All the way back in 2004, over thirty million Americans received some form of psychotherapy. It effectiveness and practicality have made in a cornerstone of many types of treatment.
Also, people with no particular diagnosis often feel better afterward and report improved relationships.
The digital world can help you connect with mental health resources. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of an online counseling session.
Why Have An Online Counseling Session?
A lot of people seem to be resistant to going to therapy. Perhaps, they want to feel like they can handle all of their problems on their own. Other people genuinely don’t have the means to get to therapy.
However, therapy works and it does the mind good for everyone, whether you have a medical diagnosis or simply need to straighten some things in your life. It is part of becoming your best self.
1. It Can Save a Life
It is no secret that thousands, if not millions of people suffer from depression and sadness.
However, you might not be aware of the scope of the threat that suicide poses. On average, there are about 132 suicides per day in the United States. That’s more than 45,000 per year with over one million attempts.
In fact, it is the 10th leading cause of death of Americans. A few sessions of online therapy can change lives and even save them.
2. Helps You Deal With Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety is the most commonly reported psychiatric symptom. It is present in all of our daily lives but it doesn’t have to define the way we live.
If left unchecked, anxiety can lead to lost quality of life and serious health problems.
Although we can’t get rid of all the stress and anxiety from our lives, we can try to control the way we respond to it. Talking to counselors in an online session can give you the tools with these and other emotions when they pop up.
3. Large Selection of Therapists
Have you tried a few counselors near you but aren’t satisfied? Its usually nothing against them personally, but it takes a special sense of confidence and security to open up with somebody.
With online counseling, you have access to hundreds and even thousands of therapists, depending on your network. They don’t have to live close to you. All they really need is an internet connection and a computer.
Matching with therapists has never been easier.
4. Find the Right Therapist for You
Your therapist ends learning some of the most intimate details of your life. Over time, they can get to know you extensively.
Even though any therapist will do their best to be professional and make you comfortable, you will just prefer some over others. Some people prefer males or females but sometimes it comes down to the personality.
When matching with therapists, it’s helpful to have several to choose from. With online counseling, you can pick your counselor from a list of profiles.
5. Always Anonymous
Another benefit of talking with counselors online is privacy. Any therapist you meet is sworn to confidentiality but they will always get to know more about you then you might feel comfortable.
With online therapy, the counselors don’t even meet you in person.
And since you can choose counselors from other areas. This guarantees you don’t have any relation to your therapist outside of the professional relationship. Doing so prevents awkward situations and conflicts of interest.
6. Treatment for Depression
Depression is a disorder that the vast majority of us or somebody we know has experienced at some point during our lives.
The feelings of sadness, guilt, lost quality of life, and other symptoms can have a lasting effect on people with depression and those around them. Sometimes, self-harm and other dangerous behavior can lead to tragedy.
Major depressive disorder and other similiar conditions are best treated by a medical professional. They will likely prescribe cognitive therapy as part of the regimen. This can be done through virtual appointments.
7. Personality Disorders and Other Conditions
Personality disorders make up a wide range of psychiatric conditions characterized by abnormal behavior and attitudes. By definition, these cause significant issues for the patient and their relationships.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), paranoid personality disorder (PPD), and borderline personality disorder are just a few examples.
In general, they require a psychiatrist or other mental health expert to diagnose and prescribe treatment. Online counseling can help people with these conditions manage their symptoms from home.
8. Work Around Your Schedule
Few people that experienced therapy would argue against it.
But not everyone can take time from their busy schedule to drive to the therapist’s office and sit in the waiting room. The New Yorker can only entertain for about two minutes.
Although the benefits of receiving therapy are worth the time, this just isn’t an option for some people. Teletherapy is quite remarkable for people with scheduling difficulties due to work or other responsibilities.
9. Counseling Comfortably
Another problem with going to the office is that we have to leave our homes, sit in traffic, and go into what look’s like somebody’s house.
Wouldn’t it be better if you talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own couch?
Furthermore, you have to climb stairs to get to some offices. Being able to see a therapist from home makes it much easier for people with limited mobility.
10. Group Therapy
Have you been trying to get a certain somebody to see a therapist with you? It could be a spouse, partner, or family member but they can never seem to make it.
Now, where there is a will there is a way. There are no excuses to miss group and family counseling sessions.
Don’t let transportation problems get in the way of fixing your relationships. If they’re serious about making it work, all they have to do is turn on their computer or even their smartphone.
Therapy During Social Distancing
Even if the therapist can’t be physically present, that doesn’t mean we can’t get the help we need.
An online counseling session is perfect for people with busy schedules or those who live far from their therapist or otherwise can’t make it to the sessions.
Don’t live anxiety, depression, and relationship issues control your happiness. Visit our blog for more articles about health and medical news.