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Guide to Online Therapy for Mental Health

Seeking help for mental health issues is crucial, as otherwise, it can affect various aspects of people’s lives. With increasing awareness of mental health, many people have been approaching professionals like psychiatrists and psychologists to address concerns about their mental health. The key to doing this and managing one’s  mental health condition is early diagnosis.

Guide to Online Therapy for Mental Health
And for many who cannot travel or stay in remote locations, online therapy has emerged as an effective solution.

Benefits of seeking online therapy for mental health
Here is why one should seek online therapy to manage their mental health:

1. Is affordable
One of the main reasons people choose online mental health consultations over in-person ones is affordability. While taking care of one’s mental health is an indispensable aspect of one’s well-being, many people cannot afford the costs involved in therapy and interventions. Online therapy is a highly budget-friendly option for such individuals.

2. Saves time
Online therapy sessions do not involve a commute, which saves considerable time. Also, online therapy makes mental health consultations accessible to everyone, including those living in distant or remote locations.

3. Creates a safe space
Often, those with mental health conditions may not be very comfortable leaving the ir safe spaces to discuss their issues with a practical stranger. However, with online therapy, one can attend the session from the comfort of one’s home or room, which gives one a sense of security as the therapy sessions progress.

4. Ensures privacy
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma associated with mental health conditions and seeking help for them. As a result, one might feel a little conscious or uncomfortable attending therapy at a center. Online therapy ensures that clients have absolute privacy and don’t have to disclose their mental states to others unless they wish to.

5. Has 24×7 services
Many centers offering online therapy have helpline numbers that one can call to seek help at any time. This makes mental health facilities more approachable and allows for timely intervention.

6. Allows easy access through mobile devices
Online therapy doesn’t require fancy gadgets; even a regular mobile phone with an internet connection is sufficient to communicate with a therapist. So, these services can be easily availed of by anyone.

Types of online therapy for mental health
Here are a few types of online therapy services available:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy
The basic premise of cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is that one’s mental health issues stem from faulty thought patterns. So, the therapy works to identify and change these thought patterns, which, in turn, change behavior. The therapist collaborates with the client to identify such patterns and find more positive ways of thinking. As a result, one develops a more positive perspective on life and can eventually heal from the underlying mental health issue.

2. Interpersonal therapy
This type of therapy focuses on improving clients’ relationships with significant others. Essentially, the therapist interacts with the client to understand the nature of their relationships with those in their lives. Therapists then figure out the negative interaction patterns with these people and help them rectify them, which can help boost their mental health.

3. Emotion-focused therapy
Clients are encouraged to talk about their deep-rooted feelings rather than bottling them up. Based on interactions with clients, online therapists evaluate their underlying emotions that are possibly causing their mental health issues. They then make their clients realize the presence of such emotions and work on them consciously.

4. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
In this technique, a person recalls a traumatic incident while carrying out specific eye movements, as instructed by a therapist. Although this type of therapy may not be suitable for all mental health issues, its effectiveness has been proven for some.

5. Psychodynamic therapy
Based on past experiences, therapists leveraging the psychodynamic approach help clients overcome negative thoughts and behaviors that are currently affecting them. Psychoanalysis is a type of psychodynamic therapy that involves techniques like dream analysis and free association.

6. Humanistic approach
The humanistic approach is based on unconditional positive regard for an individual. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of a person, the therapy helps with aspects like self-growth and development, stemming from the belief that all people are innately good.

Tips to choose an online therapist
Here are a few tips for choosing an online therapist:

1. Check the therapist’s qualifications, experience, and license
The first step is to gather information about online therapy and therapists. A psychologist offering online therapy should have a master’s degree in psychology and proven experience with popular techniques like CBT, EFT, and psychodynamic therapy. Also, the therapist should be licensed to practice in the country.

2. Look for online reviews
Checking online reviews of the mental health service provider or center gives one a fair idea of the therapist’s proficiency and genuineness. So, one should check reviews before booking a consultation with an online therapist.

3. Speak with the therapist first
One should always request to have a word directly with the therapist before the sessions start because it can help one understand the therapist’s listening skills, proficiency, patience, and adeptness at dealing with those with mental health issues.

4. Discuss the fees beforehand
One should always understand the fees and mode of payment before the sessions start. This way, one can compare the fees of different therapists and finalize one who perfectly balances skills with the price charged.

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