The Best Therapy Resources: Guide To Support Groups, Apps, And Worksheets
Many resources are used to help clients seek counseling, receive benefits from therapy sessions, or understand the therapy process. As the psychology industry evolves, internet-based resources are abundant. Videos, apps, websites, and guides are unique resources to help clients understand the therapeutic process or receive extra benefits after therapy.
What are therapy resources?
People participating in therapy or otherwise navigating their mental health journey often seek support through a variety of means. Different tools, organizations, publications, or professionals can help an individual learn more about their emotional well-being, address potential mental health concerns, and face life’s challenges. Therapy resources can provide helpful insights into the psychotherapeutic process, potentially making it easier for participants to progress and experience positive outcomes.
If you’re currently participating in therapy, a therapy resource can supplement the information you’re learning during sessions. It can also encourage you to stay on track and achieve your goals. For example, homework is a commonly utilized therapeutic tool that can help reinforce certain concepts and provide motivation outside of sessions.
Note that if your first resource isn't working, many others exist. Consider asking your mental health provider for support if you're looking for a specific therapy worksheet, module, or research material. Many therapists carry books or have studies on hand to support clients looking for education in mental health.
Where to find the best therapy resources
Therapy resources include platforms and apps that offer therapy services, worksheets, and workshops where you can learn new skills and receive educational resources to connect with online. Below are a few types of resources you can consider.
Please note that while these resources and tools can be helpful in supporting your mental health, it is a good idea to seek out assistance from health professionals directly. While tools and resources might be helpful in the relief of in-the-moment anxiety, for example, having a therapist aid you in recovering from one of the myriad of anxiety disorders will help you get the specialized treatment you may need. Consider these therapy tools as added support rather than a main source of treatment.
Mental health apps
Smartphones have allowed many to connect with a therapist on the go, use mental health tools, and get guided meditations from specialists. Many apps offer calming music, rain sounds, or white noise to aid in sleep.
If you're looking for mental health education, several apps offer audio lessons and activities, health trackers, and relaxation techniques. Personal safety and emergency apps can also allow individuals to set up a network of family and friends and list coping mechanisms to use during a difficult moment.
Many apps offer a passworded platform to write your thoughts if you like to journal but don't like writing by hand. Some might include daily mood and activity trackers. On these, you can select your mood, check off activities that you participated in that day, and review past mood and activity connections.
These resource apps are available on Apple and Android. Search for "mental health" in the app store of your choice to find options. As many of these resources are free or low-cost, you can utilize them cost-effectively.
Online forums and support groups
Online forums and support groups can allow individuals to connect with others experiencing similar symptoms, diagnoses, or life situations. For those who live in rural areas, these resources offer the value of social connection. In addition, many of these resources are free to use.
Online support groups often target addiction, depression, relationship challenges, and relationships. These groups may meet over a video chat platform or through a social media website like Facebook.
If you join an online forum, you can talk to others experiencing your symptoms and find out what has worked for them. However, be wary that forums may not be moderated or controlled by licensed therapists, and the advice you receive from peers cannot replace the advice of a medical professional.
Worksheets
You may be able to find therapy worksheets or workbooks online or at a local bookstore. Although these worksheets do not replace therapy from a licensed professional, they can guide you in the self-care process and give you an activity to focus on when emotionally distressed. Worksheets might include the following:
- Cognitive restructuring exercises
- Mandalas or coloring pages for mindful coloring
- Journaling prompts
- Pie charts for charting symptoms
- Self-care brainstorming
- Acceptance techniques
- Open-ended questions for self-inquiry
Some therapy modules include worksheets as part of a structured treatment plan, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which includes a workbook with structured activities to use in sessions. Therapy worksheets can also often be reached for free online from various sources. Always verify the source of your health resources before use.
Videos
If worksheet tools alone aren’t helpful to you, consider adding a more dynamic visual element. Many licensed therapists offer therapy tips and tricks through a video platform. If you can't afford therapy or are looking for education outside of sessions, you can consider watching a video by an expert. Although videos do not provide personalized support, they can offer short-term guidance and learning.
CBT resources
One common type of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which encourages individuals to challenge unwanted thoughts to change behaviors and reactions. CBT has been proven one of the most effective forms of therapy for treating various mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression.
CBT resources are often offered through apps, worksheets, workbooks, games, and videos to guide those interested in the therapy modality in standard practices used by therapists. Another CBT resource is the Beck Institute, which offers courses in CBT for therapists and education for individuals.
CBT was developed in the 1960s by Dr. Aaron Beck, a man internationally recognized as the father of CBT and one of the world's leading scientists in psychopathology. In 1994, along with his daughter Dr. Judith Beck, he established the Beck Institute in Bala Cynwyd, Philadelphia. Their facility has trained clinicians, researchers, and academic students from all over the world. Their website offers free resources such as tools and handouts for individuals looking to learn more about the therapy modality.
If you have tried using CBT resources at home and are struggling to understand them or find benefits, you can also consider reaching out to a therapist. Therapists keep up to date on new treatment methods each year and are qualified to offer suggestions personalized to your symptoms or needs. They can help you understand the various worksheet tools and handouts associated with CBT and use them to maximum advantage.
Mental health treatment through online therapy
Many individuals seek the support of online tools or resources due to barriers to acquiring in-person therapy. As resources can be free or low-cost, they can provide a short-term alternative to no treatment. However, if you're seeking therapy and feel it might not be available to you in person, consider online counseling.
The benefits of working with a therapist online
Online platforms like BetterHelp offer similar benefits to other resources, with the added benefit of licensed, experienced therapists. Online therapy platforms are often more cost-effective than traditional providers. In addition, you can choose an appointment time that fits your schedule, whether in the morning, late at night, or on the weekends.
Is online therapy effective?
In one review of 17 studies, researchers found that online therapy was more effective than in-person methods for certain conditions, like depression. Working with a therapist to navigate mental health concerns instead of working alone can ensure you receive the most benefit from treatment and understand each technique in detail.
Takeaway
There are various resources available to support you in your mental health journey out of all the best therapy websites online. If you're looking for short-term guidance, education, or information, consider utilizing online apps, websites, or worksheets to learn more. You can also reach out to a therapist through an online platform and receive a personalized match within 24 to 48 hours.
What are some resources available to individuals with mental illness?
Here are some resources that may be helpful for people navigating a mental illness:
- Hotlines: Crisis helplines, like the 988 Life Line, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Trans Lifeline, Veterans Crisis Line, and Disaster Distress Helpline are available for immediate support.
- Databases for mental health professionals: You can search for licensed mental health professionals near you through a database like FindTreatment.gov or the American Psychological Association.
- Education: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a federal agency for mental disorder research in the United States. They provide basic, evidence-based education and information on a variety of mental disorders and effective therapy techniques for them.
If you’re having difficulty finding the resources you need, consider reaching out to your doctor (or a helpline for faster assistance).
What do therapists ask people?
Here are some of the common questions therapists might ask:
- “What brings you to therapy today?”
- “What things have you done this week that you’re proud of?”
- “What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?”
- “What are your goals and expectations from therapy?”
- “How does it make you feel when you’ve overextended yourself?”
- “What people lift you up in your life? How?”
- “How would you describe your relationship with your family?”
- “How did that make you feel?”
- “How often do you experience that challenge?”
- “When you believe you’ve made a mistake, what does your inner critic say?”
Therapists may ask a range of questions depending on their client’s needs and goals. If your therapist asks a question that you are uncomfortable with or simply do not want to answer, you don’t have to.
What personal questions can I ask my therapist?
It’s okay to wonder about your therapist’s life or perspectives, and many people bring personal questions to their therapist from time to time. Common personal topics include questions about values, beliefs, culture, education, small talk, social justice perspectives, and political ideology.
Sometimes, the questions you bring to your therapist can provide interesting insight into your psyche and new topics to explore. If your therapist believes that a topic will not serve your therapeutic goals or could potentially be harmful, it’s their job to decline to answer the question.
Therapy is a safe space to share your uncensored thoughts, feelings, and concerns. It’s okay to ask a question, even if your therapist cannot or will not answer it.
What are self-care questions for therapy?
Here are some self-care questions your therapist might ask you:
- “What self-care strategies—such as journaling, walking in the park, or taking ‘phone breaks’—are working for you right now?”
- “What areas of life are causing you significant stress?”
- “What interferes with taking care of your needs?”
- “What activities bring you joy?”
- “What is one unhelpful habit you’d like to replace with a healthier one?”
- “How do you manage your time?”
If you want to work on self-care strategies outside of therapy sessions, it might be helpful to try some free worksheets, like the Positive Psychology Self-Care Wheel.
What are 7 questions a psychologist would ask?
Clinical psychologists might ask questions like:
- “How did that negative self-talk make you feel?”
- “Why did their behavior make you feel angry?”
- “Do you think that assessment is accurate?”
- “Why do you think you were drawn to your romantic partner?”
- “Do you think people-pleasing behaviors serve you in the long run?”
- “Why do you think you try to suppress these negative emotions?”
- “What was your experience like growing up in a military family?”
The questions your therapists ask you can provide them with further insight, encourage you to reflect and help you become more self-aware.
What questions do therapists ask about anxiety?
Some questions your therapist might ask you about your anxiety symptoms include:
- “What could you do right now to bring your anxiety level down one point on a 10-point scale?”
- “Can you give me an example of a time in which you used healthy coping skills to manage or alleviate your anxiety?”
- “How does anxiety manifest in your body?”
- “What’s one unhelpful automatic thought you experienced in the past week?”
- “Has your anxiety stopped you from doing something you wanted to do recently?”
By asking you questions about your anxiety, your therapist can help you become more self-aware of your symptoms and empowered to manage them on your own.
Why do therapists ask so many questions?
There are several reasons therapists ask questions:
- Sometimes, therapists use questions as prompts that guide you toward self-discovery.
- Other times, they use questions to model self-help strategies you can use to investigate challenging moments, problem-solve, and consider different perspectives.
- In other instances, therapists might use questions to show that they care about what you have to say, to ask for clarification, or to gain insight into your thought processes.
Asking questions is a central component of therapy, as it allows clients to deeply explore topics without being given answers by the therapist.
Which therapy uses guidance and encouragement to help patients develop their own resources?
Some types of therapy are more structured than others. Supportive therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on providing validation, encouragement, and emotional support in a nonjudgemental, safe therapeutic environment. This type of therapy can empower clients to problem-solve and address challenges independently.
How is the process of therapy helpful to individuals?
Therapy can be helpful in many ways. For example, it can:
- Alleviate mental disorder symptoms
- Strengthen relationships and communication skills
- Provide a greater understanding of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- Build healthy coping skills and habits
- Increase self-esteem and self-confidence
- Bolster productivity and executive function skills
- Improve daily functioning, quality of life, and life satisfaction
If you want to understand yourself better or improve your well-being, talk therapy with a licensed professional can be an effective option.
What is the most effective therapy treatment?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often considered the gold standard of psychotherapy. It maintains this reputation because of the many peer-reviewed studies supporting its effectiveness, and the number of licensed therapists who practice it.
CBT is a short-term form of therapy that emphasizes the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can be effective for many mental disorders and mental health challenges, leading to significant long-term benefits.
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