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May 28 2022

Transitioning to an Online Therapist? 6 Tips That Can Help

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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, 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 email 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.

Written by Etherapy-Blogs · Categorized: Uncategorized · Tagged: best online therapy, free online therapy, online therapy, Social Anxiety Disorder

Apr 02 2022

Signs That You Have a Social Anxiety Disorder

Therapy

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.

Written by Etherapy-Blogs · Categorized: Uncategorized · Tagged: acute social anxiety disorder, severe social anxiety disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder

Jan 11 2021

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

The way anxiety manifests varies from person to person as each of us is biologically unique, as are our life experiences. With all of this variation, anxiety disorders do fall into several distinct categories. Some of the most common are Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and phobias.

Social anxiety is much more than just shyness. The world is comprised of people who are extroverts, and those that are introverts, and most are somewhere in the middle. Being naturally shy does not mean you have social anxiety. Some people just don’t enjoy being the center of attention, and are content with a few close relationships.

Social anxiety is one of several anxiety disorders that is characterized by an intense fear of being watched and judged by those around you. It causes a person to fear social settings, meeting new people, and feel very uncomfortable around people, even those they already know. This fear can interfere significantly with daily life often making work and school very difficult. One of the challenges of living with social anxiety is the way it limits a person’s ability to make and keep close relationships. Family and friends provide an important support system, and those with an anxiety disorder benefit greatly from this type of support.

Most people are familiar with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is most commonly associated with military combat veterans. While this portion of our society is at a high risk for developing PTSD, they are not the only ones. Anyone that endures a traumatic event can develop this disorder. Some other common events that can lead to PTSD are being a victim of a violent crime such as rape, or assault, car accidents or witnessing a crime or an accident.

When exposed to a significant trauma our brains are kicked into an automatic response for dealing with the situation – fight, flight or freeze. This response is helpful in the moment but can be very difficult if it lingers. Someone suffering from PTSD is often mentally living as if that tragic event is still happening. They can become very fearful and overwhelmed by the mental and physical response to these memories.

Persons suffering from panic disorder experience panic attacks, or anxiety attacks, when faced with certain triggers in their daily life. These triggers can be just about anything that cause a feeling of fear in the individual. Some examples of these are situations that could present as potentially dangerous, but usually are a minor risk in everyday life, such as heights, crowds, driving, elevators, public speaking, etc.

An anxiety attack, or panic attack, is an intense physical sensation that prevents, or severely hinders, a person from continuing with the immediate task at hand. This feeling can include a racing heart rate, sweating, shaking, trembling, extreme butterflies in the stomach, difficulty breathing, and lightheadedness. These feelings, while intense, usually dissipate fairly quickly. The worry of experiencing an attack of this nature may lead a person to avoid settings where they are likely to occur, thus further limiting their ability to function in daily life.

Phobias are irrational fears that hinder enjoyment of everyday life. They can range from a mild aversion to extreme, debilitating fear. Phobias can begin as a reasonable response to a negative element, such as an angry dog, or a large spider. They become a phobia when the fear and related response grow out of proportion to the perceived threat. While a 5 inch black widow spider crawling on your face warrants an extreme reaction, a ½ inch daddy long legs spider on the window does not. Phobias are a mental disorder classified under anxiety disorders and can be treated effectively by many mental health care professionals. There are several treatment options available such as exposure therapy, CBT, and traditional counseling.

The general population has become more aware of hoarding with the popularity of reality tv shows featuring this mental health disorder. It is more than just someone who has a hard time letting go of stuff. Hoarding is a mental disorder that prevents a person from letting go of items that no longer serve them, and even those that are dangerous, or create a negative environment. Hoarding comes with fear of letting go, and creates a large barrier to social interaction.

The problem of hoarding is not solved by simply tidying up and throwing useless items away. For someone with this mental disorder, they need professional assistance to help them learn healthier ways of coping with their emotions, and learning how to let go of the items they are clinging to. If a loved one steps in and takes care of cleaning up the physical environment without addressing the emotional needs of the individual it can be very traumatic. Treatment from a mental health professional is recommended to help the person not just for the short term immediate physical needs, but for their long term mental health and happiness.

General Anxiety Disorder or GAD, is the diagnosis given when someone presents with signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder, but it does not clearly fall into one of these other diagnosis. An individual suffering from GAD may experience some, or all of the aspects of each other type of an anxiety disorder. They may experience panic attacks, and have difficulty in social settings. They may have primarily physical symptoms without a clear environmental trigger. Or they may experience anxiety mostly as an extreme emotional response. Each person is unique, but there is help available no matter what form the anxiety takes.

Many people who suffer from GAD have found relief through cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. This type of therapy focuses on identifying the negative thoughts that lead to anxiety and learning new positive ways to direct those thoughts. It focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors to help the individual experience less anxiety and more contentment in their daily life. If you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, you may want to look for a mental health professional that specializes in CBT.

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.

Written by Etherapy-Blogs · Categorized: Uncategorized · Tagged: anxiety disorder treatment, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, generalized anxiety disorder causes, generalized anxiety disorder cure, generalized anxiety disorder help, Social Anxiety Disorder, types of anxiety disorders, What Is Generalized Anxiety, What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Sep 12 2018

Social Anxiety Disorder – What Is It?

Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people are nervous when meeting new people, or speaking in public. There are very few people that actually enjoy the idea of speaking in front of a crowd, whether for work or your best friend’s wedding. This is a typical response of mild anxiety that in some ways helps you as it can let you know how important it is and motivates you to prepare and practice. This is not Social Anxiety Disorder.

Social Anxiety Disorder, also called Social Phobia, is debilitating anxiety that reaches a point where it interferes with daily life and actively prevents a person from doing normal day-to-day things, like taking the bus, speaking when called on in class, or talking to their boss. This anxiety disorder will keep a person home from work, they will avoid going out, and will work actively to minimize any social contact they have.

Although the causes are not clear, the experience is generally similar for most people with this disorder. They are extremely fearful of standing out and being judged. They have a negative view of themselves, are certain they will be viewed negatively and receive some type of punishment for it. They feel like they are on the spot, or on display at all times, and people are always watching them and judging them. From all this they will actively avoid social situations as much as possible.

What the anxiety feels like and how they respond to it similar to other anxiety disorders, but there are some symptoms specific to this particular disorder. The  signs and symptoms of social anxiety can include:

  • Blushing, sweating, or trembling
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Mind goes blank, leaving you unable to respond to others
  • Feel nauseous or sick to the stomach
  • Rigid body posture
  • Make little eye contact
  • Speak with an overly soft voice
  • Find it scary and difficult to be with other people, especially those they don’t already know, and have a hard time talking to them even though they wish they could
  • Very self-conscious in front of other people and feel embarrassed and awkward
  • Very afraid that other people will judge them
  • Stay away from places where there are other people
  • Anxious or fearful when thinking of, or discussing, social situations
  • Desire to stay as “invisible” as possible in social situations

It’s easy to see there are some more standard signs of anxiety in there, like worry, stomach reactions, rapid heartbeat, but there are also more specific responses like the meekness, the desire to become invisible in social situations, and always feeling in the spotlight. This is a painful experience over and above simple shyness.

This illness limits some of the basic human needs, hindering work, and cutting a person off from friends and family. It is painful, but it can be treated. Reaching out for help is the first step, and as with the other anxiety disorders, the sooner treated, the better the prognosis.  Social anxiety disorder can be effectively treated by mental health professionals such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or online counselor.

An online counselor maybe the best solution for a person suffering with social anxiety. Online therapy programs allow a person to communicate with a professional from the comfort of home, without the need to travel, or deal with a busy office.

Talk to an Expert about Social Anxiety Today! Start a trial of online counseling.

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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.

Written by Wendy Minks · Categorized: Uncategorized · Tagged: anxiety, Anxiety Disorder, extreme social anxiety disorder, generalized social anxiety disorder, overcoming social anxiety disorder, sad social anxiety disorder, severe social anxiety disorder, signs of social anxiety disorder, social anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, social anxiety disorder causes, social anxiety disorder cure, social anxiety disorder diagnosis, social anxiety disorder help, social anxiety disorder in children, social anxiety disorder psychotherapy, social anxiety disorder social phobia, social anxiety disorder symptoms, social anxiety disorder therapy, social anxiety disorder treatment, treatment for social anxiety disorder in adults, types of social anxiety disorders

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