The Modern Mental Health Practice

Back in the day, therapy used to just be viewed as a taboo subject about seeing a professional at their office while they may or may not be laying on a leather chaise lounge talking about their feelings. But today, therapy is so much more than that. As we continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health, one we are still working on is the idea of therapy and counseling. Thanks to modern technology and mental health becoming a much more open conversation, therapy is more accessible and takes many forms, often reaching people in new ways. 

During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, a share that has been largely consistent, up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms from January to June 2019. One of the few silver linings to rise from the pandemic is the innovation of modern healthcare, including therapy. Today, therapy is accessible, affordable, and there are many more options to meet individual needs. 

Virtual Online Therapy – Gone are the days that you have to go to a physical office to see a therapist in person. Now sessions are instantaneous thanks to technology. Whether you’re on your smartphone or laptops, online therapy sessions match you with a therapist based on your needs and sessions happen online. This saves users time, money, and immediate access. Talkspace is an online therapy platform that provides users the confidential support of a licensed therapist through an easy-to-use and HIPAA-compliant app. Their research has found that 80% of users found Talkspace to be as effective or more effective than traditional therapy. 

It’s Not Taboo – Many companies and healthcare benefit companies recognize mental health treatments as part of necessary healthcare. Not only are they recognizing it as equivalent to physical but also that by improving well-being, they will simultaneously make investments that will provide real improvements in employee outcomes and consequently in company performance. Research shows that workplace stressors such as long hours, economic insecurity, work–family conflict, and high job demands coupled with low job control are as harmful to health as secondhand smoke. While we recognize that things still aren’t perfect, we recommend that you reach out to your human resources department at work or your healthcare benefits provider and find out what options are available and may be surprised. 

Healing By Design – It’s more than just the couch. Going to a therapist’s office is probably not at all what you picture in your mind. Today, therapists offices use research on human behavior and design principles to promote positive interactions between therapists and clients. The spaces are well thought out and intentional. The paint color and lighting fixtures are intentionally selected to promote relaxation and calmness. Soft seating provides a comfortable space for clients to open up and start a conversation. You may find lots of natural sunlight, natural elements such as plants, and maybe even a therapy animal. Some research has shown that watching fish can reduce heart rate and improve a person’s mood.

Recognizing Different Types – The term “therapy” gets thrown around a lot very loosely but it’s no longer an appropriate blanket term when acknowledging different types of therapy available. 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – CBT therapy examines the relationship between our situation, mindset, thoughts, emotions, behavior and physical reactions. It is ideal for people who want a therapy that works towards solutions with clear goals and practical techniques. 
• Counseling – A counsellor can help you find ways to deal with your difficulties and understand how you’re feeling. This might be useful for people who are going through bereavement, relationship problems, work-stress or other life-changing situations. 
• Mindfulness-Based Therapies – This therapy focuses on teaching you to become the observer of your thoughts and feelings.
• Humanistic Therapy – Humanistic therapies use a range of theories and prices to help you understand and enhance your mental wellbeing. 
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – IPT focuses on you and your relationship with others and is based on the idea that poor mental wellbeing is rooted within our interpersonal relationships.

We are inspired by the advancement of the accessibility and improvements of therapy treatment and hope that you aren’t discouraged by what you think therapy is or means. As the conversation around mental health improves and grows, therapy and counseling have gone hand-in-hand with it. We hope that if this is a service you are seeking, you find comfort in knowing there are different options available to you.