Resources For Therapy: Guide
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.
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 Resources For Therapy
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.
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.
Therapy 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.
Videos
Many licensed therapists offer therapy tips and tricks through video-sharing platforms. 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 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.
Online Therapy Websites
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.
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are several of the most frequently asked questions about therapy resources.
Does Online Therapy Work?
With the rise of technology, online therapy has become a popular alternative to traditional in-person sessions. Having the ability to chat with a therapist at any time has proven valuable for many, but some may feel unsure whether online sessions are effective.
Despite these worries, various studies have shown that mental health professionals operating online offer treatment as effective as their in-person counterparts. Online therapy can treat mental illness, distressing symptoms, or relationship challenges, among other concerns.
How Can I Get Resources If I Can't Afford Therapy?
In-person therapy can be expensive. However, you're not out of options. Before meeting with a provider, contact your insurance company to check your coverage. They might be able to refer you to an in-network provider. You can also check with your employer, as many HR departments offer free short-term mental health counseling lines. Some individuals also attend support groups for mental health support, as many are free to attend.
Alternatively, community counseling programs at local clinics may be more affordable than private practice therapy. Many universities offer low-cost therapy through their student psychology program. If you still struggle to find an option that fits your budget, online counseling might prove valuable.
What Kind Of Notes Do Therapists Take?
Therapists often write down significant names, dates, or descriptions of symptoms to review after sessions. This information can help a professional create a client file and ensure the treatment plan works. If a therapist notices similar symptoms coming up long-term, they might change their treatment approach.
What Are The Three Types Of Therapy?
Three popular forms of therapy include psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and humanistic therapy. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on a person's unconscious mind and actions that may result from suppressed emotions. CBT focuses on how thoughts can drive actions and beliefs, whereas humanistic therapy takes a holistic approach and creates a unique approach individualized to each client.
Is Online Counseling Safe?
It can be overwhelming to divulge personal details online. However, online therapy is safe. All therapists on platforms like BetterHelp are licensed, experienced, and vetted. Through coded software, many platforms offer the option to meet with a therapist in a personal video chat room or phone call. If you're uncomfortable meeting your therapist this way, you may also have the option of a live chat session.
When Should You See A Therapist?
You do not need to have a mental illness to see a therapist. Therapists support clients with relationship concerns, distressing thoughts, work stress, school plans, and significant life occurrences, among other concerns. If you are feeling overwhelmed by a situation, experiencing fatigue, or struggling with your symptoms, a therapist can help.
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