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How Online Counseling Can Help You Cope with Anxiety and Depression

Leave a Comment / Therapy / Inner Space Team / November 25, 2023 / benefits of therapy, counselling and therapy, counselling process, managing depression, online counselling, stress management, symptoms of anxiety

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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Unveiling The Benefits: How Therapy Can Help With Depression

How Therapy Can Help With Depression: Unveiling The Benefits

Leave a Comment / Depression / Inner Space Team / November 8, 2023 / benefits of therapy, counselling and therapy, managing depression, online counselling, treatment for depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. However, depression can sometimes be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or undetected in many people. This can have serious consequences as the individual with depression doesn’t receive the help they require and deserve. Depression requires timely support and professional help, which can be sought through counselling. Therapy for depression holds numerous benefits, and can bring a positive change to one’s mental health. Here, we will be talking about the advantages of therapy for depression and why it is important to seek professional help when you are struggling. Understanding therapy for Depression Depression can feel complicated and difficult to move through. There may be mixed emotions that can be difficult to understand and process. You may feel demotivated to take on new things or do activities you like to do. All of these feelings can bring up a sense of helplessness and loneliness. The nature of counselling is supportive. One of the goals of therapy is to support you through your journey, through coping strategies to manage uncomfortable emotions. Some emotions may be easy to notice, accept, and process. On the other hand, some emotions may be complicated and uncomfortable to sit with. Sometimes, what you may think could be sadness, could be much more. There could be a tinge of grief, a touch of guilt, or a smattering of loneliness. Depression can bring its own variety of emotions, and navigating through these heavy emotions alone can be difficult. Taking the guidance of a therapist can help alleviate some of the load that depression brings. A counselor can help you identify, hold, and process these emotions in a safe place. Counselors can provide you with comfort and acceptance which can help you feel open and welcome to express and experience all kinds of emotions. Therapists are also trained to help you go deeper to understand your emotions. They ask you questions to help you ponder over the thoughts and feelings you have been experiencing due to depression. Thus, taking up counseling can bring in a great deal of support, self-reflection, and resources to manage depression. How Therapy Helps To Treat Depression Apart from the obvious benefit of overcoming depression, therapy can be a great addition to your life, providing you support in multiple areas. To learn more about the benefits counseling offers for your mental health, click here. We have highlighted some other important benefits to seeking counselling for depression: Provides a safe space: Therapy is designed to help you learn more about yourself in an environment that feels comfortable and safe. A counsellor’s non-judgemental, and accepting nature can be helpful for you to open up and process uncomfortable feelings or thoughts associated with depression. Helps you identify triggers: For many people, there may be situations, thoughts, or people that could trigger depression. For instance, there could be events from childhood, or difficulties in the present that could be one of the causes of depression. Therapists can help you identify these triggers and teach you to be better equipped when there will be triggering events in the future. Helps you probe deeper into your thoughts and feelings: Like identifying triggers, therapy for depression also looks into patterns of thoughts, feelings, or behaviour that could have caused, or is sustaining depression. They can help you be more cognizant of your negative patterns and guide you to more positive ones. Improves your self-awareness: Sometimes, when we are caught up with troubles and difficult situations, we often don’t think of what we can do differently. Seeking therapy for depression makes you more aware of your patterns, and ultimately, yourself. Understanding yourself better can lead to having a better relationship with yourself. This can help you handle your difficulties with more acceptance, compassion, and gentleness. Helps you establish better relationships: Sometimes, depression can cause some strain in your interpersonal relationships. Therapy equips you with communication skills and strategies to manage your relationships with others in a better way. Teaches you coping strategies: One of the main challenges people face with depression is the lack of awareness of what to do when difficult emotions or thoughts come up. Thus, many people resort to unhealthy, and often dangerous ways to cope with them. Therapy is a useful tool to learn effective and healthy coping strategies to manage and overcome difficult situations through gentle support. 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 Process Of Uncovering Underlying Causes And Triggers Of Depression If you are trapped in a dark, suffocating room, it can be difficult to find the key to come out. The darkness may also make you believe that there is no way out, and that there is no key. But sometimes, the key to getting out of a dark place is right where we are, or it could be in our own hands. It just takes a little bit of searching. Therapy helps you in that “searching” process. The process of therapy involves helping you find that key to come out of the dark space safely. The process of therapy for depression is simple and can span over a few weeks to a few months. Step 1: In your initial sessions, the therapist will try to understand your concerns thoroughly and will work with you to set realistic, short-term, and long term goals. This step is to give you and the therapist clarity on what you are seeking from therapy and to give the process more structure. These goals may change as you proceed with the process. Step 2: Once your goals for therapy are set, the therapist would get into creating a treatment plan with you. Therapists can have their unique ways of creating a treatment plan, depending on their therapeutic style. While some therapists believe in working with your negative thoughts, other therapists would be curious to learn more about your

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How To Choose The Right Online Counselor For Your Needs

Leave a Comment / Therapy / Inner Space Team / July 5, 2023 / benefits of therapy, counselling and therapy, counselling process, go for therapy, mental health, online counselling, self help

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

Leave a Comment / Therapy / Inner Space Team / June 27, 2023 / benefits of therapy, counselling and therapy, counselling process, couples counselling, online counselling, relationship counselling, relationship issues, self help

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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The Key Benefits of Online Therapy

Leave a Comment / Therapy / Inner Space Team / January 20, 2023 / benefits of therapy, counselling and therapy, mental health, online counselling

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

The Key Benefits of Online Therapy Read More »

online counselling

How Online Counseling Can Help You Cope with Anxiety and Depression

How Therapy Can Help With Depression: Unveiling The Benefits

How To Choose The Right Online Counselor For Your Needs

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

The Key Benefits of Online Therapy

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