How BetterHelp Helped Me To Be A Stronger Mother In Therapy - Rebecca

Hearing the stories of others may help you identify your values, strengths, and areas for growth. Rebecca has shared her story about her journey using online therapy services and how it has impacted her family and self-esteem. Use Rebecca's story, “How BetterHelp helped me to be a stronger mother,”  to ask yourself how therapy sessions might benefit you.

Rebecca's success story 

Before BetterHelp, I had tried in-person counseling provided by the Health & Social Services Authority. The experience was supportive, uplifting, and relieving. However, the service became unavailable due to the rushed time management factor (as it was a fly-in service and clients had a limited time in sessions). I was in an unhealthy marriage with someone with narcissistic traits, and I wanted help in not falling back into my "dark place," as I would describe it. 

It became difficult for me when I separated from my ex. I was distraught, torn, broken, and panicking. Knowing that in-person counseling was unavailable, I would use the 1-800 Help Line in our territory from time to time, but I wanted more guidance. I was on Facebook scrolling when I came across the BetterHelp ad offering online counseling services. At first glance, I was skeptical, but I was desperate and willing to try anything.

After reading a few reviews and reflecting on final thoughts, I decided to give it a shot. I'd wanted to talk to a therapist about my anxiety, depression, addictions, childhood trauma, and their connection with my relationships. I have been working with my counselor, Brad Burklow, since November 2015, and I have improved so much since first signing up. 

I am now at a place where I can comfortably say that if anything negative came my way, I would be stronger, more confident, and stand my ground. Before, I may have felt passive and avoided confrontation by ignoring my boundaries. My counselor helped me improve my situation by addressing each emotion, thought, and behavior and examining them together. I've learned breathing and grounding techniques, communication in confrontation, understanding attachment styles, and clarification in values.

What being a stronger mother can look like day to day

Mothers represent a large segment of the world’s population, and not all are alike. Being a stronger mother might look different for different people, and it could be influenced by factors like relationship status, sexual orientation, employment status, income, and more. Developing strength as a mom tends to be a work in process rather than a definitive outcome. 

Confidence as emotional presence, not perfection

Perhaps the best thing you can do to become a stronger mom is to let go of the idea of perfection. The myth of the perfect mother likely has no positive benefits. Instead, it can keep many parents in a constant state of anxiety and guilt. 

Continually berating yourself or striving toward unrealistic goals can backfire, leaving you exhausted and emotionally drained. In this state, you’re not likely to be present for your children, which may be what they really need. Therapy can help support you as a parent, offering practical everyday strategies in combination with evidence-based therapeutic techniques.  

How BetterHelp therapy sessions work in practice

It’s easy to get started with BetterHelp. After you complete a brief questionnaire, you’ll be matched with a licensed therapist aligned with your needs and preferences. This process can take a few hours to a few days or longer, depending on therapist availability. You can then make an appointment for your first session. Live sessions typically last 30 to 45 minutes. 

What to expect in your first session

Your first individual therapy session with a licensed mental health professional can be an opportunity for you to get to know your therapist and describe any mental health challenges you’re experiencing. Your therapist may ask you a series of questions to get a better sense of your circumstances. They may begin to build rapport with you, and together, you can discuss a potential treatment plan.

Finding the right therapist and switching if needed

When it comes to successful therapy, finding a good therapist may be half the battle. BetterHelp understands the importance of the therapist-client relationship, often referred to as the therapeutic alliance. How well you and your therapist mesh can make all the difference. 

Signs you have a good therapist match

After a couple of sessions with your therapist, it may be important to evaluate your match. If you’ve found the right therapist, there will likely be signs, including: 

• You feel comfortable talking to your therapist, even about sensitive topics. 
• They have experience treating clients with similar symptoms or concerns. 
• You feel respected and understood after each session. 
• You look forward to your next session. 
• The therapist actively involves you in your own treatment, including decisions about your treatment plan. 

Practical considerations about starting therapy

You may have some concerns before starting therapy. That’s normal and to be expected. Here are some things to consider prior to your first live session. 

What’s included with BetterHelp?

A BetterHelp subscription includes more than just therapy sessions. Other benefits and features include: 

• In-app messaging with your therapist
• An online journal
• Habit tracking
• Online classes
• Support groups

Common barriers and how to plan around them

If you’re experiencing difficulty receiving the mental health support you need due to potential barriers, BetterHelp may be able to help. For example, cost is often a barrier to treatment. If you’re worried about paying for therapy, contact BetterHelp customer support. Financial aid may be available for eligible members on a case-by-case basis. 

Time is another common obstacle when considering therapy, especially for busy parents. BetterHelp offers convenient scheduling so you can fit sessions in, no matter how busy your schedule is. If you or a loved one needs immediate help, text or call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

How to receive support

Rebecca shares how therapy online has changed her perspective on herself, her family, and her relationships. If you relate to any aspect of her story or think online therapy might suit you, you can consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. 

Online therapy helps individuals reach support regardless of location, whether they live in a rural area or city, or don't find in-person therapy convenient. With an online therapist versus an in-person therapist, you can choose between phone, video, or chat sessions at any time that works for you, including outside of standard business hours. 

If you feel unsure about the benefits of this form of therapy, you can also look at several meta-review studies that looked at studies confirming the effectiveness of online therapy for mental health concerns. In one study, researchers looked at 17 studies on internet-based interventions for depression and found that online therapy delivered through BetterHelp or other online therapy services was often more effective than in-person options.