Why Teletherapy is Effective for Anxiety Sufferers
Oftentimes, dire circumstances have the power to inspire incredible solutions. Such solutions can deliver some unexpected benefits. Both of these outcomes are coming to bear during the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing quarantines.
Thanks to social distancing, teletherapy has become the go-to option for mental health counseling. These advances inspire a sigh of relief among many Americans struggling with anxiety disorders. Teletherapy may be a fallback option for some. For anxiety sufferers, it’s an ideal scenario.
The Rise of Teletherapy
Like so many aspects of modern culture, psychotherapy has undergone changes thanks to digital technology. The primary change involves the introduction of video chat sessions. It may sound counterintuitive at first but teletherapy has proven to be effective and convenient. Clients experience healing in a setting that also provides:
- Accessibility
- Flexibility
- Privacy
- Affordability
In a time when most people are compelled to stay inside, these services have further grown in popularity and practicality.
Anxiety and Pandemic
Anxiety can be a valuable warning about dangers and threats. If that warning system gets stuck in the “on” position, anxiety can transform into a chronic condition. Needless to say, the conditions surrounding a global pandemic are fertile ground for increased anxiety. The 24/7 news cycle is enough to send anyone into non-stop fight-or-flight mode. If this weren’t enough, we’re spending almost all our time indoors with minimal human contact. There’s never been a time when teletherapy was more important.
4 Reasons Why Teletherapy is Effective for Anxiety Sufferers
1. It’s an Ideal Entry Point
For many people, the hardest part of therapy is getting started. Telehealth is a different kind of entry point. We all do so much online now — banking, shopping, exercise, and more. To seek out online therapy can feel less intense for someone trying to manage anxiety and panic disorder.
2. You’re in a Safe and Familiar Space
Anxiety can progressively decrease the size of your comfort zone. To break out of this pattern is not easy but it’s made less intimidating when the process begins at home. In the setting, you may be more likely to open up and speak bluntly. At the same time, your counselor is getting a look at you in your safe space — whether that’s your home or a quiet park or any place you enjoy. Obviously, this viewpoint is not possible in a normal therapy office environment.
3. Privacy
Perhaps you fear running into someone you know on the way to a session or, even worse, in a therapy waiting room. Anxiety disorders often lead to worst-case-scenario rumination or catastrophic thinking. How ideal it is to work on this without triggering privacy concerns!
4. You Can Begin With Phone Therapy
Let’s face it, no one enjoys owning up to a problem. One of the great things about teletherapy is that it can begin with phone sessions. You don’t have to dive right into a video chat. Ease into it. Get comfortable with open sharing. Get to know your therapist and get used to sharing at your own pace. Before long, you will probably be comfortable suggesting a switch to video and the face-to-face component.
Don’t Let Anxiety or COVID-19 Stop You From Getting the Help You Need
There is no shame in your struggle with anxiety. During a global health crisis, this has never been more true. You can reach out for support and get it delivered in a way that works best for you. Anxiety can make you feel wary of asking for help. A crisis can ramp up your anxiety. This daunting combination does not have to prevent you from finding recovery.
Please read more about anxiety counseling and contact me today to find out more about teletherapy and how effective it can be in managing your anxiety disorder.