You feel stressed, anxious, gloomy, lonely or maybe even depressed. You are tired of the annoying thoughts and you think that therapy can help. Have you considered working with a therapist online? Online therapy has proven to be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Many studies have been done that have proven this. The goal of online therapy is to improve access to mental health care for those who otherwise may not receive the treatment they need and deserve!
What is online therapy?
Online therapy means that you are treated via the internet by a psychologist, usually through video calling.
Why should you consider online therapy?
There are many reasons why people choose online therapy. The good thing is that many insurance companies also cover online therapy, making it even easier to get therapy. Through my experience with Mindler, the online therapy app, I've listed a few reasons why you should consider online therapy.
Whether you're sick or injured, have a baby, are so anxious you're afraid to leave the house, or are housebound for any other reason - with online therapy you can still get the support you need . Don't let your physical barriers stop you from taking care of your mental health!
Online therapy is useful. Since you attend therapy sessions online in the comfort of your own home, you can often schedule your therapy sessions at times that are most convenient for you. This therapy style can remove the hassle of scheduling and making appointments in traditional settings.
Some people find it difficult to open up in the setting of a therapist's office. With online therapy you can receive guidance from your own home or another location that is comfortable for you. This can make it easier for you to open up and talk about difficult issues.
Many people have psychological complaints, which means that waiting times for help are long. When you get stuck in life, you don't want to wait. You want to become yourself again as soon as possible. Online therapy is more flexible than an appointment in a practice. Thanks to digital technology, there are usually no waiting times. You can speak to a therapist quickly if you need help.
Some people prefer not to see a therapist because they don't want people in their lives to know that they are seeking help. Online therapy may give you the privacy you need. You no longer have to worry about meeting someone at the therapist or nearby.
Some people prefer not to go out on the street too much, because social contact causes a lot of stress and anxiety. For people who struggle with social anxiety or who have anxiety disorders, online therapy is the best choice because it is easier to talk from a distance than talking to someone in person.
A sense of shame, of not being enough, can make it almost impossible to seek help. Some people worry that others will see or treat them differently or think they are “crazy” – a word still used in a derogatory way to describe mental illness. If the potential support is just one click away and there is no physical exposure, that step can be taken more easily.
If you travel frequently, be it for vacation or work, it's nearly impossible to get consistent treatment on the go. Online therapy can be an ideal solution to continue improving your well-being no matter where you are in the world.
Do you work in another country? Or are you studying abroad? Whatever the reason, you may need therapy in a country that has no options for spiritual help, where no Dutch therapist is available, or where there is no help available for expats. In these cases, finding an online counselor may be the easiest way to get the help you need.
Where do you start?
At the risk of sounding too obvious, we say, "Online of course." You can start your search for a psychologist on Mindler. The psychologists affiliated with Mindler offer remote therapy. In the psychologist's profile you can read about their background, which symptoms they work with and which types of treatment methods they use.
How Mindler really works
Mindler was founded in Stockholm in 2018 by 2 psychologists – Rickard Färdig and Johannes Hatem – together with arts/tech entrepreneur Rickard Lagerqvist. Therefore, Mindler can fully focus on the best possible treatment for their patients. The therapists are certified and have many years of experience in treating a wide variety of psychological and behavioral disorders. So you can easily get in touch with a care provider that you really feel comfortable with.
How does Mindler work?
At Mindler you download the app via Google Play or in the App Store, register yourself as a user, and follow the steps in the app. Then you choose a therapist who appeals to you and offers the therapy you need. Then you plan an intake interview. Is it time for your appointment? Open the app, and as soon as it's time to start, the green "Start appointment" button will appear. Click this button and you can start. You plan all subsequent appointments together with your practitioner.
If you think you are ready for online therapy, you are joining the club of many other people who have already made the important decision to prioritize their mental health. Fortunately, the next steps to start your therapy sessions are easy.
