it can be difficult to get help for gender-related concerns or rare mental health conditions. Online therapy gives people access to more professionals, which gives people the benefit of options.

2. Privacy and Anonymity

More people are willing to try online therapy than traditional therapy because of the platform’s privacy and anonymity. Most online therapy websites don’t require your full name or contact information. You don’t even need to show your face to your therapist if you’re communicating primarily through chat or calls. This gives people a sense of privacy and safety. They don’t need to worry about anyone knowing that they are attending therapy.

This is particularly useful for people in risky or vulnerable situations. For example, if a person from an abusive or extremely conservative household requires therapy, they can access eTherapy services discretely, without worrying about anyone finding out. Studies have shown that teenagers and young adults, in particular, find these options appealing. They are more willing to attend online therapy because there is no exposure to peers involved.

3. Medium of Communication

Most online counseling happens through text messages or video conferences, depending on the approach the patient prefers. There are email and similar options available as well. Different platforms offer different communication approaches. You can choose what is most comfortable and tailor the session according to your requirements.

Most younger patients are very familiar with online communication. They are comfortable communicating primarily through text and are often more open or unreserved when using this medium. Older generations do struggle a little but even that is a matter of habit. If you dislike text communication, there’s always voice or video conferencing available. eTherapy can be tailored to suit any kind of requirement easily.

4. Eliminating Barriers

Online therapy eliminates several barriers, especially for people who can’t access traditional therapy. For example, individuals with physical disabilities or people who can’t speak or hear can use text as a way to communicate and access online therapy. Individuals that can’t see can use video or voice conferencing to access therapy. All of these things can be done from the comfort of their home, without the hassle of traveling to the therapist’s office.

Online therapy is also useful for people in high-risk situations. If you think attending therapy will place you in danger or get you in trouble, you can access it discretely without letting anyone know. That sets eTherapy apart from traditional therapy and draws more vulnerable people into the fold.

5. Flexibility

eTherapy is more flexible than traditional therapy, which is necessary for today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Every minute of the day is precious and most people don’t have much time on their hands to drive to a therapist’s office during work hours to get the support they need. Online therapy is more flexible. You can access it any time, from anywhere, and schedule the sessions according to your requirements.

This flexibility also means that you can schedule around disruptions and have the session when you are in the right mindset. For example, it is easier to schedule a session when the kids are at school or when everyone else is busy with work. You can have a quiet and relaxed environment around you and focus on your session completely. People find it easier to use online therapy than to attend face-to-face sessions with a counselor, which does have an impact on the overall success of the therapy.

These reasons make it clear why eTherapy is so successful. However, that doesn’t mean that traditional therapy is completely replaceable. If you’re dealing with serious self-harming behaviors and are an active risk to yourself or people around you, you may need more thorough medical intervention. In these cases, a traditional psychiatrist with the ability to prescribe medication or recommend a hospital stay may be necessary.

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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.

5 Ways To Make Online Couple’s Therapy More Effective

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Every couple faces good times and bad times. Even the most loving relationship will have its ups and downs. Most couples eventually learn to reconcile and overcome these hurdles. However, sometimes the hurdles can seem insurmountable and cause a great deal of distress to all individuals involved. In such cases, seeking out couple’s therapy can be the best choice you can make for your relationship.

With the rising popularity of online therapy, more couples are willing to seek out help to resolve their issues with the help of a third party. However, online therapy is more effective if you follow the tips mentioned below:

1. Agree on Participation

The first thing you need to do is agree to participate and give therapy your all. A therapist isn’t going to be able to miraculously heal the breach between you and your partner if you’re not willing to work with them. Before booking a session, speak to your partner and discuss why you feel you need therapy. Most people will be more comfortable communicating with an online therapist anonymously. That will make your partner more inclined to consider it.

2. Find a Good Couple’s Therapist

Many people contact their regular therapist instead of finding someone that specializes in couple’s therapy. This type of therapy involves two people and requires a different approach. Inexperienced therapists can do more harm than good. At eTherapyPro, we make sure that clients are assigned a qualified therapist who is able to handle their concerns effectively. You can try a few sessions to see if the assigned therapist works for you and make a decision based on that.

3. Actively Implement the Advice

It is important to actively implement the advice your counselor offers instead of assuming everything will work out just because you’re speaking with a therapist. There are some strategies and mechanisms your counselor will recommend and you can use them to improve your relationship with your partner.

4. Be Willing to Accept Change

Many couples walk into therapy thinking their partner needs to change and understand their perspective. And yes, that is true. Your partner may need to change and understand your perspective on matters. However, you may also need to change. In most cases, problems in marriage happen because of both individuals involved in the relationship. If your partner bears the sole responsibility for what is going wrong and no effort on your part helps, you may need to end the relationship.

5. Attend Therapy Separately

Attending therapy together can go a long way to help you overcome your problems but you also need to attend them separately just to focus on your mindset and concerns for a bit. A healthy relationship often requires healthy partners. If you’re struggling with something, it will have an impact on your relationship and no amount of couple’s therapy can help overcome that. You need to actively work on yourself to get the best results.

At eTherapyPro, we encourage people to focus on success and enter into couple’s therapy with a positive mindset. If you let go of any lingering resentment and are genuinely committed to repairing the relationship, the therapy will be more successful.

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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 Couple’s Therapy

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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 couple’s 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 communications 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 couple’s 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.