The task of finding the best therapy available in your area can be a tricky one. Maybe you’ve tried to type “therapist near me” into google. Then it hit you, you’re basically looking for a complete stranger to help you analyze your innermost struggles. This is one of the reasons why people are afraid of starting counseling.

There’s nothing wrong with anxious thinking. But the good news is that finding a therapist near you is not as hard as you may think. In fact, there are many options out there.

The journey toward finding the best potential therapist might be a little out of your comfort zone. It may even seem a little daunting. People commonly feel motivated and excited about finding support. However, they begin to question that decision when it comes down to actually contacting a counselor to get started.

Admitting that you might be struggling in your life is the first step to improving your mental health. The steps that follow aren’t all that difficult, but often your mind convinces you otherwise. Facing any type of change, no matter how promising, can make you apprehensive and resistant.

If you think that you might benefit from therapy, read on to find out how you can get the best therapy near you.

 

Why Do I Need Therapy?

 

In the past, mental health issues used to be something people preferred not talking about. However, these days, social movements are working towards removing the stigma associated with mental health care.

Mental illness is a huge issue worldwide and more people are speaking up as they are becoming more aware, educated and accepting. In the US alone, it’s been estimated that 1 in 5 adults go through some or other mental health struggle. [1]

Therapy is not mainly for people who are at the extreme end of a mental health problem like mania or major depression. In fact, many people we pass by every day are fighting an internal emotional war.

Therapy is for everyone who’re striving to improve their lives, have healthier relationships or reach their highest potential.

 

So Why do People Need Therapy?

In essence, things happen that have a negative impact on people’s lives which can be traumatic or hard for them to navigate. Some may have trouble communicating their struggles to their loved-ones while others experience symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Whether it be issues with substance abuse, childhood trauma or inherited mental health conditions. Interestingly, situations like a toxic work environment and toxic relationships in your life can lead you to a emotional crossroads.

Anyone who needs some guidance might benefit from talking to a licensed mental health counselor. They can help you process stressors in your life, confront emotional concerns, and develop methods to cope and make positive changes.

You might also need to see a therapist if you have a diagnosed mental health issue. They can provide a diagnostic assessment and offer practical tools to help you shift towards positivity and a more balanced life. Individuals with major depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder and those who have problems with addiction can all benefit from ongoing and thorough mental health treatment.

Things are changing and the conversation around mental health is starting to make some serious steps towards better approaches and attitudes.

 

Which Type of Therapy Will I Need?

Don’t let anything stand in your way. If you have looked at the reasons why people need therapy and feel like you need to be searching for a therapist, go ahead.

Before committing to a specific type of treatment you may want to figure out which type of therapy might be best. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t have the expertise needed for “self-diagnosing.”

Remember, though, that learning more about therapy options can help you to develop insight into the approach that may best serve you.

We’ve put together a short description of various approaches that might help you to decide about the type of counseling you might need.

You should keep in mind that no two people are the same. For this reason, we won’t all benefit from the same type of therapy. This is true even if we are dealing with a similar issue as someone else.

Many factors play a role in helping you make the decision about which therapy is best for you. Your family history and the environment you grew up in (or any current life stressors) could affect your mental health.

Make sure that you find a type of therapy that will work for you. Some people still imagine themselves lying on a long outstretched chair talking away while the therapist simply sits there taking notes. News flash! Therapy has evolved and nowadays, you can even receive therapy online.

If you are not sure if therapy is right for you, an initial session with a licensed therapist can help you to determine your needs.

 

 

What Are The Different Types of Counseling?

Some of the most commonly used modalities used by mental health professionals to treat mental health issues include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-centered therapy, existential therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR and ACT.
 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT)

This psycho-therapeutic treatment helps patients realize how their thoughts and feelings can actually influence their behavior. The therapist will help you to identify the thought patterns that are influencing you. This is to get rid of those problematic thoughts that are negatively impacting your life and happiness.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular approach. It has been proven to do wonders for people with conditions like depression, anxiety, addiction problems and any type of phobia. [2]

Client-Centered Therapy

With client-centered therapy, you are in control and the therapist is more of a facilitator. Instead, they only direct the therapy session. The therapist would generally assume an empathetic role.

The goal with this type of therapy is to form a healthy self-concept or to achieve self-actualization. It is based on the idea that people who develop a stable sense of “the self” tend to be more confident. They also seem to be better equipped to cope with the challenges they face in life.

This approach is often used by life coaches as well as therapists. Additionally, it is often done in more of an eclectic manner. Counselors who utilize client-centered therapy generally also use other evidence-based approaches.

 

Existential Therapy

This type of therapy is very different from psychodynamic therapy. It is mainly about exploring the difficulties you experience in life from a philosophical perspective.

Existential therapy focuses on the “human condition” and encourages people to take responsibility for their own actions. It also helps you to highlight your personal capacity to look life right in the face and achieve success on your own terms. [4]

 

Gestalt Therapy

At the center of gestalt therapy lies the holistic view that people are linked to and, all in all, influenced by the environment in which they live. The aim here is to work towards balance through personal growth.

The therapist in the scenario of gestalt therapy will involve you in role-playing exercises to help you practice ways to react and cope with “real life” situations. [5]

 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

As a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy considers the in which negative thinking patterns affect you. However, instead of changing these negative patterns, with DBT the focus is acceptance and change.

What makes it unique is that the person learns to accept an experience as a way to feel reassured. Then they need to work on changing the negative behaviors brought on by a negative mindset.

The experts reckon that better results are achieved using acceptance and change together than either of them would separately.

This kind of therapy prioritizes acceptance along with emotional regulation using the skills you’ll learn to cope with challenging situations or life in general. DBT mainly helps people build the following skills:

• Mindfulness
• Emotional regulation
• Distress tolerance
• Interpersonal effectiveness

 

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

As part of the so-called “third wave” of behavioral therapies, ACT (along with DBT among others) places a huge emphasis on developing mindfulness skills.

It’s based on the tradition of empirical science, however it challenges the ground rules. It places a large emphasis on values, acceptance, forgiveness, being present in the moment and forming a transcendent version of “the self.”

The ideal with ACT would be to create a meaningful life and accept the unavoidable pain that might come along with it.

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

People who suffer from symptoms of emotional distress might benefit well from EMDR. It is a psychotherapy that equips people to handle the symptoms and emotions after a disturbing life experience.

This treatment works with your traumatic memories and your positive thoughts or beliefs. These are brought together to reduce the stress you might feel after a traumatic event.

Additionally, with the above mentioned thoughts and images all working together, your therapist will ask you to pay attention to a stimulus outside of your body such as finger tapping.

EMDR treatment mainly focuses on:

• Distress, trauma, and memories from your past
• Current situations that may be causing your distress
• Development of the skills as well as the attitudes needed to take positive actions

 

How Do I Find A Therapist Near Me?

Having a positive and supportive therapeutic relationship with your therapist is the most important foundation for change. Research has shown that even if you receive the perfect type of therapy, the therapist-patient alliance is the key to success.

Finding the perfect therapist can feel like a challenge. However, if you can bring a sense of persistence and patience to the process of finding the right counselor you are a step closer to experiencing lasting change in your life.

You might have considered the idea that therapy could hold the answers to the issues you’ve been having or perhaps even the ones you’ve always had.

Still sitting with the thought: “How can I find a therapist near me?”

We have some good news for you!

Getting started doesn’t have to be all that daunting. The first step to finding a therapist near you is to take a long hard look at yourself in order to discover the obstacles you need to overcome on your way to optimal mental health.

Do you need individual therapy, couples therapy, or counseling for anger management, addictive behavior or marriage counseling? You might not be sure about what you’ll need and that is totally understandable.

Remember though that, as mentioned above, a first session with a licensed mental health professional can help to illuminate the type of therapy that might be best for you.

The most important thing is to find a therapist that you resonate with. You need to be able to divulge personal information that might get a bit awkward when you don’t feel comfortable around your therapist.

The experience might even be a bit awkward regardless, and like all relationships, it’ll take some time to get to know your therapist.

 

Therapist Near Me: Finding the Best Therapy

Now that you know it’s not as difficult as you thought to get hold of a therapist near you, why don’t you get started?

You can type in “mental health therapists near me” into your search engine or ask your physician iif they can recommend any good options. You can also check with your insurance company to see while local therapists are covered. 

Find the best fit for your situation, your options are:

• Hop online and use resources like Psychology Today
• Contact your insurance provider
• Ask your friends or family members for recommendations
• Visit a trusted GP to ask for a referral

Therapist Near Me: Finding the Best
 

It’s completely fine to feel a little apprehensive at first. It is something new and it might even be a little out of your comfort zone. 

 People who avoid therapy may resort to self-medicating if they don’t get the support that they deserve. It’s often not such a great idea to try and diagnose yourself. Avoiding therapy can lead people to self diagnose and look for solutions by reading information online that may not be reliable.  

Deciding to start therapy is a big decision, but you deserve to feel better now. So don’t put off connecting with a counselor!

 

Resources:

1. https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-By-the-Numbers
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/cognitive-behavioral-therapy 
3. https://www.verywellmind.com/client-centered-therapy-2795999 
4. https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/therapy-types/existential-therapy 
5. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/gestalt-therapy 
6. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/dialectical-behavioral-therapy#1 
7. https://www.psychotherapy.net/article/Acceptance-and-Commitment-Therapy-ACT 
8. https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/ 

f you’re seeking out mental health services, you may feel overwhelmed when you begin your search. Do you need a therapist or a psychologist? Or do you need a psychiatrist? Or do you need more than one? How does psychology differ from psychiatry? Although people may use the terms interchangeably it’s crucial to know the differences between the definition of a psychologist v therapist.  

This information can help you locate the best mental health care for your needs. Additionally, understanding the slight differences will enable you to make the best decision. 

 

Psychologist v Therapist: What Are The Main Differences?

There is a lot of overlap when it comes to the services provided by mental health professionals. Therapists and psychologists share many job duties. Additionally, they often work together to coordinate optimal client care. This coordination is common in settings like:

• Hospitals
• Standalone mental health facilities
• Schools
• Inpatient treatment centers
• Nonprofit facilities
• Private practice 
• Online therapy

In general, mental health professionals all have the same goal. They want to help you improve your life-quality. All of them share the desire to understand human behavior. Furthermore, they provide support, compassion, and guidance for their clients.

 

Differences In Education

Psychologists have doctorate-level degrees. They may hold specific titles. For instance, your therapist might hold a Ph.D., PsyD or EDD. All schools maintain specific requirements for conferring degrees. To become a psychologist, you need to:

• Complete and graduate from an accredited program
• Defend a dissertation
• Complete one or more clinical internships
• Pass required board exams
• Maintain good standing through continuing education units 

 

Therapists fall under more of a general umbrella term. Many mental health professionals provide therapy services. Therapists can include any of the following:

• Psychologists
• Clinical social workers
• Marriage and family therapists
• Psychiatrists
• Licensed clinical counselors

 

All therapists must complete appropriate graduate-level training and internship work. They also need to adhere to state regulations. Likewise, they must pass state board exams and complete a certain number of continuing education units.  

The main difference between the two professions comes back to the doctorate. Therapists may have doctorates. However, psychologists must have them. 

Differences In Services 

Therapists and psychologists offer many of the same clinical services. For example, both professionals can: 

• Diagnose mental health conditions
• Provide individual therapy for clients of all ages
• Offer family or couples therapy 
• Facilitate psychoeducation 
• Run support groups
• Offer case management services
• Supervise interning therapists 
• Facilitate mental health workshops and trainings 
• Coordinate clinical care with other professionals like physicians, teachers, lawyers, dietitians, and case managers
• Offer referrals and resources for other services 

 

Many mental health professionals wish to teach and both psychologists and therapists can teach in academic settings. However, some universities require their faculty to have doctorate degrees. 

Clinical research represents an essential part of psychology science. Both therapists and psychologists can interpret and conduct research. Some psychologists specialize in research and data analysis. They might choose to pursue this path instead of providing traditional therapy. 

Differences In Specializations

Therapists and psychologists may also have overlapping specializations. For example, both professions can work with individuals, couples, or families. Both can receive additional training in modalities like art therapy, psychoanalysis, or EMDR.  

Some therapy programs focus more on a systemic approach. Systemic-based therapists may specialize in couples therapy or family work seeing as they tend to focus on groups rather than individuals. Rather than focusing on a single person, they believe that change entails examining the entire unit.  

Licensed clinical psychologists may provide their clients with various assessments. They also interpret the results from this data, so that they can treat the client accordingly with psychotherapy. Therapists sometimes conduct tests. However, they must have the appropriate training to be able to do this. 

Differences In Costs

Psychologists often charge more for their therapy sessions. Nevertheless, it really depends on the professional. Before starting your treatment, you will discuss the fees associated with it. Both psychologists and therapists can provide sliding scale services. Moreover, many insurance companies offer reimbursement for both psychologists and therapists.

 

Psychologist v Therapist

Some people use the term psychologist and psychiatrist interchangeably. However, many differences exist between these two professions. So how does a psychiatrist differ from a psychologist? 

Psychiatrists hold medical degrees. They must complete medical school and their residency. Basically, you first become a doctor and then you specialize. Additionally, they earn state licenses for medicine and psychiatry. Psychiatrists can:

• Provide a medical prescription
• Order brain imaging tests
• Conduct physical exams
• Check and screen for other physical abnormalities 

 

Although it’s rare, psychiatrists sometimes also perform psychotherapy. This means that clients may meet with their psychiatrists for both therapy and medications. Other clients see a psychiatrist in conjunction with another mental health professional. 

 

Psychologist vs Therapist: What’s Best For You?

Both therapists and psychologists specialize in understanding human behavior. They both seek to improve the lives of the people they treat. They blend compassion with practical solutions for their clients.  

Everyone has different mental health treatment needs. An approach that works well for one client might be detrimental to someone else. For this reason, many people believe that it’s the person not the title that defines effective mental health treatment. Indeed, it’s often the relationship (and not the letters behind their name) that helps people the most. 

 

References:

1. https://www.rlf.org.uk/resources/what-is-a-dissertation-how-is-it-different-from-an-essay/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
3. https://exploringyourmind.com/everything-need-to-know-systemic-therapy/

 

Something needs to change. Maybe you’ve been experiencing distress for a while, or maybe you’ve only recently begun struggling. Perhaps you’ve heard about the benefits that mental health counseling can offer and finally decided it’s time to talk to someone. But the question remains: “Where can I get mental health counseling near me?” 

Unfortunately, many people feel overwhelmed when they begin searching for mental health support. After all, there are so many things to consider. Which credentials matter? What is a reasonable fee? Should you consider traditional therapy, or is it worth checking out online therapy options?  

Let’s unpack what you need to know.

Tips For Finding A Mental Health Counselor

First, you must consider what your counseling needs are. What are you currently struggling with? Which goals do you want to set for yourself or your family? Do you need individual support, or are you seeking relationship therapy as a couple or for your marriage?  

Some people enter therapy knowing exactly what they want to achieve. Many people want support for depression, anxiety or some or other type of phobia. Additionally, if you’ve been trying to cope with the passing of a loved-one, you might want guidance for dealing with grief.  

However, therapy goals aren’t always that apparent and some people aren’t exactly sure what they need. They just know they need help. These people usually know something is “off.” They just aren’t sure what they’re supposed to do about it. Which is reasonable. Fortunately, the right mental health counselor can help to assess and prioritize the work you need to do. 

When selecting a mental health counselor, you must consider several factors. Let’s break them down.

Type of Counseling Service

Counselors have different specialties and preferences. Some focus on working with individuals while others specialize in couples or family therapy. You should consider your specific goals to determine the best counseling for you. If you’re not sure, you could ask if your counselor offers more assistance to help you establish the most suitable treatment approach. All therapists have different areas of expertise. If a therapist does not specialize in the kind of treatment you need, they will most likely refer you to a specialist.  

Type of Counselor

The term “counselor” is an umbrella term. Many professionals hold this position. In fact, all of the following are all considered to be counselors:  

• Psychologists 
• Marriage and family therapists
• Social clinical workers
• Licensed professional clinical counselors
• Case managers
• Certified drug and alcohol counselors 

All counselors must adhere to certain legal and ethical requirements. They must also complete a designated number of coursework assignments and internship hours. If you aren’t sure about a potential counselor’s credentials, just ask. Counselors must exercise transparency when sharing their education and licenses. 

Counseling Approach

All counselors work from a theoretical framework. The framework refers to how they understand your struggles. It also provides guidance for how to best treat you. Some common counseling theories include:

 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT explores the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Your counselor can help you challenge thought patterns that are not helpful to you. Through this process, you can also learn to change undesirable behaviors. 

• Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy explores how past experiences impact your current functioning. It also helps to bring unconscious thoughts to the surface. Understanding unconscious motives can help you improve self-awareness. 

• Person-centered therapy: Here, the therapist will focus on empathy and unconditional positive regard. Your counselor creates a supportive environment that is designed for you to grow. 

• Solution-focused therapy: This type of therapy looks at how you can set and achieve action-based goals. Instead of exploring problems or setbacks, your counselor will encourage you to find solutions.

• Narrative therapy: With narrative therapy, clients have the opportunity to separate themselves from their issues. Essentially, you learn how to rewrite and redefine your life narrative. This, in turn, helps to change the way you feel about yourself. 

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR helps to relieve some of the symptoms associated with trauma. Essentially, you will learn how to think and talk about what happened to you without feeling intense distress.

 

Counselor Near Me: How To Find A Counselor

Depending on where you live, you may have numerous counseling options. It can feel quite challenging to choose the right person! 

After identifying your needs and goals, you can start your search. Some people wish to use their health insurance. If you do, make sure to contact your insurance company for a list of providers. Determine your deductible and copayment beforehand. Some counselors accept insurance while others do not. Moreover, there are counselors who provide superbills, which are essentially invoices detailing your services. 

You may want to ask your friends or family members for a referral. If you know someone who enjoyed working with their counselor, don’t hesitate to inquire! You can also search,”mental health counseling near me” or browse through an online directory. 

From there, you will usually proceed to a phone or in-person consultation. Remember that finding the right counselor may require some trial-and-error. Don’t be discouraged if the first person doesn’t work out. Because, just like with any relationship, the best fit requires some chemistry. 

The Benefits Of Online Mental Health Counseling

Online counseling is becoming more and more popular. It offers unique flexibility, convenience, and remote accessibility. You don’t have to worry about driving to your sessions or sitting in a waiting room. Moreover, online counselors can often accommodate busy schedules.  

Online mental health counseling works in a similar way to traditional counseling. You and your counselor collaborate on appropriate treatment goals and you may work on a variety of mental health issues. However, unlike traditional counseling, most online platforms allow for correspondence between sessions. Clients can usually text or send messages whenever they want to.  

Finding The Best Mental Health Counselor 

Life can be hard, and we all feel stuck sometimes. It isn’t always easy to ask for help, but reaching out is a tremendous sign of strength. Go ahead! Just open your search engine and type the words: “Counseling near me” to search for counseling services near you. 

Mental health counselors help their clients work through difficult issues to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. If you’re struggling, reach out! Help is available, and you don’t need to suffer any longer. 

 

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/theoretical-orientation
2. https://www.thebalance.com/is-couples-therapy-covered-by-insurance-4782914
3. https://www.inc.com/amy-morin/does-online-therapy-work-heres-what-science-says.html

Grief refers to the sorrow and anguish associated with loss. While loss is a natural and universal part of life, some grief can be so strong and intense that it interferes with daily functioning. Although everyone grieves differently, people can find themselves stuck or lost in this challenging process. This is where grief counseling comes in.

Grief counseling provides support, compassion, and practical coping tools for people enduring loss. While it doesn’t solve all the stressors associated with grief, it can provide a roadmap for healing and moving forward. 

What Do We Grieve Over? 

Most of us assume that grief  is only a response to the death of a loved one. While death is one of the most difficult experiences we endure, it’s certainly not the only type of loss we face.

Grief can happen when we lose a person, but it can also occur when we undergo other significant losses in our lives. These losses may include a breakup or divorce job loss, or geographical relocation. They may also be more abstract. For example, if someone is diagnosed with a health condition, he might grieve the life he used to have before getting sick. In essence, grief can manifest whenever we lose someone or something of value. 

What Are The Different Kinds Of Grief?

While grief is a universal emotion, it can often be misunderstood, suppressed, and even invalidated. Furthermore, there are many different kinds of grief, and these differences can impact the way people feel and react. The main types of grief include: 

Anticipatory Grief 

Anticipatory grief refers to anticipating death. This grief can accompany a life-threatening illness like terminal cancer or dementia. The griever is simultaneously preparing for death while navigating the changes in their loved one’s health.

Delayed Grief

Delayed grief occurs when grief symptoms emerge much later than when the loss happened. In some cases, it can take many years for the grief to manifest, and the delay happens due to the griever consciously or unconsciously suppressing the pain. Delayed grief can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, the griever attempts to postpone “dealing with their feelings” to manage other practical problems. Other times, the griever takes on the role of being the ‘strong one,’ which results in them taking care of other people rather than themselves.  

Prolonged Grief

Prolonged grief refers to intense, long-term grief that continues to persist for several months or years. The griever spends a great deal of time thinking about their loved one, the death itself, and feels unable to move on.

Inhibited Grief

Inhibited grief can occur in people who struggle to identify and express their feelings. They may approach the grief with logic and reason, but the lack of ability to address their emotions can result in significant distress. 

Disenfranchised Grief

Disenfranchised grief occurs when society or a particular group indirectly or directly shames the cause of death (drug overdose, suicide, drunk driving) or the person who died. This type of grief often makes the griever feel isolated and invalidated in their experiences. 

Traumatic Grief

Traumatic grief can occur when someone died in a violent, harsh, or otherwise traumatic way. The griever might find themselves ruminating over the cause of death and may experience residual trauma symptoms like avoidance, flashbacks, nightmares, or panic attacks.

Collective Grief

Collective grief refers to community-based grief, which can occur in the aftermath of natural disasters, war, or terrorist attacks.  

Grief Counseling: What is It?

Grief counseling with a licensed mental health professional provides a nonjudgmental and compassionate space for people coping with a recent or past loss. Counseling may integrate a variety of treatment goals. Here are some grief counseling techniques.

 

Exploring Feelings and Thoughts Related to the Loss

People often benefit from having a space where they can speak what’s on their mind. Therapy offers this space without the unsolicited advice or generic cliches often associated with grief.  

Coping with Trauma Related to the Loss

It’s not uncommon to experience shame or loss as a result of grief, especially if the loss included trauma. Therapy can help provide coping skills for mitigating trauma symptoms.

Sharing Stories, Insight, or Lessons Learned

Finding meaning through loss can help people feel more at peace with themselves and with moving forward. 

Navigating Life Changes as a Result of the Loss

Many people feel overwhelmed with new tasks or responsibilities in the aftermath of a loss. Therapy can provide support and guidance in coping with these transitions.

Building a Healthy Support System 

Research continues to highlight the numerous benefits associated with having a healthy support system. Therapy can help strengthen the social skills associated with creating and maintaining friendships.

Strengthening a Sense of Acceptance for the Loss

While acceptance for loss may feel impossible, therapy can help people come to terms with what happened. In doing this, people feel more empowered to move forward with their lives. 

When Should Someone Consider Grief Counseling?

Anyone struggling with grief can benefit from counseling. Subsequently, people don’t need a ‘specific’ reason to reach out to a therapist for help. Grief therapy doesn’t adhere to a linear timeline. Therefore, counseling can be beneficial during any stage.

It’s normal to experience intense emotions when a loss occurs. There isn’t a standard response to loss, but people often cycle through a combination of shock and disbelief, sadness, anger, guilt, and fear. They might also experience physical symptoms like aches and pain, fatigue, and nausea.

For most people, these emotions lessen in severity with time. However, for some people, the grief persists, and the symptoms can feel so debilitating that it feels impossible to move forward in life. These symptoms might include: 

• Feeling sad for most or all of the day
• Finding it difficult to concentrate at work and during other tasks 
• Experiencing appetite changes and weight fluctuations
• Struggling with sleep
• Feeling disconnected or numb from reality
• Having problems in interpersonal relationships with friends and family
• Experiencing profound loneliness and a sense of emptiness
• Experiencing intense rage 
• Desiring to hurt oneself or others
• Feeling a loss of identity or purpose 

 

Final Thoughts on Grief Counseling

Grief counseling offers a safe and supportive environment for people struggling with loss. No matter the type of loss, the feelings can be downright overwhelming. Reaching out for help can provide reassurance and comfort during this vulnerable time.

While grief is an unavoidable part of life, it shouldn’t be the defining factor. If grief is blocking you from happiness or fulfillment, counseling can help you find the relief you need.

The world has become increasingly more digitized. Nearly a third of Americans are constantly connected to their digital devices. Given this trend in other areas of our lives, the trend towards digital access to counseling is not surprising. The development of online therapy has made talking to licensed mental health counselors much easier than ever before. 

Tele health services for both healthcare and online therapy include options like live videoconferencing, remote patient monitoring, and mobile communication. Patients can communicate with their online therapist or doctor at any time of day. These services can be a lot cheaper than seeing a provider in person.

Research shows that nearly half of Americans have met with a therapist at some point in their lives. That being said, the landscape for receiving help continues to evolve. 

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy refers to virtual mental health support that you can access through any device with Internet capabilities. This can be accomplished through many mediums including:

• Email
• Text messages
• Online chats
• Video conferencing
• Online phone systems 

Online therapy may happen in real-time through live conversation. However, therapists may also conduct sessions in a time-delayed format. This is a popular method with various messaging systems.

Many platforms offer online therapy. Some of the best online therapy platforms include: 

BetterHelp

With BetterHelp you’ll be able to choose from a variety of video conferencing, live chat, and messaging options. You can message your counselor whenever you feel like it. Also, if you’re not happy with your assigned counselor, you can switch at any time.  

Talkspace 

You’ll have various unlimited messaging options with talkspace. They also feature a video conferencing option. Therapists can get back to you 5 days a week, so you don’t have to wait too long to receive help. 

iCounseling

The Platform, iCounseling provides a combination of live chat, messaging, and video-based therapy. It seeks to serve clients of all demographics. Once matched to a therapist, you can freely send messages whenever you feel like it.   

Amwell 

At Amwell, they provide comprehensive telemedicine. Extending beyond therapy, you can connect with mental health professionals, doctors, and other medical specialists. This is a 24/7 telehealth service. Simply enroll in the program, choose your designated specialist, and schedule your appointment. 

7 Cups of Tea

The platform, 7 Cups of Tea provides you with two options. They offer free counseling via trained volunteer listeners. They also offered paid therapy via licensed therapists through a confidential chatroom. 7 Cups of Tea advertises the philosophy of ‘growth at your own pace.’ In other words, you find your personal growth path and learn coping skills along the way. 

Teen Counseling

This platform provides professional therapy for youth ages 13-19. It is the largest program for youth and adolescents. They offer counseling services via direct messaging, live chatting, phone calls, and videoconferencing. If you aren’t satisfied with your counselor, you can switch at any time.  

Pride Counseling

At Pride Counseling, they specialize in online therapy for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. They offer services through messaging, phone, and video. All Pride Counseling therapists specialize in the LGBTQ+ community. They support clients with a variety of issues including mental health concerns, LGBTQ+ struggles, or relationship problems. 

Regain

This platform exclusively focuses on relationship counseling. Clients share a joint account with their partner and therapist. Meaning both you, your partner, and your therapist can view all communication. Additionally, both partners attend the online sessions together.

Many therapists also offer direct online therapy options through confidential portals. This personalized system can provide you with more freedom and flexibility.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Online Therapy?

Compared to in-person counseling, online therapy offers numerous advantages for clients. These advantages include the following:

Convenience

Online therapy offers tremendous convenience. Clients can work with their therapists in the privacy of their own office, home, or location of choice. So, you don’t have to worry about driving to an office and you won’t have to sit in a busy waiting room or deal with traffic. Also, if you think about it, plugging in wherever you are saves both time and money. 

Flexible Scheduling

Most online therapists offer flexible scheduling for therapy sessions. Which is great for clients who have busy schedules or unconventional work hours

Increased Comfort

Some people feel anxious about attending therapy. The idea of sharing vulnerable details with a complete stranger might deter you from seeking traditional treatment. However, online therapy offers a variety of support platforms for hassle free online therapy sessions. Options like texting, emailing, and videoconferencing may sound more attractive to anxious clients.

Accessible to All Populations

America struggles with adequate access to mental healthcare. Research shows that 38% of people needed to wait longer than one week for treatment. 

Distance can also be an issue for some. Around 46% of people have had or know someone who commuted more than an hour round trip for treatment. Certain challenges, like a lack of reliable transportation, disabilities, or living in a rural area, can make traditional therapy difficult or downright impossible. Luckily, online therapy makes mental health care accessible to everyone.

Affordability

Some online platforms offer cheaper therapy options than traditional therapy. Which is good news money-wise. 

Helpful for Wary or Anxious Clients

Attending in-person counseling can be overwhelming or daunting for some clients. For this reason, some people find it easier to open up within the comfort of their own home. Imagine logging on and speaking to a therapist from your living room!

Effective

A 2018 study found that online therapy was just as effective as face-to-face treatment. This study considered various conditions including major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. 

How Does It Differ From In-Person Counseling?

Typical therapy sessions online last for about an hour. The session will depend on your individual needs and your personalized treatment plan. Most therapists maintain strict boundaries regarding communication between sessions. In other words, they usually reserve interactions only for crisis situations or emergencies. 

Online therapy tends to be more flexible, because clients have an opportunity to communicate more frequently.

Most online therapy platforms use messaging services through which clients can write to their therapists whenever they need to. Some therapists respond instantly while others may only respond several hours later. This method is known as asynchronous chat. Your therapist will debrief and educate you about this process at the onset of your treatment. 

Some therapists focus heavily on certain sensory cues like nonverbal body language in their sessions. Basically, these cues help them to conceptualize their clients and orient their work. Due to this preference, they might prefer not providing online therapy. 

Why do Some Therapists Prefer Online Therapy?

Of course, other therapists prefer online counseling formats because they like the flexibility and convenience it offers. Many of them report that they’ve noticed that clients open up faster and move deeper into their emotions. This is probably because they feel safe and comfortable working from their own homes.

What Are The Limitations of Online Therapy?

Online therapy does have some limitations. Therefore, before starting treatment, clients should understand what online therapy can and cannot provide. 

First off, successful treatment often depends on the quality of the technology you’re using. Technological deficits can impact the flow of the session. However, a strong WiFi connection mitigates or eliminates most of these issues. 

Online therapists must practice therapy in the states where they are licensed. Depending on your location, this rule might cause some limitations or barriers to seeking qualified care. 

Online therapists must make all strides to promote confidentiality. Nevertheless, some issues concerning privacy and confidentiality are beyond the client and therapist’s control. They can include data breaches, issues related to public WiFi connectivity, and the presence of other people in the client’s vicinity. 

With online therapy rising in popularity, many platforms are working hard to reduce treatment barriers and limitations. 

Can Online Therapy Help Everyone?

Online therapy treats a variety of issues like:

• Mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety
• Relationship stress
• Significant life transitions
• Low self-esteem and self-worth
• Family and couple dynamics

You may find yourself asking: “Does online therapy work?” or “Is online therapy effective for everyone?”

Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space where you can discuss sensitive information and explore vulnerable feelings. You will work with your therapist to identify practical coping skills for positive change. 

With that in mind, online therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone seeing as all platforms have their own requirements. However, most platforms do not treat acute, crisis issues like: 

• Active suicidal ideation or recent suicide attempts
• Active homicidal ideation (the urge and plan to harm someone else)
• Psychosis (bizarre thoughts and emotional disturbances)
• Severe substance use disorders
• Severe eating disorders

These issues often require immediate attention and you may need a higher level of medical or psychological care. Once you are stabilized, you could benefit from online therapy.

What Kinds Of Methods Do Online Therapists Use?

Online therapists use a variety of methods and interventions in their treatment. Nevertheless, all therapists work from a different theoretical framework. These frameworks help guide their sessions. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

Psycho-dynamic Therapy

This type of therapy connects the ways in which your past relationships and experiences contribute to your current relationships and thoughts.

Solution-Focused Therapy

With its emphasis on the present moment and creating effective goals for future change, solution-focused therapy can be quite effective for some people. 

Narrative Therapy

This therapy identifies and re-frames the perspective of certain experiences in your life that could affect the way in which you function in your daily life. 

Person-Centered Therapy 

By building and maintaining a genuine therapeutic relationship through empathy, support, and unconditional positive regard, person-centered therapy can help people overcome life’s obstacles more effectively. 

With that in mind, many therapists combine various interventions into their treatment. This eclectic approach accounts for the individual differences each client brings to therapy.

Is Online Therapy Expensive?

Like traditional therapy, the fees for online therapy vary and some services might offer tiered options. For example, you can subscribe to a monthly plan which may include features like text-based support and videoconferencing. Often, these bundles cost less than traditional counseling approaches. 

Many people use their health insurance to reimburse mental health treatment costs. This subsidy reduces therapy session co-pays. However, most insurance providers do not cover the costs associated with online therapy. So, if you want to be reimbursed, contact your insurance company first to request clarification. 

Online Therapy: Final Thoughts

A lot of people think that online therapy will continue to increase in popularity in the next decade due to its convenience and flexibility. For clients seeking mental health treatment, this is certainly an intriguing option worth exploring. In fact, many would say that online therapy is the future!

If you’re feeling unhappy or discouraged in your relationship, you may be wondering whether you need marriage counseling. Maybe you keep having the same arguments over and over again, and you wonder if it’s possible to come to a compromise or resolution. Perhaps things have been tense for a while, and you feel ambivalent or overwhelmed about having a future with your partner. 

All relationships have ebbs and flows, but consistent relationship stress can undoubtedly affect your quality of life. Relationship counseling can help you work through challenging issues between you and your partner. It can even restore a sense of hope and friendship within the partnership.

What Is Marriage Counseling?

Marriage counseling offers a supportive environment for couples to process feelings, improve communication, deepen their emotional intimacy, and even part amicably if needed. Therapists work with clients to implement new ways of understanding, communicating, and embracing one another.

Marriage therapists don’t take sides or determine who is “right” within a relationship conflict. This process isn’t about finding winners or assigning blame. Instead, counseling is about finding common ground, implementing compromise, and harnessing individual strengths for the collective improvement of the relationship.

Couples therapy can help couples deal with a variety of issues.

 

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling can help you prepare for the long-term commitment associated with marriage. It might include processing different belief systems, family roles, parenting choices, and communication styles. Pre marriage counseling is something that all couples will benefit from regardless of the current state of their relationship.

Many people struggle with sharing their feelings, asserting their needs, and defining their personal boundaries. Additionally, unhealthy communication can lead to one or both partners feeling misunderstood, lonely, angry, and resentful. Fortunately, couples therapy can provide healthy tools for strengthening your relationship and improving healthy communication. 

 

Trust Issues in Marriage

Trust is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. When trust feels shaky or nonexistent, both partners find it hard to connect. Therapy can help you and your partner process the roadblocks that may be causing trust issues between you. 

 

Making Serious Decisions

Some couples find it difficult to make crucial life decisions, like having children or relocating for a job, together. You might have some difficulty making crucial life decisions. Things like whether you want to have children or relocating for work can put a lot of pressure on any relationship. 

 

Sex Therapy

Problems with sex and intimacy can lead to resentment and frustration. Many times, the physical issues. It often happens that physical issues related to sex are related to emotional problems like vulnerability or past trauma. Sex therapy can help address these dynamics. 

 

Mental Illness

If you or your partner struggle with a mental illness, the relationship may feel strained or tense. Therapy can help offer practical solutions for coping with symptoms related to conditions like depression or anxiety. It is typically recommended that the couple also each has their own individual counselor.

 

Family Therapy

Children, in-laws, and other family members can impact the quality of a relationship, especially when partners don’t see eye-to-eye. Family therapy which may or may not involve other family members is important in order to restore equilibrium in the home. Couples can learn to establish appropriate boundaries and guidelines for navigating family dynamics. 

 

Significant Life Transitions

Even positive changes in life can be stressful whether you are moving in together, having your first child, or contemplating retirement. Therapy can help couples transition more easily and confidently when they need to. 

Your therapist will begin your treatment by exploring the nature of your relationship, your current concerns, and your intentions for therapy. Together, you will all collaborate on setting effective counseling goals.

 

Marriage Counseling: Does it Work?

Many couples can benefit from relationship counseling. It doesn’t matter whether you just started dating or you’ve been married for decades. Additionally, it doesn’t matter how old you are, what your sexual orientation is, or whether you’ve tried counseling in the past.

Unfortunately, people often wait until the relationship has completely deteriorated before asking for help. You don’t need to be in an immediate crisis to receive support. In fact, it’s easier to make necessary changes before your relationship is on its last leg. 

Marriage counseling requires openness. People need to be willing to examine both your partner and yourself. People often focus on how they want their partner to change rather than taking responsibility for their behavior. They have identified what’s wrong in their relationship, and they think that everything would be better if their partner behaved differently.

Couples therapy isn’t about pitting a couple against each other. It’s about finding solutions for growth, change, and mutual satisfaction. Therefore, it places emphasis on what you need to change as well.

Not all couples are suitable for couples therapy. If you are in a physically or emotionally abusive relationship or if your partner struggles with a drug or alcohol addiction, seek individual support first. A licensed professional can help steer you in the appropriate direction for tools related to codependency and moving forward in your relationship. 

 

What If Your Partner Doesn’t Want To Attend Marriage Counseling?

Even if you believe that you need relationship counseling, your partner may not be on board. While this can be frustrating, it’s important to consider their needs and feelings. 

Don’t assume you know their reason for refusing therapy. Instead, try to talk about it. Some people believe that it’s inappropriate to talk about personal issues to a stranger. Others may feel that it’s too expensive or time-consuming. By understanding their rationale, it might be easier to decide if you can work through these issues.

You might consider an alternative approach. For example, can they commit to trying just one or two sessions before dismissing the idea altogether? Would they be more interested in the process if they chose the therapist themselves? If they are in their own therapy, would they prefer to discuss couples counseling with their individual therapist first? 

Finally, although it may seem counter-intuitive, you don’t need your partner to benefit from counseling. Seeking individual therapy can help you learn more about yourself, your needs and expectations, and your relationship satisfaction. As you begin to make new changes in your life, you may notice that your partner’s behavior also changes. 

 

How to Find Marriage Counseling Near Me 

You may be wondering: “How can I find marriage counseling near me?” If you know someone who’s had success in couples counseling, you might want to consider asking them about their therapist. If you’re already in therapy, ask your individual therapist if they can provide you with a referral to someone they trust. 

Online Couples Counseling 

If you and your partner have busy schedules, online therapy is a viable and flexible option. Regain offers couples counseling anytime and anywhere; it’s currently the only mainstream online therapy service that provides services catered towards couples. 

 

Marriage Counseling Near Me: Final Thoughts

Give your relationship a fresh new start by going online and googling: “Marriage therapist near me.” You’ll be surprised at how many hassle free marriage counseling solutions you can find online. 

Do what is best for your relationship and find each other again!

Anxiety is a perfectly normal human experience. It is the brain and body’s natural reaction to stress. However, it also has a way of becoming a problem. If the feelings of apprehension and undefined fear are taking over your life, it’s time to regain control. Learn how to calm your anxiety using the 11 best relaxation techniques we’ve researched for you.

When Does Anxiety Become a Problem?

Similar to the fight or flight response, anxiety is meant to serve a purpose. It should prepare you to cope with any kind of anticipated danger. Anxiety boosts your perception. Moreover, it provides you with the speed and strength you’d need to fight a threat. Thanks to anxiety, you might study harder for an exam or notice the risks of a choice better. Or in the worst-case scenario, run for your life.

Yet, it was meant to be a short-term reaction. It becomes a problem when it gets chronic, disproportionate to the situation, too hard to control, and interferes with your functioning. In that case, you might be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. 

Anxiety Symptoms

According to the DSM-5, symptoms that accompany this group of disorders are restlessness, fatigue, difficulties concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. It becomes difficult to relax, even though you could get tired quite easily. You might get edgy, tense, and you might not manage to sleep well. Sometimes, anxiety can become so overwhelming and uncontrollable that it impacts your day-to-day living. That’s when you may be diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional. 

Anxiety affects almost one-third of U.S. adults. Approximately 31% of Americans have  experienced some of the anxiety spectrum disorders during their lifetime. Are you one of them? If so, apart from medication and psychotherapy, there are tools that you can try for yourself to regain control over your mind and body. 

Relaxation Techniques to Tackle Anxiety

If you feel that your anxiety levels are overwhelming, commit to a daily stress relief practice. Listed here are the top 11 relaxation techniques for improving stress and anxiety. They can all potentially improve your relaxation response and decrease any psychological and physical effects of anxiety. 

Pick the one that fits your lifestyle the best. Or, ideally, incorporate them all into your self-care routine. Aim to practice these relaxation techniques every day, even when you’re not feeling overly anxious. Through regular practice, you can train your mind and body to become able to relax once high-intensity anxiety hits. 

Breathing Exercises

One of the first lines of defense, when you’re trying to reduce anxiety levels, is to learn some of the breathing techniques. Yogic breathing, such as ujjayi, bhastrika, and Sudarshan Kriya, were found to alleviate anxiety and stress. 

Start with this simple exercise. Sit comfortably with a good posture, hands relaxing on your thighs. Close your eyes. Inhale through your nose slowly, for five seconds, trying to do so with your belly. Hold for two seconds. Then breathe out through your mouth slowly for another five seconds. Repeat this exercise ten times. 

Try and set aside ten minutes each day for your breathing exercises. You’ll notice that you’re developing the ability to refocus your wandering mind. The problem with anxiety is mostly that your thoughts have gone rogue. By learning to focus on your breath, you’re training your mind not to allow this to happen. Also, the mere mechanics of such breathing exercises produce physiological basis for relaxation. 

Anxiety Reducing Exercises

There’s no disputing the fact that physical exercise reduces anxiety. You don’t need to sign up for expensive or grueling fitness programs. Even 20 minutes a day of a simple activity, such as walking or jogging, can significantly lower your anxiety levels. Both aerobic and strength training can serve as relaxation techniques if you feel crushed by excessive worry. 

Yoga

Yoga, as well as similar forms of exercise, such as tai chi, have been found to ease anxiety when practiced regularly. You can incorporate it into your wake-up routine to relieve morning anxiety. Or, you can end your day with yoga to ensure a good night’s sleep. Yoga poses that can help relieve anxiety are, for example, Big Toe, Bridge, or Extended Puppy pose. 

Nowadays, you don’t need to attend yoga sessions at prescribed days and times. You can sign up for online yoga classes. DoYogaWithMe is a good place to start, as it offers free videos and a massive variety of content.  

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is another tool used extensively and effectively in anxiety-reduction programs. It is a practice that teaches you to be fully aware in the present moment, practice non-judgment and acceptance. Mastering mindfulness is a great tool to bring you back from the dreaded (imagined) future into the present. 

Try this:

Mindful walking in nature can be a perfect addition to your anxiety-fighting toolbox. When you’re out for a walk, start noticing things. Use all your senses to become fully aware of your surroundings. What is it that you hear?  How does your skin feel? Is there a breeze? Now, notice the colors around you. When you catch your mind wandering, simply acknowledge the fact, and bring it back to perceiving the park or the woods. After your walk, notice how you feel now. Do you feel more relaxed and refreshed? With regular practice of mindfulness, this can be your default state of mind. 

Meditation

The technique that often comes hand in hand with yoga and mindfulness is meditation. It helps develop better control over your mind and emotions and teaches you to slow down. Do you not have enough time (or desire) for a full-blown meditation routine? That’s not a problem! There are also micro-meditation techniques you can use whenever and wherever you are.

Try it at home:

You may sit or stand comfortably. No need to close your eyes. Now, take a deep breath through your nose. Notice how it travels through your nostrils, down your throat, into your lungs. Hold it for two seconds. Now breathe out through your nose. Pause. Now, let’s do it one more time. This time, breathe in and out a little slower and deeper. That’s it, you just meditated! You can do micro-meditations whenever you need. Use it to calm down at a family dinner. Make a pause in the middle of a heated argument. Or, micro-meditate in your office before an important phone call.

If you want to commit to a meditation routine, you can also try some of the available apps. The Calm app is “Your Therapist’s” favorite!

Progressive Relaxation Techniques

If you want to learn how to reduce anxiety, you should learn to relax your muscles. It may sound simple, but it takes some practice. We’re commonly unaware of how tense we are and where the tension lies. So, lie comfortably on your back. If you’re new to this technique, listen to a progressive muscle relaxation audio. It might assist you until you grab ahold of the skill. 

You will be tensing and then relaxing groups of muscles in your body. Start with the toes of one foot. Tense them and hold for as much as you can. Then, slowly release the tension. Remember how it feels to be relaxed. Now, move up your leg, then the other, your hands and arms, shoulders, belly, chest, neck, and finish with your face. After the exercise, don’t rush back into your hectic life. Take your time to stay in this relaxed state for as much as you can.

 

Visualization

When you feel apprehensive about a specific event in your life, such as speaking in public, visualization will help you prepare for it. The goal is for you to imagine the situation revolving flawlessly, feel confident, and experience it all as if it were reality. Combine it with more general visualization techniques for anxiety. That way, you’ll be equipped to better deal with any stressful situation.

 

Laughter

According to WebMD, laughing out loud relieves stress and anxiety both mentally and physically. When you giggle, your body produces endorphins. At the same time, your cortisol levels are being reduced. In simple terms, it means that your whole body works to make you feel (and stay) happy. So, tune in to your favorite sitcom, talk to someone who makes you chuckle – even funny cats videos will do.

Relaxing Music

If you want to cope better with anxiety in your life, make a list of your favorite relaxing songs (or soothing sounds). Bring it with you wherever you go. Listening to soothing music can significantly decrease how anxious you feel, research shows.

Forest-Bathing

Most of us can attest to feeling less stressed after spending some time in nature. Now scientific research is beginning to substantiate the benefits of reconnecting with nature. Even a short walk in the city park will help you become more relaxed. Your overall mood will improve. Additionally, you’ll notice obsessive thoughts going away. Therefore, you will feel much less anxious. 

 

The Final Relaxation Technique – Overall Self-Care

Ultimately, it all comes down to how well you’re looking after yourself. So, as the concluding relaxation technique, we urge you to commit to a life philosophy of self-care. Let it be more than just an occasional technique you use. Make it your lifestyle. 

You know yourself best. And you have it in you to heal whatever ailment you may have. All that it takes is for you to tend to your physical and psychological needs. Surround yourself with supportive people. Introduce an anxiety-fighting routine into your daily schedule, and liberate yourself from excessive worry and constant apprehension!

References:

1. https://mindfulminutes.com/ease-anxiety-with-visualization-techniques/ 
2. https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot#1 
3. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml 
4. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-relaxation-response-3145145 
5. https://www.truerelaxations.com/quick-meditations-busy-days/
6. https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/yoga-by-benefit/anxiety