Finding the Best Online Therapy

The start of a new year can be a time for a rebirth of sorts and coming off a year like 2020, we’re all looking for the positives going into 2021. We make resolutions to improve our bad habits, make plans (and execute) to kick-off a new exercise routine and vow to eat healthier with the goal of becoming our better self. Another area of focus is that of better mental health. Identifying the right resource to support your personal mental health needs can come in the form of books, support groups or online therapy. With the stay safe at home lifestyle world we’re living in, many people are taking advantage of online support. So how does one find the right online therapist and how does it compare to meeting in person? 

Online Therapy 101

The process of finding the best online therapist is quite similar to finding one offline. You’ve taken the first to step and identified that you there is something you would like help with. Now what? At this point you may or may not have a full comprehension of exactly what type of therapist would be best suited for you, however there are resources to help identify the right therapy for you. It all comes down to your own personal needs and both your short-term and long-term goals. 

Getting Started with a Licensed Counselor

There is a wonderful online therapy quiz you can take to identify the right therapist resource. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy, couples therapy or child therapy. Through a series of simple questions and answers listed in checkbox format, you’ll make your way to the end of the quiz and be provided the professional resource that is best suited to your needs.  

Different Strokes for Different Folks

In today’s market, there are licensed counselors to fit virtually all lifestyles. Once you’ve identified the area of help you’re looking for, you can drill things down and select a therapist based on factors such as gender, faith, age, etc. This is an area where those factors can impact how comfortable you’ll feel during your therapy sessions and your long-term growth. The therapist is not meant to be a friend, you’re paying them to be objective to your needs, however having a therapist that is of like-minded lifestyles, can make for a better overall experience.  

Virtual Therapy Options

The nice thing about online therapy is that there are a variety of communication options such as connecting with a therapist via messaging, phone or video sessions. For those individuals who aren’t quite sure how they want to proceed, talking with the therapist by phone is one way to break the ice and decide how you would like to move forward. Best of all you can have a therapy session from the privacy and comfort of your own home. 

Making the Most of Your Therapy

Investing in your mental health is equally, if not more important than taking care of your physical being. The body and mind work together and finding the ultimate balance can keep things in check. Approach your therapy as you would physical exercise. If you’re counting your daily steps, for example, you’ve either reached your goal of 10,000 daily steps or not. As you work through your therapy, there will be goals and mental exercises that will need execution. You’ll need to address your personal challenges head on to improve and grow. Listen to the therapist’s guidance and do the work. Recognize you’re a path to personal improvement and make the most of it!

What if it doesn’t work out?

Therapy isn’t for everyone and if it doesn’t work out, don’t worry. There are so many online mental health resources available. Before you throw in the towel, ask yourself if you’ve given it your all. Therapy is a long-term investment and it does take time. Go in with an open mind and you’re sure to come out better for it! 

Feature Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash