My Honest Review of Online Therapy: Did It Actually Help?

Why I Finally Tried Online Therapy

Okay, so, let’s be real. I was *that* person. The one who swore they didn’t need therapy. “I’m fine!” I’d declare dramatically, usually while simultaneously stress-eating an entire bag of chips. But, honestly, things had been building up. Work was a pressure cooker, my relationship felt…stuck, and I was basically living on a diet of caffeine and anxiety.

I’d seen ads for online therapy everywhere. Talkspace. BetterHelp. All the usual suspects. I always scrolled past them, thinking, “Nah, that’s not for me.” It felt…impersonal, somehow. Like, how could spilling your guts to someone through a screen actually help? But then a friend, Sarah, started using one of those platforms and she actually seemed…lighter. Happier, even. She raved about it, saying it was way more convenient than traditional therapy and a lot less expensive. Plus, no commute! Living in this city, avoiding traffic is a major perk.

I hesitated. I still wasn’t convinced. The idea of opening up to a complete stranger about my deepest, darkest fears felt incredibly daunting. Like, seriously daunting. I put it off for weeks, maybe even months. Then one particularly awful Monday morning, after a screaming match with my boss and a near-miss collision on the highway, I just snapped. I googled “online therapy,” compared the prices and features of a few different platforms, and took the plunge. I figured, what did I have to lose? Besides maybe my sanity, ha! I’m kidding…mostly.

The Good, the Bad, and the Awkward

So, I signed up for [Platform Name Redacted to Protect Privacy]. The onboarding process was surprisingly thorough. They asked a bunch of questions about my mental health history, my reasons for seeking therapy, and my preferences for a therapist. I actually appreciated that they took the time to match me with someone who seemed like a good fit.

My therapist seemed nice enough. We connected via video chat once a week. The first few sessions were…awkward. I felt like I was talking to a screen, not a person. I stumbled over my words, forgot what I wanted to say, and generally just felt incredibly self-conscious. It’s kind of like trying to have a deep conversation with someone while knowing they’re probably also checking their email and making dinner. Distracting, to say the least.

But then, something shifted. Maybe it was just getting used to the format, or maybe it was the therapist’s skill, but I started to relax. I began to open up more, to share things I hadn’t told anyone before. And, surprisingly, it helped. I started to gain a better understanding of my own thoughts and feelings, and I began to develop some coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety.

The convenience factor was a huge plus. Being able to have therapy sessions from the comfort of my own home, without having to worry about traffic or parking, was a game-changer. I also appreciated the ability to message my therapist between sessions. It was helpful to have someone to check in with when I was feeling overwhelmed or triggered. But, of course, there were drawbacks.

The Unexpected Challenges of Virtual Sessions

One of the biggest challenges was the lack of physical presence. It’s hard to explain, but there’s something about being in the same room as someone that creates a deeper connection. It’s harder to read non-verbal cues over video chat, and it’s easier to get distracted. I remember one session where my cat decided to stage a full-blown acrobatic performance behind me. Hilarious, yes. Conducive to deep emotional exploration? Not so much.

Another issue was the technical glitches. Of course, my internet decided to act up at the most inopportune moments, causing the video to freeze and the audio to cut out. There were a couple of times when I just gave up and rescheduled. Ugh, what a mess! This also created a sense of distance, I think. It just didn’t feel quite as real or impactful as a face-to-face conversation.

Also, it’s worth noting that online therapy isn’t for everyone. It requires a certain level of self-awareness and willingness to engage in the process. If you’re not comfortable with technology, or if you prefer a more traditional, in-person approach, it might not be the right fit for you.

Did It Actually Work? My Final Verdict

So, did online therapy actually help? The answer is…complicated. It wasn’t a magic bullet. It didn’t solve all my problems overnight. But it did provide me with some valuable tools and insights that I wouldn’t have gained otherwise. It helped me to identify and challenge negative thought patterns. It helped me to communicate more effectively with my partner. And it helped me to develop a greater sense of self-compassion.

I’d been struggling with some pretty serious anxiety for months, and online therapy helped me manage those feelings in a healthy way. I learned techniques for calming myself down when I felt overwhelmed, and I started to practice mindfulness and meditation. Honestly, I was surprised by how much I got out of it. The key, I think, is finding a therapist who is a good fit for you and being willing to put in the work. It’s kind of like joining a gym; you won’t see results if you just sign up and never actually go.

The biggest surprise for me was realizing that it’s okay to ask for help. I used to think that needing therapy was a sign of weakness. Now, I see it as a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit that you’re struggling and to seek out support. It’s still a little bit…vulnerable to admit I needed help.

Would I Recommend It? Here’s Who I Think Should Try It

So, would I recommend online therapy? I think it’s a great option for people who are looking for convenient, affordable, and accessible mental health care. If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression, or if you’re just looking for a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, it could be worth a try. It’s especially useful if you have a busy schedule or live in an area where it’s difficult to access traditional therapy services.

I think that, I might even try it again sometime. Who even knows what’s next, right? I mean, funny thing is, I actually recommended online therapy to my brother last month, and he started using it immediately. I think he’s enjoying it. He’s a pretty private guy.

If you’re as curious as I was, you might want to dig into resources that compare different online therapy platforms to find the best one for your needs. Just remember to do your research and choose a reputable provider. Your mental health is worth it!

One Little Thing I Wish I Had Done Differently

One thing I totally wish I had done differently? I waited too long. Honestly. I let things get really bad before I finally decided to seek help. I should have started therapy sooner. Don’t be like me. If you’re even remotely considering it, just give it a try. You might be surprised at how much it can help.