Inner Space

Therapy

Here we write about what therapy is all about, ways to prepare yourself for therapy, and some tools to make most out of your therapeutic journey.

Having trauma

How Online Counseling Can Help You Cope with Anxiety and Depression

Over the recent years, there has been a growing number of people opting for online counselling services. This option has provided many individuals with better access to mental health services.  Consulting a counsellor in person can be difficult for many due to issues with travel and lack of professionals in their area. However, due to online counselling, many are now able to consult professionals with just a click of a button.  Adding to this, online counselling also serves as a convenient, flexible, and a cost-effective option for many individuals.  Anxiety and Depression are two of the most common mental health concerns observed around us. Counselling and Psychotherapy can be a great option for those undergoing these challenges.  Online counselling provides individuals facing anxiety or depression, an accessible and convenient option to seek therapy, at an affordable price point.  This article aims to explore how online counselling can be an effective tool in managing anxiety or depression. Understanding Anxiety and Depression Understanding Anxiety Anxiety is an uneasy feeling of dread, fear, or worry. It is a highly common experience that every individual has experienced from time-to-time. However, when this unsettling feeling prolongs for too long, it can cause severe distress and discomfort.  Anxiety is a feeling, like sadness, happiness, and anger. And every feeling has an impact on both the mind and the body. For example, think about the last instance when you felt really happy.  Try to recollect how this feeling of happiness felt in your body. Maybe it feels warm, fuzzy, and light. You can probably imagine how you felt these sensations in your chest, your belly, and in other parts of your body.  You would have also had happy and positive thoughts at the time. This shows how every emotion carries a mental and physical manifestation.  Similarly, anxiety, as a feeling, carries a physical and mental manifestation. When these uncomfortable feelings go unattended and unprocessed, it lingers in the body and begins to produce symptoms. These are some of the most common symptoms of anxiety. The physical symptoms of anxiety can include palpitations (racing heartbeat,) body pain, lightheadedness, headaches or migraines, and fatigue. Some of the emotional or mental symptoms of anxiety are racing thoughts, excessive worry, irritability, low-self esteem, and inability to focus.  Anxiety can often feel overwhelming, and can feel like there is nothing that can make you feel calmer or better.  Anxiety can have an impact on your mental health and how you function on a daily basis. For some individuals, anxiety can impact their work-life or interpersonal relationships.  To learn more about the symptoms, causes, and steps to manage anxiety, click here. Understanding Depression Depression is a persistent, and prolonged feeling of sadness and hopelessness. Many people misinterpret sadness as depression. While there are a few similarities, depression is a more complex, and often complicated experience for those who go through it.  If you are experiencing depression, it is often difficult to communicate how you are feeling. It can make you feel like you are alone in this journey. However, depression is an extremely common concern that can be resolved by seeking professional help.  Depression also consists of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. Physically, it can cause changes in your sleeping and eating patterns. It can cause fatigue, and anxiety in some individuals. Many individuals with depression may also have random aches and pains in their bodies.  There are changes that occur in the mental and emotional well-being of an individual undergoing depression. Some of the symptoms are a feeling of hopelessness, emptiness, or numbness. It causes low self-esteem, guilt, and shame. Depression can also impact your ability to focus and manage tasks. Some individuals may have thoughts or engage in suicidal or self-harm behaviours.* Depression can certainly impact multiple areas of life, such as your personal and professional life. It can often cause a negative shift in your interpersonal relationship, and more importantly, the relationship you have with yourself.  *If you are feeling actively suicidal or violent or are losing weight, having severe sleep deprivation and no motivation to live, then seeing a psychiatrist and meeting a therapist in-person is recommended. We also suggest you to reach out to a Suicide Helpline Number. Depression can feel heavy and can often weigh you down. With the hopelessness that you feel in depression, you may feel like things can never get better. However, individuals with depression often greatly benefit from seeking professional help. Feeling Low? Counseling can be a great tool for you to manage and overcome depression and lead a happy and balanced life. We are here for you. Book an Appointment Rise Of Online Counseling Online counseling has been attracting increased popularity over the recent years. Many individuals opt for online counseling as it provides them an easy and effective option if they are seeking therapy, wherever they are in the world.  Online Counseling, or telecounseling, is a form of therapy that is offered on an online platform. Some examples of the mediums used in telecounseling are: Phone-call, messaging, and most commonly, video calls.  Despite its favourability, people have certain myths and misconceptions about Online Counseling. We have attempted to clarify and explain four common  myths about online counseling here: Myth 1: Online Counseling is a less effective option for those seeking counselling. This isn’t true. Online Counseling can be just as effective as offline counseling. (Eames, 2023,) states how online counseling is not just effective, but also an affordable option that you can access in the comfort of your home.  Online Counseling can be a great option for various concerns, and includes personal and interpersonal ones. People can opt for online counselling if they are experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and a myriad of other concerns.  Myth 2: Online Counseling is not safe as it is conducted online. Safety is one of the hallmarks of a good counselling session. Therefore, online counseling is also a process that keeps your safety a priority. The online counseling platforms are encrypted and secure, and

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couples counseling

Individual Counseling Vs Couples Counseling: What Do I Choose?

The decision to take up counseling can be confusing. Choosing the right therapist can be difficult, as there are different forms of therapy available around us. In general, all forms of counselling focus on working with personal and emotional concerns, with a counselor, or therapist. Counseling is a process that can be used by everyone, from children, couples, teens, to young and older adults. Since counseling caters to a wide range of people, it can be tough to choose a type of counseling that is structured according to your needs. Therefore, it is important to understand what each type of counseling is. This awareness can help your decision-making process smoother.  In this article, we will be looking at two common types of counseling —  Couples Counseling Vs Individual Counseling, and what makes them different from each other.  What is Couples Counseling? Couples Therapy is known by many names. It is also known as couples counselling, premarital counseling, or marriage counselling. Couples therapy can be used by both married and unmarried partners. At Innerspace we offer Pre-marital, and Marriage Counseling for couples.  While being in a relationship, couples are bound to go through numerous difficulties. Couples counseling helps in resolving such issues between partners. Couples Counselors tackle issues between couples such as:  Trouble getting along with your partner Communication Problems Intimacy Issues Financial Issues Managing needs and expectations in relationships The main goals of couples therapy are to: Improve the quality of the relationship Work on current and future issues Learn healthy communication patterns Become closer and learn more about each other Couples therapy usually involves two phases. Initially, the partners meet the therapist individually and then, together. Individual sessions help the therapist understand each partner’s concerns better. If you would like to learn more about how couples therapy works and its process, click here. Counseling is a process that equips you with skills to tackle certain difficult areas of life. Similarly, for couples counseling, you and your partner will learn certain skills to collaboratively manage your issues. Some Important skills you will be learning from Couples Counseling are: Improve how you communicate with your partner Get a better understanding of your partner’s needs Learn ways to manage conflicts Have a positive mindset about the relationship Relationship counselors use a variety of techniques for you to build a stronger relationship with your partner At Inner Space, we help couples with their issues using different techniques, like Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, and others. If you would like to learn more Couples Counseling at Inner Space, please click on the following links: Marriage Counseling Online Premarital Counseling Online Contact Us Counseling is a process that can help you learn more about yourself and your relationships. Our Counselors are trained to help you with a wide range of concerns. If you are interested to schedule an appointment with us, please click the link below. Book an Appointment What is Individual Counseling? While couple counseling focuses on difficulties between partners, Individual Therapy involves meeting a therapist to discuss your personal issues. In Individual Counseling, the main goal is to help you manage emotional issues, relationships, life changes, stress, and anxiety.  The counseling sessions occur weekly or as often as needed. Each session can be 50-60 minutes long. Counselors practicing individual therapy pays attention to your patterns and less on others. Their primary focus is understanding your patterns, thoughts, feelings, and needs, and collaboratively working on it to resolve your concerns.  Our therapists at Inner Space are trained in a wide range of therapies. Some of the many techniques we use in our practice are Mindfulness Based Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Client Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  If you would like to learn more about Online Counseling at Inner Space Key Differences Between Individual Counseling Vs Couples Counseling There are large differences between Individual Counseling vs Couples Counseling. Here are some of the main differences between them: Individual Counseling: Includes sessions with the client alone  Focuses on emotional issues, unhelpful patterns of thinking and feeling, underlying unhelpful patterns of thinking and feeling, stress, major life changes, relationships and other concerns Understands the past and present patterns of the client. Helps clients manage issues by themselves  Couples Counseling: Includes sessions with the couple together and separately with each partner Focuses on improving the relationship and reducing conflicts Works on the issues between the partners, and less on the individual Helps partners become closer, and better at communicating with each other  Should I Choose Individual or Couples Therapy? If you are in a relationship, and confused about choosing which type of counseling to choose, try to look into what you expect from your counseling. For instance, if you want to focus on improving your relationship by addressing your individual patterns, behaviors, and emotions, you can opt for individual counseling.  However, if your main aim is to work on patterns within your relationship and its dynamics, and if you are interested to work on improving the relationship collaboratively, you can opt for couples counselling.  If you are still unsure of which counseling you should go for, it can also be a good idea to consult with your counselor. By understanding what you are seeking help for, they can help you guide what type of counseling would be more appropriate for you and your goals.  Frequently Asked Questions How can Psychological counseling help me? Psychological Counseling encourages open and honest dialogue about issues that cause you distress. Through your relationship with your therapist, you’ll work to identify and understand how these stressors are impacting your life, and learn ways to cope with them. How do I choose between Individual Counseling vs Couples Counseling? To choose the right form of therapy, you must first understand what you want help for. If you have personal concerns like: Stress Anxiety Depression Trauma Self-confidence Issues You should think of choosing individual counseling.  If your concern involves improving your relationship with your partner, then Couples Therapy is a better fit for you.  Couples Therapy needs both the partners to be

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right online counselor

How To Choose The Right Online Counselor For Your Needs

Online counseling is a service that addresses mental health issues and is provided via video call, chat, phone, or email. Today, psychological support and counseling are much easier to acquire than before. Location used to be important, but those days are long gone. Nowadays, many licensed counselors and therapists have an online presence, making it simple and comfortable for you to find treatment within the comfort of your home. Like any in-person therapy, online counseling focuses on helping you acknowledge, understand, and gradually change the way you perceive thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that affect your mental health. It provides you with an opportunity to talk and interact in a setting that’s more conducive and convenient than visiting a therapist’s office. Factors To Consider While Selecting A Right Online Counselor or Therapist Let’s look at some factors you need to consider when selecting a right online counselor or therapist. Determine your needs – Understand what you intend to gain from therapy. The clearer your mind is regarding your therapy goals, the easier it will be to review your progress. This will also assist you in determining whether you can benefit the most from therapy. For instance, you might need help addressing a specific mental health concern. Or you might want to voice your worries and talk about something that’s been bothering you for a while now. Whatever the reason, you can communicate with an online counselor and ensure these concerns are addressed in the session. Assess your compatibility with potential counselors – If you’re transitioning from in-person to online therapy, it’s better to keep certain things in mind. You might not succeed in finding the right online counselor on your first try. That’s totally okay! Going through a few counselors before settling on the right professional is always better than working with someone who doesn’t understand your mental health needs. For instance, would you prefer interacting with someone of the same gender? Or would you be more comfortable talking to someone who is older, younger, or more or less your age? Something that you may also want to consider is sexual orientation. There are many counselors who are queer affirmative and offer pride counseling online. Thus, look for a counselor whose background is aligned with your therapy goals to make this process easier. Schedule an initial consultation – When doubts linger about how online counseling works, you’ll probably have questions and concerns about the whole process. Scheduling an initial consultation with an online counselor is a wonderful way to get your questions answered and have a general understanding of how the process works. Some questions that come up during consultation include: What does an online session look and feel like? How long will you be receiving therapy online? How much does an online session cost? What are the cancellation policies and steps for rescheduling a session? An online counselor’s ability to assist you with your emotional turmoil can be determined after a quick discussion of the problems and symptoms you’re currently dealing with. As a result, you have more clarity and are prepared for your online counseling sessions. Scheduling and availability – Online counseling is a good choice if your schedule is unpredictable. To make it convenient for you both, you might wish to find out your online counselor’s availability and schedule. You can select a weekend session or probably after-work online sessions, depending on how busy your day is. For instance, some people may prioritise weekly sessions, while others may prefer to only attend a few sessions each month. Review counselor profile – Counselors and therapists do have an online presence. By reading their bio, you can get a sense of their values and ethics, along with how they intend to support you in therapy by being genuine, empathetic, and understanding. A strong therapeutic relationship can be built between you and your counselor by working cohesively to make you feel like you can trust them. Other things you may get to know by accessing their profile are if your online counselor is multilingual, if they work with certain demographics, their area of expertise, and whether they are trauma-informed. Credentials and qualifications – One needs to have a minimum Master of Arts or MSc in Applied Clinical or Counseling Psychology for them to qualify as your counselor or therapist. The course includes internships in hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and NGOs, along with dissertation and research work for them to complete in order to receive their respective degrees. Privacy concern – Mental health professionals practise complete and utmost confidentiality with regard to your online sessions. A client’s participation in therapy as well as its contents are both confidential. Your identity as a client is also protected when an online counselor: Does not disclose your personal information through email or text Does not acknowledge you, the client, first outside of a therapeutic setting Does not divulge session information to a third party without your consent So, what you say stays in the session. But, there’s an exception to this. Counselors can break confidentiality in some circumstances when: There’s a threat to your life, or someone’s trying to physically harm you You’re a danger to someone’s well-being or intend to assault them, and You’re a threat to yourself or have thoughts of self-harm In situations like these, your online counselor will notify your emergency contact, who can help ensure you are safe and seek hospitalization if required. Session length – An online session is booked for an hour. However, a segment of time known as the ‘therapeutic hour’ can range from 40 to 55 minutes. That’s when your online session takes place. During extra time, the counselor takes notes, goes over key elements that were discussed, gives homework, and schedules an appointment for your next session. Depending on the type of mental health service you’re receiving, your online counselor will give you an idea of the length of your session. Be prepared to put in efforts: In order to manage your emotional

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benefits of online marriage counseling

Online Counseling for Couples: How It Works and Why It Can Be Effective

Have you been considering couples counseling, but you are confused about it’s process, and all that it entails? There are a various types of therapy available that address different concerns of individuals, families, and couples. Moreover, there are a variety of therapeutic approaches or techniques that therapists use while interacting with clients.  This makes it confusing and difficult while choosing the right therapist, and the type of therapy for you. In this article, we specifically cover online couples counseling. Telecounseling or Online Counseling for couples is conducted with the help of the internet, over video call. It is an effective and accessible option for everyone who wishes to go for therapy. Marriage Counseling online can be a great option for couples as it provides a safe space to speak about your concerns from the comfort of your home. The common concerns that Online Couples and Relationship Counseling can help you with are communication issues, troubles with intimacy, resolving conflicts, and many more.  At Inner Space, we offer our counseling services online which includes couples counseling. Challenges That Can Be Addressed Through Online Counseling for Couples A relationship is a shared experience that two individuals go through.  As two people move through a relationship, it is common to have conflicts and misunderstandings. Conflicts may bring up various painful feelings and both the partners may become defensive, aggressive, or emotional. Sometimes, the smaller unresolved issues and feelings can pile up over time and turn into larger conflicts. This can create distance between you and your partner. It can also result in feeling dissatisfied, unheard, or unloved by your partner.  As the two people involved in a relationship are completely unique, you may have different needs and expectations from your partner and the relationship. Both the partners in the relationship may have their own perspectives and beliefs that they have learned from their childhood. By not addressing these differences, you may begin to resent your partner over time, and it can create more chances for conflict in the relationship. Relationships are an important and enriching part of our lives. We seek love, companionship, and support from our relationships. But, relationship issues when left unattended can bring a lot of disappointment and pain in both the partner’s lives.  It may feel like it is impossible to know what your partner really wants. This can bring a lot of confusion in the relationship. It can make you feel disappointed and helpless.  Contact Us For Online Counseling For Couples Couples Counseling can be a great opportunity for you to work towards creating a supportive, healthy, and loving relationship. We are here for you. Book an Appointment Why Online Counseling For Couples Can Be Effective Couples Therapy works on the notion that every individual is unique, even when they are in a relationship. Each partner functions, thinks, and behaves differently from the other partner.  Therapists can provide you with an unbiased perspective on what is really happening in the relationship. A counselor can give you a supportive, non-judgemental view on the patterns, relationship dynamics and issues in the relationship.  Couples Counselors are trained to notice how each of your patterns, expectations, and tendencies could be negatively impacting the relationship. They can guide you on how to learn more about yourself and your partner.  Sometimes, a lot of thoughts and feelings when unexpressed can cause pain and resentment later.  Couples Counseling can help you improve how you communicate your needs and expectations with each other. They can also help you manage any overwhelming feelings that come during conflicts.  Going for couples counseling can be an effective and  valuable addition to your relationship. It helps both the partners become more aware of their patterns, emotions, and ways how they handle conflict. It also helps you develop a new perspective on the relationship and your partner. The Benefits Of Having An Online Counseling For Couples There are multiple benefits of choosing an online couples counseling session.  Privacy: Online counseling makes sure that all your personal information and concerns you share with the therapist remains confidential.  Convenience: You will get to choose a time of the day or week that is most convenient for you and your therapist.  Flexibility: Scheduling and rescheduling sessions are easier with online counseling. You can choose timings that are right for you and your partner.  Accessibility: You can access counseling wherever you are on the globe. Wider range of options: Choosing online therapy opens you up to more options for therapists. This can help you find therapists that are suited for you and your partner.  How Does Online Couples Counseling Work? Online relationship counseling includes separate sessions with each partner, and sessions together. You can attend these sessions online with your partner, wherever you are on the globe.  Our counselors usually conduct individual sessions first to learn more about the issue from the perspective of each partner. The counselor helps both you and your partner identify the underlying patterns of thinking and feeling, areas of conflict, and issues in communication that lead to problems and work on resolving them.  Couples Counseling can help you: Improve communication skills.  Become better at understanding yourself and your partner. Learn coping strategies that are useful to manage conflicts. Develop a stronger bond and obtain a positive outlook towards the future of the relationship. Couples therapy can be used by both married and unmarried couples. Therapy for married couples is called Marital or Marriage Counseling. For unmarried couples, the counseling is called Premarital Counseling.  At Inner Space, we offer both Marital and Premarital counseling for couples facing various personal and interpersonal issues in the relationship. If you would like to learn more about our Relationship Counseling Services, please click on the following links: Marriage Counseling Premarital Counseling While Marriage Counseling online  can be a great option for couples who are opting for therapy, it may not be the right fit for you if: If you or your partner are suffering from severe mental health issues, in-person counseling would be more suitable for you. If you or your

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psychological counseling

Psychological Counseling – benefits, process and how it works

Mental health is essential for our overall well-being, and when we struggle emotionally, it can affect every aspect of our lives. Psychological counseling is an effective process that can help individuals improve their mental health, cope with life’s challenges, and achieve personal growth. This article provides an overview of psychological counseling, including its benefits, how it works, and what individuals can expect when seeking counseling services. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, facing difficult life transitions, or seeking personal growth, psychological counseling can help you navigate your challenges and build a more fulfilling and satisfying life. What is Psychological Counseling? Psychological counseling is an effective process that can be used by any individual to improve their mental health and well-being, by working collaboratively with a qualified counselor or a psychologist. The process involves building a strong therapeutic relationship where the person feels comfortable and safe sharing their thoughts and feelings.  To establish this therapeutic relationship, counselors are fully present with their clients using empathy and deep listening skills. Counseling is effective when clients feel safe, understood, respected, and accepted without judgment. Counselors use empirically supported interventions and specialized interpersonal skills to facilitate change and empower clients. These interventions can range from cognitive-behavioral therapy to mindfulness-based interventions and many more. The goal is to help clients develop the skills and insights they need to address their challenges.  Contact Us If you’re struggling emotionally and feel stuck, counseling can be valuable in helping you navigate through your difficulties. We are here to help you. Book an Appointment Benefits of Counseling and Therapy Psychological counseling can be a transformative experience for individuals seeking to improve their mental health and overall well-being. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, facing difficult life transitions, or experiencing difficulties in relationships, counseling can create a safe and supportive environment to help them deepen their awareness and cope with their difficulties. The goal of counseling is to support individuals on their journey towards personal growth, healing, and a more fulfilling life, with the guidance and expertise of a trained counselor. Going through a difficult patch? We are here for you with online therapy & counseling services. Feel heard & supported by our compassionate and qualified psychologists and therapists. Related Read: Key Benefits Of Online Therapy The changes facilitated by psychological counseling include: Change in Perspective & New Insights: Psychological counseling can help individuals see things in a new way. By talking with a trained counselor, individuals can better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This understanding can help individuals learn new ways to cope with challenges and gain new insights of themselves and their situation.   Enhanced capacity to tolerate and regulate feelings: Psychological Counseling can help individuals become better at recognizing, understanding, and managing their emotions.  Counseling can provide a safe space where individuals can talk about their emotions without being judged. This can help individuals become more aware of their feelings and learn to better understand why they feel the way they do. By gaining insight into their emotions, individuals can develop strategies to manage them in a more effective way. Counseling can help individuals feel more emotionally balanced, resilient, and improve their overall well-being.   New Actions and Behaviours: Counseling can help in understanding why you might be stuck in a specific pattern of behavior, and learn new, healthier ways to interact with yourself and the world around you. This can lead to a change in your responses and build better relationships with self and others. As you develop new behaviors, you may find that you experience greater freedom and fulfillment. You may also feel more confident and empowered to make healthier shifts. How Does the Psychological Counseling Process Work? A counselor’s primary goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They understand that seeking psychological counseling can be a difficult decision, and they strive to create an accepting atmosphere where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns. During the initial session, the counselor asks clients questions about their background, history, and current issues. This information helps the counselor develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to the client’s specific needs and goals. Throughout the counseling process, the counselor works collaboratively with the client to help them gain insight into their issues and develop healthy ways of coping. In subsequent sessions, the counselor continues to explore the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in greater depth. They may use a variety of techniques and interventions to help clients better understand their experiences and develop new skills for managing them. The duration of psychological counseling varies depending on the client’s needs. Related Read: How To Choose The Right Online Counselor For Your Needs Online Counseling For Couples Dealing with Anger Mindfully Frequently Asked Questions How can Psychological counseling help me? Psychological Counseling encourages open and honest dialogue about issues that cause you distress. Through your relationship with your therapist, you’ll work to identify and understand how these stressors are impacting your life, and learn ways to cope with them. What should I expect from my first counseling session? Your first session with the therapist will be different from future visits. The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed. Future sessions will be more therapeutic in nature. When is Psychological Counseling required? Psychological counseling is needed if you’re experiencing distress, struggling with a mental health condition, having difficulty coping with life changes or stressors, or struggling in relationships. About the Author This article was written by the Inner Space team; consulted & approved by professional therapists practicing online therapy and mindfulness Ask a Therapist ‘Ask A Therapist’ is a free platform to ask your questions related to mental health & emotional well-being to our team of qualified therapists. You can explore some previously answered questions here. Ask Now Related Blogs How Developmental Trauma

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online therapy benefits

 The Key Benefits of Online Therapy

Benefits of Online Therapy: Is Online Therapy Right for you? Traditional Therapy is the process of meeting with a mental health expert -a counselor or therapist, to address and treat your emotional and mental health concerns. Having a conversation with a professional can help you overcome obstacles in your life, gain awareness of the root cause of your problems to manage symptoms and heal.  Online therapy is nothing but  a digitized version of traditional therapy. The presence of online therapy is becoming increasingly common through the years and that raises the question — is online therapy right for you? What is online therapy? Online therapy in the simplest sense of the word is the provision of mental health services and support  through the internet.  Generally these services are provided through live video chat, messaging apps, email, or over the phone. This practice has grown rapidly popular since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing patients to connect with a qualified therapist from the safety and comfort of their own home. With something as intimate and personal as mental health, some people might feel more comfortable talking about their feelings, personal issues, and goals over the internet rather than face to face. Patients can experience therapy from the comfort of their home and some online counselors are more likely to offer their therapy services outside of traditional business hours. The convenience and accessibility allows for more people to seek therapy and for therapists to expand their practice and offerings Benefits of online therapy There are numerous benefits to opting for online therapy, and the most common ones are; Convenience Since the location of your therapy session will be a virtual meeting, you wouldn’t need to travel to a physical location. You can schedule your sessions with flexibility, to fit into your daily routine uncomplicatedly. You will have the ability to receive therapy from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. Increased access to therapists and treatment options You will be able to find a therapist who specializes in specific issues or utilizes specific treatment modalities which suit your needs best. If you are in a location where in-person options for therapy are limited, you can access the therapy online. Anonymity and privacy You will have the ability to maintain privacy and anonymity during sessions. You can opt to use a pseudonym or remain anonymous. A trusted, professional online therapist will maintain client privacy. Cost effectiveness Since the therapy sessions are online, they can cost less than in-person therapy. Comfortable and familiar environment You will have the ability to receive therapy in a comfortable and familiar setting, like your home. You can choose to use video or audio-only sessions. Read Also: Manage Hypertension With Mindfulness   Online therapy isn’t right for everyone There are still some situations where in-person therapy is preferable to online therapy. If you’re currently suffering from a severe mental illness like schizophrenia or clinical depression, in-person sessions with a therapist are recommended. Conclusion The key to any type of therapy—online or in-person, is to find the correct therapist for you. Their qualifications, experience, and philosophy are important factors to consider, but it is also the relationship you develop with the therapist that is important because it will often define the success of your therapy.  You don’t have to be dealing with a diagnosed mental health issue such as depression or anxiety to benefit from therapy. Even if you’re facing everyday concerns like overwhelming stress, low self-esteem, or trouble sleeping, the right therapist can provide expert support and guidance and help induce positive changes in you. Finding the right online therapist can take some time and effort, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and read reviews. An online therapist will help you heal, recover, and grow so it’s important to choose someone who makes you feel understood, supported, and cared about. You should be able to trust this person enough to talk comfortably about personal and often difficult subjects —to be honest about what you’re thinking and feeling. About the author Browse through our Online therapy & Counseling page. Understand the Inner Space approach to therapy and get to know our team of professional therapists & counselors. Start your journey of mental well-being now. Click here share this blog! read similar blogs EMOTIONAL EATING: DO YOU EAT TO FEEL BETTER? Do you eat to feel better (to comfort yourself when… Read More Inner Space TeamJuly 27, 2016 COPING WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY: THE FEAR OF BEING JUDGED Those who have social anxiety fear social situations. This fear… Read More Inner Space TeamAugust 31, 2015 PREVENTING DEPRESSION – BOOSTING YOUR PSYCHOLOGICAL IMMUNITY Depression is often triggered by untoward traumatic events that one… Read More Inner Space TeamOctober 1, 2011 WHY MARRIAGES AND RELATIONSHIPS WORK INSPITE OF PROBLEMS A happy marriage or relationship is where both partners understand… Read More Sadia SaeedJuly 21, 2011

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THE GIFT OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

THE GIFT OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

Why not just visit a psychotherapist when you have no problems? When you go to a psychotherapist when there is no problem, you have the space to explore and reflect on your life. The intention would be solely for optimizing your life. It’s like talking to a dietician about how to modify your diet when you don’t have cholesterol or diabetes.

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counselling process

THE COUNSELLING PROCESS: USING PLATO’S METAPHOR

People often seek therapy when they feel powerless in face of difficulties, in order to regain a sense of control. Therapy, however, is also a process of moving towards deep self-awareness. In the Allegory of the Cave, Plato describes how a person who is restrained in a dark cave for his entire life would feel when unchained and let out in the light of the sun for the first time. The counselling process, therefore, is not just as a ‘road to recovery’ but also a ‘path to self-realisation’.

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stepping stone towards mental health

IS IT OKAY TO SEEK HELP FROM A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL?

Yesterday, we spoke about how consciously taking care of your emotional health goes a long way in nurturing and strengthening yourself.

Today, we address a slightly deeper issue.

What happens when sometimes, you feel stuck at an impasse? When you know internally that something is not quite okay… that you’re feeling a certain way and you don’t want to continue feeling like that?

You try to resolve it. Yes, it’s good to do that. You’d try and check what’s going wrong; you’d try to correct it.

What happens if still, those stresses or feelings don’t get better? Then what do you do? Turn to friends, family and other people you can trust. This is also good. People who know us act as sounding boards and support us.

But sometimes, even after talking to them, you feel that things are still not okay; like there are some knots that are entangled, and just won’t loosen up.

What then would you do?

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The Art of Listening