My Counselor Has Been A Huge Blessing - Sarah
The subsequent account is an authentic, candid review from an actual BetterHelp therapy client who scheduled an appointment with an online counselor to address mental health services pertaining to relationship issues and a personality disorder. In this review, the client explores the agency's services and the accessibility of counselors.
Sarah's review
"I have tried in-person counseling and another online format in the past. I was doing in-person therapy with my current BetterHelp counselor before she moved out of the area. My experiences with in-person counseling were not satisfactory before finding Dr. Person. I felt I gained something from my time with her, but she moved out of the area, forcing me to search for a different local counselor. I looked for over a year before contacting Dr. Person again, and she told me about the BetterHelp option!
BetterHelp gives me comfort and confidence to know I can explain my thoughts and feelings in "real-time" throughout the week without forgetting everything and fitting it into a single one-hour session. Knowing someone close at hand understands me is so meaningful when it comes to managing my emotions and life challenges. I feel more willing to be patient and continue to try now that I have someone I can talk to regularly, especially having that person be the counselor I used to see in person locally.
Due to recently getting married (less than a year ago) for the first time, many of my mental health issues have been exacerbated. My counselor has helped me navigate that situation and start to understand my husband at a more emotional and psychological level than I could have on my own. She helps me remember I am cared about and makes me feel my symptoms can be solved in time or mitigated through skills and understanding.
Having weekly sessions with my counselor has played a significant role in my ability and willingness to stay alive and continue to put effort into myself and my life. My counselor is the only one I've found to date that I feel understands the intricacies of who and how I am. The other most significant achievement is being willing to marry and commit to another person. Having dealt with a personality disorder that can hinder relational development and longevity, finding someone and marrying them feels like a huge success story.
I am so grateful that BetterHelp has allowed me to have my current counselor in my life."
If you are experiencing thoughts or urges of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support.
Counseling options
As mentioned in Sarah's review, online therapy may be more affordable than in-person therapy, confirmed by multiple clinical reviews. Online platforms often provide opportunities to exchange messages with a therapist anytime, resulting in frequent support and reduced session costs. Additionally, one study found that 71% of online therapy clients found it preferable to and more effective than in-person modalities.
The use of online therapy is growing rapidly, as evidenced by the number of therapeutic websites and apps. The challenge comes in determining which services to use and how to know if they are legitimate. It is important for all users of online therapy platforms to consider the background of their therapist, what treatment method they want to use, and verify the credentials of their selected therapist.
If you're interested in trying online therapy, you might want to access counseling through a platform like BetterHelp. Through BetterHelp, you can match with one of 30,000 therapists based on your needs, preferences, and location and change your provider at any time in the future. You don't have to manage your symptoms alone. There are many professionals available to provide support and guidance.
Takeaway
When should you try therapy?
Therapy can be beneficial for anyone wanting to understand themselves better or improve their mental health. It may be especially important to work with a licensed therapist if you’re experiencing mental health symptoms that interfere with daily life, drive you toward maladaptive coping strategies (like drinking or self-isolating), or cause you or others significant distress.
What is online talk therapy good for?
Research shows that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be as effective as in-person therapy. Some of the most common psychiatric disorders addressed in online therapy include major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder. Online therapy can also be effective for people experiencing chronic pain or psychiatric distress comorbid with medical conditions.
People often choose online therapy over in-person therapy because it can be more cost-effective, convenient, and accessible. Furthermore, attending online therapy at home means you can wear comfy slippers, pet your dog, or sip your favorite tea while talking to your therapist.
Is therapy actually helpful?
There are many potential benefits of psychotherapy (commonly called “talk therapy”). For example, studies have shown that it can effectively address many mental health disorders, improve quality of life, increase life satisfaction, and lead to healthier interpersonal relationships.
Overall, it’s estimated that about 75% of people who try psychotherapy get at least some benefit from it, and these benefits are often long-lasting.
How do you choose a psychotherapist?
Here are some tips to help you find a psychotherapist:
Read about the different approaches to psychotherapy
There are many types of talk therapy derived from psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, or integrative therapies. Factors such as how much time you have available for therapy, your goals, and your past experiences with therapy may inform your therapeutic preferences. If you have no preference, that’s okay too.
Use databases or trusted platforms to narrow down your search
Organizations like the American Psychological Association and companies including Psychology Today have psychologist locator tools. Platforms like BetterHelp use questionnaires to suggest licensed online therapists in your state who seem like a good match.
Evaluate their background
You may prefer to see a therapist with experience and expertise working with people similar to you. Some factors, like the therapist's culture, religion, or gender identity may also be important for you to consider.
Check their licensing information
The term “therapist” is not always a legally protected or regulated word, meaning many people can call themselves a therapist even if they have no special training. Licensed therapists, in contrast, typically must pass state exams, hold degrees from relevant and accredited universities, and complete supervised practice (typically 1,000-4,000 hours).
If you don’t see the therapist’s licensing number listed on their website or profile, consider asking them for it to verify with your state board that their license is up-to-date and in good standing.
Ask them questions
It’s a good idea to bring any questions to the first session. For example, you might have questions about billing and insurance, how often you should meet, how to track your progress, their approach to therapy, or how they like to communicate between sessions.
What do you do if you don’t like your therapist?
The quality of the therapeutic alliance is central to effective therapy. If you’re not connecting with them, it’s time to consider why:
Do they remind you of someone from your past?
This can be a sign of projection that indicates unresolved emotional pain. In this case, it’s a good idea to talk about the transference with your therapist so you can address it together.
Do they seem unprofessional, untrustworthy, invalidating, or judgmental?
In these cases, it’s usually a good sign that the therapist is not the right fit for you.
As with other people, you might find that you “click” with some therapists but not others. You may find that certain things, like being relatively close in age with your therapist, sharing the same gender identity, or sharing a cultural background, are important to you. Finding the right therapist for you can take some trial and error.
What should I do if therapists in my area aren’t accepting new patients?
It can be frustrating when therapists in your area have long waitlists or are turning clients away entirely. This can be especially challenging if you’re trying to find a therapist who accepts your insurance. If you encounter this issue, consider doing the following:
Ask for recommendations
Join a support group
Use a database to search for therapists
Reach out to your insurance company
Use 24/7 resources like crisis helplines
Reach out to local organizations for support
Try online therapy
Use mental health apps, read books written by licensed therapists, or listen to podcasts
Practice self-help strategies, like meditation, journaling, or repeating positive affirmations
According to the American Psychological Association, around 40% of therapists report having a waitlist. Online therapy platforms can make therapy more accessible when you need it, with platforms like BetterHelp typically matching clients with a licensed therapist within 48 hours.
Can I ask my therapist personal questions?
It’s okay to ask your therapists any questions you have, but you should be aware that they may choose not to answer.
Your therapist may not answer if it crosses their boundaries, or they don’t believe it serves a therapeutic purpose. However, even if a therapist chooses not to answer your question, it can provide insight into your thought process.
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