Taking that first step to finding support for your anxiety can often be challenging. Luckily there are many affordable options for both in-person and online anxiety therapists who can help those who are impacted by anxiety manage their emotions and thought processes so that it has less of an impact on their daily lives. If you’re considering signing up for anxiety counseling, read on to learn more about the different treatment options that are available, some tips for choosing the right online therapist, and how to prepare for your first session.
Types of Anxiety
Many people don’t realize this, but anxiety is actually an umbrella term to refer to a number of different mental health challenges. Before you sign-up for online anxiety therapy, it’s always a good idea to do some research and reflection to explore what specific type of anxiety you might be impacted by. Some of the specific types of anxiety include but are not limited to Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Other mental health challenges might exhibit similar symptoms that an anxiety disorder can produce, such as the heightened pulse and physical symptoms that PTSD might involve. However, treatment might be different, so doing some reflection and exploring of what you might be experiencing before booking your first appointment is a good idea.
Anxiety often triggers what most people experience as a fight or flight response which is caused by being in stressful or dangerous situations. However, with help from supportive therapy, it is possible to re-train your brain and cope with anxiety symptoms, so they have less of a hold on your daily life. There are many different available treatment options that can do this, both through in-person or online anxiety therapy.
Available Online Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment options available that your online anxiety therapist might explore with you. A few of these include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). All of these therapies can help a person work through their anxious thinking, learn how to manage stressful situations, and replace cyclical negative thoughts. Your online anxiety therapist will work with you to determine what type of counseling approach works best for your specific circumstances and will consistently re-evaluate your treatment plan to determine what’s working and what might need tweaking.
Choosing an In-Person or Online Anxiety Therapist
If you’re looking to decide whether to opt for an in-person or online anxiety therapist, there are a few differences to take into consideration. The obvious and most important difference is that you won’t be interacting in person if you choose an online therapist. For those with geographical or time constraints, this might be a good option. However, if you feel more comfortable being in person and less comfortable working with technology then that might be the better option for you. Additionally, an online therapist might also offer other services such as phone or text support in between treatments that other traditional in-person therapists might not.
Rapport with An Online Therapist
One of the primary concerns that people have when signing up for online therapy is that they won’t be able to build a comfortable rapport with their new therapist virtually. The good news is that there has been extensive research done that demonstrates the therapeutic alliance between therapist and patient does not suffer in a virtual environment. One crucial factor however is that video conferencing and face-to-face communication is important in building this rapport. Simply communicating via phone or text message will impact the type of relationship, so make sure if you’re working with an online anxiety therapist that you work to use your video conferencing to develop the connection.
Preparing for Your Therapy Appointment
If you’re connecting with your therapist online, make sure you’re sitting in a quiet space with a good pair of headphones, you have a good Wi-Fi signal, and you set up a computer with a webcam. During the first session, the therapist will likely chat with you about what some of the challenges you’re experiencing look like and what some of your goals for coming to therapy are. Do a bit of reflection beforehand, and don’t be afraid to ask questions like what their preferred therapy techniques are and how they normally like to plan out their sessions.
Finding the Right Therapist
Some basic tips for finding the right therapist for you include the following:
- Make sure you’re exploring a few different options. Find a couple of different potential therapists who seem like they might be a good fit and do some introductory short phone calls to see what sort of vibe they have.
- Don’t forget to check your potential therapists’ credentials. You want someone who is a registered social worker or certified therapist. Also check educational credentials like Master’s, Doctorate, or MDs.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your therapist both in the introductory call as well as in your first session.
- Don’t be afraid to go with your gut! If you’re not feeling comfortable or like there is a good atmosphere in your introductory chats, then that therapist likely isn’t right for you.
Reach Out to us for Online Anxiety Therapy
If you are looking for an exceptional mental health practitioner to support you with your anxiety treatment, get in touch with us today at ACT Teletherapy. Our expert and highly trained staff will work with you to ensure that you’re comfortable meeting in an online environment and that you have the tools you need to deal with your anxiety on a daily basis. Let our online anxiety therapist support you in navigating your challenges today!