Therapy

---

Menstuff® has information on Therapy.
 

Free Hugs

Man Therapy  
Is It Time to Confront Your Demons?
How To Encourage Someone To See A Therapist
Obstacles to Awareness of Men's Issues
11 Facts About Teens and Self Esteem
More Mental Health Issues
What is Family Therapy for Addiction, & How Can It Help MY Family?
People Who Talk to Themselves Aren’t Crazy, They’re Actually Geniuses
How do I know if my child has oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
Therapy Prevents Repeat Suicide Attempts
Please Don't Visit This Type of Doctor Unless You Absolutely Have to
The Marketing of Madness - DVD
Conversion/Corrective)/Reparative Therapy
Gay Conversion Therapy Made Me Suicidal: The Powerful True Story Behind the Film Boy Erased
A helpful list of mental health resources to remind you there’s always hope
Remote mental health resources

Texting, Messaging & Chat Compared

Find A Therapist/Support Group

The 9 Best Online Therapy Services of 2021

Source: postsecret

Active Minds gave me the strength and power to start going to counseling. I am proud to tell people that I have a counselor and now encourage friends to go to counseling. I help them understand that even if they don't have a mental illness, they do have mental health that needs to be cared for.

Man Therapy

Man Therapy™ provides men approaching crisis, and the people who care about them, a place to go and learn more about men’s mental health, examine their own mental health, and consider a wide array of actions that will put them on the path to help, treatment and recovery, all within an easy-to-access online portal at www.mantherapy.org. Visit this page to take the 18-point head test, find local resources, and learn valuable tips about topics like fighter jets, how to make guacamole, and what to do when you or someone you care about is in a crisis.
Source: utahsuicideprevention.org/mantherapy

Is It Time to Confront Your Demons?

I almost turned around and walked out. It was that bad. Beige walls, ambient mood lighting, decorative bamboo shoots, and on the coffee table in front of me one of those miniature Zen rock gardens. There was also an incessant trickling. I peered into the gloom of the waiting room and saw its source: one of those plug-in waterfalls with a craggy slate cliff. There was no receptionist, so I took a seat. I picked up Mother Jones and put it down. I picked up the rock garden and started raking pebbles; then I realized what I was doing and put that down, too.

What was I doing?

Therapy, psychoanalysis, counseling . . . call it what you will. I'd always called it a sham, a cop-out, an excuse. Granted, I don't come from a touchy-feely family. When I was a teen, my parents divorced, my mother moved in with a woman, my father remarried a widowed socialite, and my brother and I were shipped away to school. Yet none of us even considered therapy. Imagine that happening today, in this era of self-help books and life-coaching seminars. What's happened to America? When did we stop solving our own problems? We've all gone soft, and I wanted to find out why. So I booked a session with a shrink.

Okay, there's more to the story--a personal side. Truth be told, I was curious. As I'd crept through my late 20s and early 30s, the number of people I knew who were in therapy had grown to the point at which I found myself in the minority. And everyone talked about it! Dates came bustling into restaurants, apologizing because their shrinks had kept them late. Married friends mentioned how counseling had helped their sex lives so much, as if I wanted to know.

And it was not just a New York phenomenon. My therapy-devoted friends were in Atlanta and Los Angeles, in Kalamazoo and Fort Lauderdale. They were bankers and housewives and salesmen. They were older and younger. And most interesting of all? There was nothing wrong with them: no severe anxiety or debilitating depression, no strange phobias or suicidal tendencies. Sure, they had their issues--who doesn't?--but they were hardly head cases. Yet they looked forward to their weekly sessions the way I look forward to poker night. Therapy was their escape.

It was Sigmund Freud who, in the late 1800s, first theorized that psychological problems are rooted in the unconscious mind. The techniques he developed to bring those problems to the surface have, over 100-plus years of refinement, become the foundation of modern psychotherapy. But none of my therapy-attending friends ever mentioned the analysis of dreams or the cataloging of Oedipal impulses. No, it seemed they just spent their time ranting about scheming bosses or annoying spouses while their shrinks sat there quietly, feigning interest, fighting sleep. If things turned worse--if the sadness or anxiety became constant--perhaps the doctor would write a prescription or call another doctor. Therapeutic solutions and chemical cures. Life without mental illness--it's a powerful idea.

Popular, too. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of American adults who visited mental-health professionals jumped by more than a third between 1997 and 2005, to almost 24 million. That's just over 10 percent of us. And the patients aren't all women: 38 percent of today's therapy seekers are men, presumably emboldened by James Gandolfini's Tony Soprano and Robert De Niro's Paul Vitti.

David Gardner, M.D., an associate clinical professor of psychology at Georgetown University hospital, traces the roots of the trend to the introduction of Prozac in 1986. "But drugs are only part of the story," he says. "Celebrities are the ones who erased the stigma attached to psychotherapy. Take Oprah. She talked openly on her show about her weight problems and history of sexual abuse, and ever since then there's been an explosion of self-revelation. It's really quite extraordinary."

Sitting in the waiting room, pondering the craziness of the "crazy" craze, I thought back to the night when this all started for me: at my 35th-birthday dinner. A group of friends began talking about how invaluable therapy had become in their lives, and when I raised a dissenting voice, I was quickly shouted down. 

"How can you know what you're talking about if you've never tried it?" my friend Haley asked. The rest of the table jumped in. I was surrounded, outnumbered. And they had a point. A few days later, I called Haley to request her therapist's number and ask what the woman was like.

"She's laid back but tough," Haley said. "She doesn't just sit there and ask questions. It's more of a conversation."

"About what?"

"About you."

"But I'm fine," I insisted.

"Oh, honey, no one's fine. That's the first thing you'll learn.

Those words stuck in my head. Was I really fine? Certainly there were things that bothered me--inconvenient corners of my life that I tended to ignore or explain away, phrases that emerged in arguments with girlfriends, bad habits that never quite died. But the big picture still looked rosy. I lived in a great city, was surrounded by supportive friends, and now had something I could legitimately call a career. So why was I really sitting in this waiting room? It wasn't just because I was culturally curious. Or because of my friends. It was the birthday . . . 35. It felt like the end of something big. A graduation into adulthood.

But I wasn't an adult--not in any conventional sense. I wasn't married. I didn't have kids or a car. I owned no real estate. I didn't even have health insurance. And yet all of this seemed perfectly normal. I'd chosen a certain life and was now living it. A successful book, a film deal . . . what a great year it had been for me. So why hadn't I had fun? Why had my girlfriend and I broken up? Why did I run off to Europe for 2 months to get away from everything?

"David."

I looked up. She was smiling: a thin, stylish woman with wavy hair and a pleasantly disarming bohemian glow. I shook her hand and followed her to an airy office at the end of a long hallway. She pointed me toward the couch (yes, there really was a couch) and sat down in a chair facing me. I'd dreaded this moment. How do you confide in a complete stranger? How do you share the thoughts you've never shared with anyone else? Yes, this woman was trained (and paid) to listen. Yes, it was supposed to be easier to talk about your life with someone outside of it. But I didn't actually buy any of that. I mean, seriously. The entire setup was so artificial. How should I play along? Where would I begin?

Well, at the beginning, if you're Freud. First memories and all that. But so far, this had nothing to do with Freud. She hadn't asked me to lie down or recount dreams. No, we just started talking. This and that. Occasionally, she asked a pointed question. Sometimes she wrote things down. On my book tour, I'd grown tired of talking about myself, so I created a kind of persona, a second, more public version of myself. It was a phenomenon I hadn't pondered or discussed with anyone because, well, that would be even more self-serving. And anyway, who in her right mind would listen?

It took me a moment to realize I was saying all of this out loud. In less than an hour, I'd delved deeper into my, what, unconscious than at any time in the past year. And this I told her, too.

"I'm not sure we've reached your unconscious yet," she said. "But we have awakened some of the bats that were sleeping."

At my next appointment, I came rushing in, frustrated by all the small aggravations of life. I slumped into a chair and took a deep breath, and the outside world began to fall away. I could no longer ignore it: I'd been looking forward to coming back. Last week's visit felt like something worth pursuing--an intriguing first date or an adulterous affair. And I was cheating on the part of me I didn't like. I just started talking: women, work, goals I should be pursuing--

"You're saying 'should' a lot," she said.

"I am?"

"Yes. As if you have a preconceived notion of yourself. Some other possible life you're battling against. Tell me, what do your parents do?"

"Is this the Freud part?"

She laughed. "Maybe, a little bit. We all have different versions of ourselves. And they're rooted in our pasts."

"They're both lawyers," I said.

"Oh, dear. This may take a while."

There is a moment in therapy--if it's going well--when you decide to tell the truth. For me it was the middle of the fourth session. And I don't mean I'd been lying until then. It's just that I hadn't come completely clean. This was, after all, a relationship of sorts. The person sitting across from me was someone I'd quickly come to value and respect. I wanted her to like me. I wanted her to be impressed. And yet I was playing that coy game we all play. When she said she was looking forward to reading my book, I told her she must have better things to do. The false modesty was pathetic. I'm sure she saw through it, even if she didn't let on.

She changed the subject. I changed it back.

"About the book," I said. "Of course I want you to read it."

"So why did you say you didn't?"

"I don't know. Why does anyone say anything?" And then I caught myself again. I did know. "Okay, I didn't want to sound self-involved."

She leaned forward slightly. "You're very hard on yourself. You should want your work to be read; otherwise, why do it? You can't just stay silent, hoping to be noticed. Not in this day and age."

I almost said that flagrant self-promotion was part of what had made "this day and age" so superficial in the first place. But this was psychotherapy, not philosophy. And I'd just made a small breakthrough of sorts, peeled away a layer of myself. She knew it, too.

Suddenly, we were off and running. She poked and prodded. I reacted and explained. For the first time, I could imagine these mini-realizations leading to a larger, life-altering discovery.

The following week I came armed with a question.

"Tell me, where does all this end?"

"What do you mean?" she asked, looking up from her notes. She smoothed the wrinkles in her skirt.

"You don't like it when I ask the questions, do you?"

"Therapists have their own therapists for that," she said.

"Oh, that makes me feel better."

"How?"

"That you have someone to vent to."

"I think you know this is about a lot more than just venting," she said. "We're on a journey. And the end is never as important as how you get there."

"But if we keep peeling off layers, there may be nothing left."

She laughed at this and was silent for a time. I thought back to that first day in the waiting room and of all those ideas and misconceptions. Psychotherapy wasn't what I had thought it would be. It was instead a reflection of who I was. It wasn't spiritual or New Age, because I'm not spiritual or New Age. But something positive was happening, so why not give it a chance? Was I going soft? Maybe a bit, or maybe I'd been hard-edged for too long.

I realized then that I was staring out the window. When I turned back, she was regarding me curiously, her brow slightly furrowed. And then, as if reaching a decision, she opened her notebook and clicked her pen.

"I think you're ready," she said. "So let's start at the beginning. What are your first memories?"

Find the Right Therapy for You

Psychotherapy works -- but only if you visit the right kind of therapist. Here are five common reasons men visit shrinks, and the recommended therapy for each problem.

1. Depression: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

When men believe they have no reason to be happy, they turn away from activities they enjoy. "The cognitive part helps patients identify their negative thoughts, and the behavioral aspect pushes them to stay active," says Greg Simon, M.D., a psychiatrist in Seattle.

2. Phobias: Exposure Therapy

"Contact with the feared event is critical to overcoming it," says Jeffrey S. Berman, Ph.D., a University of Memphis professor. Exposure therapy slowly desensitizes you. Say you're afraid to fly. Over a few months, you visit an airport, sit on a plane, and taxi around. Then you're cleared for takeoff.

3. Substance Abuse: 12-Step Programs

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are still the key treatments for alcohol and drug abuse. A 2006 study in Addiction found that people who sought treatment by using a 12-step program were 44 percent more likely to be clean and sober 3 years later.

4. Anxiety: Psychodynamic Therapy

CBT is the standard treatment for anxiety. But a recent study suggests that psychodynamic therapy, which raises awareness of unconscious motivations, is a great alternative. In the study, patients had a 153 percent greater reduction in symptoms after 12 weeks than those receiving relaxation training.

5. Marital Troubles: Family Therapy

"Family therapy treats relationships, not individuals," says Jacques Barber, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. The goal is not to pinpoint the cause of a problem -- i.e., place blame -- but to reveal how the couple's interactions feed it.

Source men.webmd.com/features/is-it-time-confront-your-demons?ecd=wnl_men_012908:

How To Encourage Someone To See A Therapist

Here are some steps you can take to tell your loved one about the benefits of seeking therapy.

Show Support

Misconception about mental health and therapy has intensified stigma in society. Your loved one may be aware that they need help, but may be afraid to seek it if they think you will judge or treat them differently. Therefore, it is essential to use non-stigmatizing language when talking with them about their mental health. Assure them that you will support them through the therapy process.

Demi Lovato is one of the most vocal celebrities about her mental health issues. She mentioned on multiple occasions how important it was for her to have people around that really care about her wellbeing. She credits her support group for being able to go through everyday life. Demi asks for advice from her loved ones and asks them to let her know when they feel something’s off: "So whether it's with my management team or with my friends, every choice that I make, I run by people. And that's what's really helped me—vocalizing what you need."

Be Sensitive To Timing And Place

Talking to someone about mental health requires emotional sensitivity as well as physical sensitivity. The “where” and “how” the topic is presented may determine how a person reacts to your suggestions. Your loved one may not be as bold as Kesha when she shared her condition and struggles with the world while receiving an award.

Don’t start this delicate conversation in front of other people or where others can hear as this may cause discomfort. And avoid grouping up in an intervention-style conversation as people do on TV shows. Allow the person struggling to decide whether they want others to know. This way, they feel respected and in control of their own treatment.

Also: Avoid talking to someone when they are in a bad mood, tired, have tight deadlines at work or if they’re doing something important. They may dismiss you or disregard the weight of the topic. Approach the person when they’re in a good mood, relaxed and undistracted. Try as much as possible to keep the conversation private, friendly and relaxed.

Prepare For Resistance

Not all people who hear about therapy will be willing to try it out. You need to be prepared to make your case if your loved one resists your suggestion. Here are some ideas that you can use to highlight the importance of therapy:

• Try to use your relationship as leverage, in a loving way. Whether you’re their sibling, friend, spouse or relative, tell them how important your relationship with them is to you. And how it could benefit from their seeking therapy. However, avoid giving an ultimatum as it can cause emotional distress.
• Name their admirable qualities. It’s easier to appeal to someone by pointing out what you like about them. When you point out someone’s positive qualities, they will be motivated to take the necessary steps to better themselves even further.
• Explain specific areas of problematic behavior. Most people who refuse therapy may claim that they don’t have a problem. By pointing out specific problems without coming off as judgmental, you can help them see the need for seeking professional help.

Offer To Help

You can try to embolden someone to go to therapy, but unless you are willing to offer meaningful support, it’s not going to encourage them. Some people do not know where to start when seeking help. Guide them in finding a suitable therapist in the area, depending on their preferences. You can contact offices on their behalf or research various professionals, their credibility and reviews.

Some people are scared of seeing a therapist alone or signing up for group therapy. Offer to go with them until they’re comfortable. You can sit in the waiting room during their first few sessions. Make sure to assure them that you won’t ask prying questions about the counseling unless they want to share.

Seeking therapy is one of the best steps that a person with a mental health condition can take. However, it’s an effort that requires great strength and courage. Share your suggestions as openly as possible and leave them to make the decision that best suits their needs. Above all things, assure them of your continued love and support throughout the process.
Source: www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2023/How-to-Encourage-Someone-to-See-a-Therapist

11 Facts About Teens and Self Esteem

1. Low self-esteem is a thinking disorder in which an individual views him/herself as inadequate, unlovable, and/or incompetent. Once formed, this negative view permeates every thought, producing faulty assumptions and ongoing self-defeating behavior.

2. Among high school students, 44% of girls and 15% of guys are attempting to lose weight.

3. Over 70% of girls age 15 to 17 avoid normal daily activities, such as attending school, when they feel bad about their looks. Brighten someone’s day by posting encouraging messages on your school’s bathroom mirrors. Sign up for Mirror Messages.

4. More than 40% of boys in middle school and high school regularly exercise with the goal of increasing muscle mass.

5. 75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities like cutting, bullying, smoking, drinking, or disordered eating. This compares to 25% of girls with high self-esteem.

Feeling Down? Talk to a trained crisis counselor. Text “DS” TO 741741. Free, 24/7, Confidential.

6. About 20% of teens will experience depression before they reach adulthood.

7. Teen girls that have a negative view of themselves are 4 times more likely to take part in activities with boys that they've ended up regretting later.

8. The top wish among all teen girls is for their parents to communicate better with them. This includes frequent and more open conversations.

9. 38% of boys in middle school and high school reported using protein supplements and nearly 6% admitted to experimenting with steroids.

10. 7 in 10 girls believe that they are not good enough or don’t measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members.

11. A girl’s self-esteem is more strongly related to how she views her own body shape and body weight, than how much she actually weighs.

Sources

1 Neuman, M.D., Fredric. "Low Self-esteem." Psychology Today. Accessed March 3, 2014. www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fighting-fear/201304/low-self-esteem

2 Council On Alcoholism And Drug Abuse. "Image and Self Esteem." Mentor Resource Center. Accessed March 3, 2014. mentor-center.org/image-and-self-esteem/

3 "Brands in Action: Dove." Unilever USA. Accessed March 3, 2014. www.unileverusa.com/brands-in-action/detail/Dove-/298217/

4 Quenqua, Douglas. "Muscular Body Image Lures Boys Into Gym, and Obsession." The New York Times. Accessed March 3, 2014. www.nytimes.com/2012/11/19/health/teenage-boys-worried-about-body-image-take-risks.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

5 PR Newswire Association LLC. . "New National Report Reveals the High Price of Low Self-Esteem." Dove Self-Esteem Fund. Assessed March 2, 2014. www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-national-report-reveals-the-high-price-of-low-self-esteem-65355592.html

6 Borchard, Therese J.. "Why are so Many Teens Depressed?." Psychcentral. Accessed March 3, 2014. psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/03/04/why-are-so-many-teens-depressed/

7 Council On Alcoholism And Drug Abuse. "Image and Self Esteem." Mentor Resource Center. Accessed March 3, 2014. mentor-center.org/image-and-self-esteem/

8 Shapiro, Hannah. "Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty boosts girls' self-esteem for Back to School." Examiner.com. Accessed March 3, 2014. www.examiner.com/article/dove-s-campaign-for-real-beauty-boosts-girls-self-esteem-for-back-to-school

9 Quenqua, Douglas. "Muscular Body Image Lures Boys Into Gym, and Obsession." The New York Times. Accessed March 3, 2014. www.nytimes.com/2012/11/19/health/teenage-boys-worried-about-body-image-take-risks.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

10 Shapiro, Hannah. "Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty boosts girls' self-esteem for Back to School." Examiner.com. Accessed March 3, 2014. www.examiner.com/article/dove-s-campaign-for-real-beauty-boosts-girls-self-esteem-for-back-to-school

11 Linton, Melissa. "Teens & self-esteem: Your teen's self-esteem dependent on you." Examiner.com. Accessed March 3, 2014. www.examiner.com/article/teens-self-esteem-your-teen-s-self-esteem-dependent-on-you

Sources www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-teens-and-self-esteem

What Does BetterHelp Offer & Who Is It For?

Table of Contents

What Does BetterHelp Offer & Who Is It For?
How Does BetterHelp Work
Choosing Your Online Therapist
How BetterHelp Compares with Traditional Counseling
BetterHelp Counseling vs Traditional Counseling
BetterHelp Counseling
Traditional Counseling
Is BetterHelp Trustworthy?
Everything You Should Know About BetterHelp Pricing

So, what’s the verdict on BetterHelp?

More Online BetterHelp Reviews

Online counseling or therapy companies, like BetterHelp, work in the same way as traditional in-office counseling, the only difference being that sessions are done virtually. You have the chance to talk with your counselor about your problems and concerns over video conference calls or text messages. BetterHelp will save you driving and parking time and give you flexibility in your scheduling. Not to mention it’s more affordable. More on the pricing in a bit.

Since its founding in 2013, BetterHelp has established itself as one of the top online counseling platforms. They have over 4,000 licensed professionals and therapists on their platform who can help you cope with a wide range of personal or mental health issues.

As of this article, there are around 1 million members on the BetterHelp platform. But what has made this many people gravitate towards the platform? And how does it stack up against other online counseling platforms in the market today?

How Does BetterHelp Work

BetterHelp is one of the best online therapy platforms available today for those who need counseling. Here is a step-by-step guide to how you get started:

Step 1: Fill out a questionnaire.

The first step is to answer a questionnaire and provide your basic information. This includes your age, gender, relationship status, orientation, and more.

You will also be asked to provide information about the issue you are seeking counseling for. It can be relationship issues, depression, anxiety, financial health, or just about anything. Be sure to be as specific as possible.

Step 2: Set up your account.

The next step is to create your account on BetterHelp. This is an essential step so that the information you provided above will be stored to your account for future reference. You will also be asked to provide your payment information in this step, but you will not be charged until the time of your first session.

Step 3: Choose your preference for a counselor.

Do you want a counselor from a specific area? Certain years of experience? Certain gender/age? What area of expertise in a counselor are you looking for? Make sure you are as specific as possible.

Step 4: Finding your therapist.

Based on the information you provided in the previous step, you will be matched with a licensed online therapist. BetterHelp finds your match within 24 hours.

If you’re not happy with who was selected for you, you have the option to request another counselor. Or, you can also decide to change counselors later on after you’ve worked with the one who is initially assigned to you.

You do not have to stick with a specific therapist or counselor if you are not satisfied or happy. All you have to do is request a change of counselor and another one will be provided to you.

Step 5: Begin your sessions.

Once you have found the ideal therapist to match your needs, you can start with your online counseling right away. You can set an appointment at a convenient time directly with your online therapist. You can also set how frequent your appointments are based on your needs or chosen package.

The overall process of signing up at BetterHelp is streamlined and efficient. It is easy to get started on getting the counseling help you need.

Dr. O, one of our medical team members at Manlywellness discusses BetterHelp and online therapy in our BetterHelp Video Review

Choosing Your Online Therapist

Matching you with the right online therapist is one of the most critical steps to success with BetterHelp, so let’s dive into this step more. This is why they have devised an efficient way to match clients with the right therapist.

When you set up your account, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. Fill out this questionnaire as honestly and conscientiously as possible.

This will give the counselor a starting point to assess your situation and needs. This will also enable BetterHelp to match your needs with the counselor who has the right set of expertise.

The counselors available are divided into three categories: individual counseling (for yourself), online couples counseling (you and your partner), and teenage counseling (for a teen).

How BetterHelp Compares with Traditional Counseling

Image Source: Popsugar

BetterHelp promises to deliver a non-traditional approach to counseling. But just how different is this method of counseling? Also, is BetterHelp more effective than traditional counseling?

Similarities of Online & In-Person Counseling

Below are some of the similarities that BetterHelp and traditional counseling share:

Qualification and Experience

Both methods offer qualified and licensed therapists to help you out. These therapists have certification and training to ensure their expertise. Proper accreditation is also expected for a therapist to hold counseling sessions through both platforms.

Available Treatment Plans

They both provide specific treatment plans that are designed to suit the needs or concerns of each client. You can expect the same kind of treatment plan online as you would in an office counseling.

Cost

The cost of both methods is largely the same. And BetterHelp can be covered by most insurance carriers

Differences of Online & In-Person Therapy

Message your counselor day or night

These are the most common differences between the two types of counseling methods:

Means of Communication

The method of communication is the primary source of difference between BetterHelp and traditional counseling. With BetterHelp, you can conduct the therapy sessions in the comfort of your own home. You do not need to go to the therapist’s office.

Availability

Aside from the actual therapy sessions, BetterHelp also enables you to communicate with your therapist throughout the day. Communication can come in the form of text, call, or chat. With traditional counseling, contact with your therapist starts and ends at the office.

Frequency of Contact

The frequency of contact is another major difference between the two. Since you have other ways to contact your therapist at BetterHelp, you can expect a higher frequency of contact with your therapist.

BetterHelp Counseling vs Traditional Counseling

BetterHelp Counseling

We have analyzed the counseling services offered by BetterHelp through its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

You have access to licensed and accredited therapists.

You can expect a convenient method of communicating with your therapist – video call, chat, or text message.

The cost of setting up your account is more affordable than traditional counseling methods.

You can enjoy the confidentiality of holding your therapy sessions in your own home.

You can set up appointments at your most convenient time.

You can expect an immediate and prompt response from your counselors when you need them.

Disadvantages

Those who are used to in-person counseling might have a little getting used to this new method.

It is not designed for urgent crisis or emergencies due to a lack of in-person communication.

The immediate response of the online therapist might vary on times of day or day of the week.

Traditional Counseling

Image Source: Money Under 30

We have analyzed traditional counseling services offered to the community through its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

It is a great option for clients who seek out in-person communication with the therapist. Some people feel like they can open up more whey communicate with someone face-to-face.

It facilitates to a more comprehensive array of therapy forms (which can often be limited by online communication).

Disadvantages

Traditional counseling is generally more expensive than online therapy (although not by a large margin).

Getting to and from the counselor’s office can be a hassle and time-consuming.

Setting an appointment is nearly impossible with in-demand counselors. It can take days or weeks before you can set an appointment. Plus, you would have to spend hours waiting in the queue for your turn.

Is BetterHelp Trustworthy?

BetterHelp is one of the top platforms who need counseling or therapy sessions that you can access online. Recently, it has received a lot of criticism or concern. Many think that this online counseling service is a scam, as there are plenty of those who are still in doubt about the efficacy of online counseling.

Fear not! Read on to learn more about the platform to address your doubts about the service.

BetterHelp Client’s Safety Concerns

A majority of the criticism that is thrown against BetterHelp is centered on the online therapy industry that it operates in. These concerns should be taken as general, rather than specifically about BetterHelp. For example, when looking at BetterHelp vs Talkspace or other companies, they’re all getting the same criticisms.

Below are some of the most common concerns about online counseling platforms.

Online counseling is inferior to in-person counseling.

BetterHelp is not a service; it is only a platform that links clients to service providers.

BetterHelp is expensive.

BetterHelp suffers from a lot of billing errors.

These criticisms cannot be tagged to the service that BetterHelp offers. As with any platform, there is still room for error that needs to be given. But BetterHelp has a frontline of customer service representatives to address what each client needs.

A majority of complaints come from individual, one-off circumstances. Thus, it does not reflect the service as a whole. To put it simply, BetterHelp is not a scam. There might be some aspects of the service that could use improvements, but the company itself is legitimate.

BetterHelp’s Legitimacy as an Online Platform

BetterHelp has clearly stated that the counselors are third-party providers. They also guarantee that only 15% of the applicants are hired as counselors by the company. BetterHelp has continued to gain a lot of new memberships, and has received a positive overall rating from the clients who’ve used the service.

While there are some minor complaints, the general feedback has been positive. If you are interested to try out online counseling, BetterHelp is a good platform to consider. For those who are not satisfied with the results from the online counseling platform, you might want to consider for in-person counseling instead.

Counselor Credentials

BetterHelp guarantees its members that they work with licensed therapists who have proper training and accreditation. Currently, BetterHelp offers counselors with the following credentials:

Psychologists

Clinical Social Workers

Licensed Professional Counselors

Family Therapists

These are licensed counselors who have the proper educational background and certification. This ensures that you can get professional therapy services. BetterHelp also guarantees that their counselors all have a Master’s or Doctorate Degree in their respective fields.

All of them also meet state professional board requirements. They also require that counselors which they hire should have at least 2,000 hours of clinical experience and three years of practice (minimum).

To ensure that the BetterHelp counselors meet these qualifications, the company employs a strict verification process. The counselors must provide licensure documentation, references, and proof of identity. BetterHelp also does the cross-checking of the licensure information with the appropriate licensing boards in the US.

Technology Safety

BetterHelp therapy sessions are conducted online or through other forms of communication such as chat or email. The use of online technology is what made it popular in the first place.

It means that it offers a great manner of flexibility when it comes to the services that they offer for all their clients. Also, you can take advantage of the services regardless of your location or where you prefer to hold the sessions.

But the very same thing that also makes BetterHelp quite useful also poses its threat. There are concerns about the use of a web-based platform for sharing information. This risk is something that BetterHelp users are concerned about.

However, BetterHelp guarantees that all of its platform databases are encrypted and scrambled. This means that your data is protected and will be deemed useless in the event of theft of information. They also use “A grade” server facility to ensure added security for its users.

Accordingly, the online counseling platform only employs A+ rated security protocol. As a HIPPA compliant service, all sorts of communication shared between you and your counselor are secure and safe at all times.

Privacy Policy

Along with web security, privacy is another major concern for anyone who might be using BetterHelp for the first time. Rest assured, BetterHelp abides by the existing industry laws and regulations when it comes to privacy policy standards.

To ensure the confidentiality of your concerns and issues that are shared to your counselors, we implement strict protection of data. It applies to all incoming and outgoing calls and messages. The same goes for all the forms and payment methods that you opt during the process.

At BetterHelp, they maintain strict client anonymity. When setting up your account at BetterHelp, you can use your alias if you are not comfortable using your legal name. This online counseling platform also does not work with employers or insurance companies.

This is how you can ensure that there will be no communication made with these organizations. When you share personal information with your counselor, you are guaranteed that the company abides by all applicable state and federal laws when it comes to client confidentiality.

No information is released to third-parties, such as in the event of legal cases, without the prior approval of the client concerned. Ultimately, your identification and findings are in safe hands before, during, and after your treatment.

Everything You Should Know About BetterHelp Pricing

If you are considering BetterHelp for your counseling needs, it is important to understand the costs involved. BetterHelp is a suitable option for those in need of counseling or therapy because it is more affordable than traditional counseling.

The cost of counseling via BetterHelp ranges from $35 to $70 per week. For this cost, you will have unlimited access to your counselor. There is also a one-time, upfront fee of $260 that you need to cover to use the platform.

For the monthly charge, you have unlimited access to messages with your counselor. It will enable you to maximize the payment made. In comparison, the cost of traditional face-to-face counseling would be around $150 to $250 per session (without insurance).

Based on that alone, there is already a considerable difference between the two types of counseling. If you are looking for affordable therapy solutions, it is important to consider BetterHelp. It applies especially for those without insurance, as it is easier on the pocket.

How Do You Settle Your Payments?

When you create an account with BetterHelp, you will be asked to supply your payment information. Your weekly charges for your counseling sessions will be billed once a month (using the payment information given) via PayPal or credit card. You can keep your membership for as long as you’d like and can cancel anytime.

Does BetterHelp Accept Insurance?

Online therapy is not covered by most insurance carriers. Therefore, you are expected to pay from your pocket when you opt for online therapy services such as BetterHelp. Some insurance companies do cover for face-to-face video conference counseling, but you need to check with your provider.

The service that you will get is a HIPAA compliant. The email, chat, or other forms of communication are not covered by your insurance. For traditional counseling methods that are covered by insurance, the insurance provider would require a diagnosis from your therapist.

In particular, the diagnosis must cite mental disorder or similar issues for you to get the coverage you want. All the findings will be submitted to your insurance company and placed under your medical file. Your therapist might also be required to provide additional clinical information such as a summary of your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Even for the traditional counseling sessions that are covered by insurance copay plans, the savings you can make with BetterHelp is still significant. Therefore, it does not make any significant difference to your budget if you opt for online therapy instead of traditional counseling since it is more expensive.

Does BetterHelp Offer Financial Aid?

Financial Aid is available for those who opt to use online therapy services through BetterHelp. The company provides financial aid based on the income of a client/patient. The amount of aid will also vary for each client.

Most of those clients who have used the financial aid option were able to save 20-50% of the cost. This would be a significant help considering that BetterHelp and other online counseling platforms are already cheaper than traditional therapies.

So, what’s the verdict on BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is a great option when convenience and accessibility are a priority. This is especially helpful if you’re at a stage where you prefer not to go out but still want to get the counseling you need.

What sets BetterHelp apart from similar models is that they have excellent customer service. They make an effort to help you understand their platform and explain what they’re looking for in a client. Their commitment to help clients also extends to ensuring people are matched with the right therapist and service.

With 4,000 licensed therapists available, you are sure to receive online therapy at your convenience. No wonder BetterHelp has been voted number 1 in many reviewers of online therapy.

To reiterate, online counseling is best for people looking for:

Accessibility

Convenience

Anonymity

Variation in communication methods

Most importantly, it is suitable for those who want to avoid the social stigma linked with counseling, something that often makes people uncomfortable and reluctant to seek help, resulting in them suffering in silence.

With BetterHelp, patients receive therapy at the privacy of their home. No need for them to feel alone in their struggles. This can make a huge difference in the way patients deal with their troubles and seek help

More Online BetterHelp Reviews

What do real people say about BetterHelp?

TrustPilot Reviews

“They matched me with the perfect counselor. I can get daily motivation outside of our sessions. Sessions are scheduled at a time that’s best for you, and even if there isn’t availability on their calendar they usually can fit you in where it’s best. You can choose to text, phone call, or video call your counselor. It’s super convenient and worth every penny.”

“Better help is just that. When I put my hand out for better help, they are there to help me up. I’m not sure where I’d be without it. I was paired with a counselor who was passionate and caring and always there when I needed her. It’s been a truly uplifting experience and I deeply appreciate the help I’ve received.”

“Better Help has changed my life. I was looking for a service that I didn’t have to travel to see a therapist. The time it takes to drive in traffic, stress to make the appointment and then remember the week’s events can be overwhelming. Better help has the tools to help with everything for a therapy session. There is a journal feature where you can write things down when you need to. Also, there are webinars to help with different topics that change monthly. One of my favorites is the fact that I can email my therapist. If something comes up and I feel overwhelmed I can write to her and she responds quickly.”
Source: manlywellness.com/betterhelp-review/

What is Family Therapy for Addiction, & How Can It Help MY Family?

While individual therapy focuses on the thoughts, behaviors and emotions of one person, family therapy focuses on the relationships, and aims to understand and validate the experiences of all family members. The goal of family therapy is to bring clarity to all relationships, and to foster repair and closeness if family members choose. Family therapists believe that problems exist between people, not within people.

In the addiction context, a family therapist will explore with the family how substance use is embedded in a cycle of interaction within the family. For example, many young adults and parents are in what we call a fugitive/detective dynamic. The more the young adult acts like a fugitive (hiding, lying) the more a parent acts like a detective (snooping, chasing) – and visa versa. In addition, family therapists can provide additional education about substance use for the whole family and support family members in reducing their unhelpful behaviors and increasing their effective behaviors.

Family therapists help identify new skills and then coach family members in the practice of these new skills.

Anxiety, anger, frustration and a deep worry often interfere with parents renovating their approach to family life. Family therapists can also put the substance use in a different context by addressing other challenges and highlighting other resiliencies in the family – for example, understanding what is working in the teen’s life, or asking, “If we weren’t here to talk about this person’s substance use, what would we be talking about as a family?”

Many research projects demonstrate that Family Therapy is very helpful, although there are time-based and/or economic barriers as to why it’s often not offered, implemented or practical.

In our work at CASA, we’ve been engaged in a research project attempting to distill the core elements of family therapy from evidence-based therapies, and have identified four of the most important components of these family therapy models: Family Engagement, Relational Reframing, Family Behavior Change, and Family Restructuring.

Family Engagement

The first element is Family Engagement, as enhancing family members’ involvement and investment in the therapy of the young adult who is struggling is key.

For example, for a parent who feels reluctant to engage in therapy, a therapist might share something like: “You and I together are trying to help her not go under. This isn’t going to be easy, but I’m going to push you to hear her point of view and you’re not always going to agree. I’m going to help her bring things to you, and to help you hear her.”

For a teen who is feeling unsure about the value of family therapy for them, a therapist might share something like: “Your mom seems upset about your grades dropping. That’s important and we will spend time talking about it, but I’m just as interested in hearing how you feel things are going for you. I want therapy to be a place where you can talk about what you think is going well, going not so well, and what you would like to be different.”

Family Engagement interventions typically take place during the initial phase of treatment, though investment and goal setting are continually revisited in family therapy.

Relational Reframing

The second element, Relational Reframing, consists of interventions designed to move away from individual ways of defining problems and generating solutions, and toward an understanding focused on relationships. These interventions also aim to remove irrational descriptions and attributions for family members’ behaviors, and instead focus on understanding motivations for behavior based on those relationships.

For example, a family therapist may want to expand a description of a parent from someone who is critical and judgmental to one who is simply worried by sharing, “I take it that when you are yelling at your daughter about her coming home late, you are actually worried about her safety and well-being, rather than just being angry with her.”

A family therapist may also want to transform an understanding of a teen’s substance use from one that blames them to one that’s a more meaningful understanding of their problem by saying something like, “I wonder if because of what has happened in the past, everyone in this family is a little bit anxious, and everyone has different ways of dealing with that anxiety, and a lot of the ways aren’t really working for you. Maybe you are using substances and staying in your room a lot, but I bet you’re all feeling pretty scared.”

Family Behavior Change

The third core element, Family Behavior Change, aims to shift the behavior of family members. These interventions aim to teach concrete new skills and encourage individual behavior changes that will allow for improved family relationships. New skills and behaviors are positively reinforced and coached, for both individuals and the entire family.

For example, new skills that a family therapist might teach a family could include assertive communication skills, enforcing limits, negotiation of rules and boundaries, expressing feelings more effectively, and others.

Family Restructuring

The fourth element, Family Restructuring, aims to change the way the family system is governed; that is, to shift underlying beliefs, premises and family rules.

For example, there may be a trend in the family that when someone is upset, they don’t talk about it and are meant to handle it alone. A family therapist might help the family become aware of this premise, and might introduce new beliefs about the value in speaking with each other about difficult feelings. There may also be beliefs about different roles two different parents occupy, and family therapists can help identify a shared way that both parents can respond to their child.

Family members are encouraged to understand the dynamics of their family, and how these dynamics are linked to the problematic behavior. It ends up prompting shifts in attachment and emotional processes between family members.

Even without formal family therapy, parents can begin to think about how they can be resources for their teen, and how relationships could shift in their families to better support a teen who is struggling with substance use. Parents should be curious about their son or daughter and his/her life in a non-judgmental manner.

• What is your child thinking and feeling?
• What is your child hopeful about or worried about?
• What does your child think is good about using drugs?
• Is there anything your child worries about related to drugs, or about risks of the behavior?
• What does your child believe that you do not properly understand or value?

We know that engaging in these conversations can be very difficult, so parents shouldn’t be afraid to seek support on their own to do so, or be discouraged if it at first it doesn’t feel successful when they aim to engage in a more skillful conversation with their teen.

If a parent’s approach to substance use is based on punishment, the teen is less likely to talk about their substance use and whether they are worried about themselves or a friend. This does not mean that behavior doesn’t have consequences, but that parents should position themselves as resources for their teens rather than act as probation officers. Limit setting is important, and consistency is the most important part of limit setting — for example, if your child misses curfew and the consequence is a week of being grounded, it’s very important to follow through as opposed to just grounding him or her for a day or two. We also know that the most effective way to change behavior is through positive reinforcement, so in addition to boundaries and consequences for less healthy choices, parents can look for opportunities to positively reinforce the healthy choices the teen is making in their everyday life.

Because we know some teens do use substances, parents should encourage their teens to avoid drugs but also talk about reducing risk if they or people they hang out with do use drugs. Also, providing fact-based and honest drug education makes parents more credible and again more likely to be someone their teen comes to for advice or help.

The relationship with your child is the most important thing to attend to – don’t lose sight of this core value when you’re legitimately concerned about your son or daughter’s substance use. Stay focused on the positive relationship and your lifelong bond with them, and offer compassion and love. It is truly the most important thing and has the biggest positive influence on their behavior.
Source: drugfree.org/parent-blog/what-is-family-therapy-for-addiction-how-can-it-help-my-family/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=PARENT&utm_campaign=family-therapy-casa#more

People Who Talk to Themselves Aren’t Crazy, They’re Actually Geniuses

You’re a genius.

I mean, this should be a no-brainer, right? After all, some of the smartest people in history talk to themselves: poets, writers, philosophers, every one! Even Einstein used to “repeat his sentences to himself softly.”

But now, we have proof. Proof, I say!

A study printed in The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology claims that talking to yourself makes your brain work more efficiently. Authors Daniel Swingley and Gary Lupyan hypothesized that talking to yourself could actually be beneficial. Their first trial, in which they gave subjects an object to buy at the grocery store, seemed to prove their point. The people who were allowed to say the name of the item aloud were much more likely to find it than the ones bound to silence.

It turns out that talking out loud might not always be helpful, though.

“Speaking to yourself isn’t always helping – if you don’t really know what an object looks like, saying its name can have no effect, or actually slow you down. If, on the other hand, you know that bananas are yellow and have a particular shape, by saying banana you’re activating these visual properties in the brain to help you find them.”

Basically, if you know what an object looks like – the banana, for instance – then saying the word will help you find what you’re looking for. But, if you’ve never seen a rutabaga, saying it out loud isn’t going to be of any assistance at all.

Not that you’d ever actually want to find a rutabaga, but in case you do, here’s a picture.

It can be helpful for the indecisive scatterbrains among us.

Talking through things aloud can help organize your thoughts, as well as validate difficult decisions, according to psychologist Linda Sapadin

“It helps you clarify your thoughts, tend to what’s important, and firm up any decisions you’re contemplating.”

I mean, basically, it’s best to talk the big decisions out…even if it’s just with yourself.

Talking to yourself about your goals also helps you attain them.

It turns out saying your goals aloud is even better for achieving them than making a written list, which can seem daunting. As Sapadin says,

“Saying your goals out loud focuses your attention, reinforces the message, controls your runaway emotions, and screens out distractions.”

It’s exactly what we “crazies” who talk to ourselves have always known – we’re smart, and we give great advice. Why not listen to it, out loud and wherever you want!
Source: didyouknowfacts.com/rc-people-talk-arent-crazy-theyre-actually-geniuses/?utm_source=Web&utm_medium=Partner&utm_campaign=AOLHP

Therapy Prevents Repeat Suicide Attempts

Using detailed Danish government health records, researchers studied 5,678 people who had attempted suicide and then received a program of short-term psychotherapy based on needs, including crisis intervention, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic and psychoanalytic treatment. They compared them with 17,034 people who had attempted suicide but received standard care, including admission to a hospital, referral for treatment or discharge with no referral. They were able to match the groups in more than 30 genetic, health, behavioral and socioeconomic characteristics. The study is online in Lancet Psychiatry.

Treatment focused on suicide prevention and comprised eight to 10 weeks of individual sessions.

Over a 20-year follow-up, 16.5 percent of the treated group attempted suicide again, compared with 19.1 percent of the untreated group. In the treated group, 1.6 percent died by suicide, compared with 2.2 percent of the untreated.

“Suicide is a rare event,” said the lead author, Annette Erlangsen, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, “and you need a huge sample to study it. We had that, and we were able to find a significant effect.”

The authors estimate that therapy prevented 145 suicide attempts and 30 deaths by suicide in the group studied.
Source: well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/therapy-prevents-repeat-suicide-attempts/?_r=1

A helpful list of mental health resources to remind you there’s always hope

If you or someone in your life is struggling with mental health issues, know you're not alone, and that help, support, and treatment methods are available.

SEE ALSO: Don't know how to open up about your mental health? Lady Gaga's mom has some advice.

Here's a list of organizations and hotlines that offer support, provide additional informational, and connect you with other impactful professionals and resources.

Emergency Medical Services

If time-sensitive or potentially life-threatening emergencies arise, consider calling 911 and seeking professional medical care.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, confidential service that connects anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress with local crisis centers across the United States. Can't sleep? Call 1-800-273-8255 or text "SOS" to 741741 for help & support. 24/7/366

You can also find an international list of suicide hotlines here.

Crisis Text Line

If you're looking for someone to talk with, you can also text Crisis Text Line at 741741. The mobile service offers 24/7 support from trained crisis counselors in the United States at no cost. Your experiences are yours alone, but you never have to be alone in them. Text SOS to 741741 for crisis support in the US, text SOS to 686868 for support in Canada.

LGBTQ support

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth by providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention methods. Trained counselors at the organization can be reached 24/7 through an online chat, by texting "Trevor" to 1-202-304-1200 Monday through Friday from 3pm–10pm EST, or by calling the TrevorLifeline any time at 866-488-7386.

The organization also offers TrevorSpace — a safe online space for members of the youth LGBTQ community to interact with one another, build meaningful relationships, and offer support.

Trans support

Trans Lifeline is another option for transgender people seeking help in time of emotional crisis. Currently, the hotline is staffed by trans volunteers 18 hours a day, every day of the week. United States residents can call (877) 565-8860, and people in Canada can call (877) 330-6366.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

Survivors of sexual harassment and assault can reach out to the national the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s confidential hotline to speak with a trained member of local RAINN affiliate organization.

By calling 800-656-4673 or using the live chat online, you can discuss your experiences, obtain medical and legal information, and receive additional resources and support. As the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States, RAINN also offers a comprehensive list of resources to help assault survivors and their loved ones.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line provides confidential support for veterans and service members, as well as their families and friends. Trained responders from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are available through online chat, by texting 838255, or by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

A helpful list of mental health resources to remind you there’s always hope

Find local mental health centers and professionals

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline provides insight on mental health and substance misuse issues, offers treatment referrals, and shares prevention and recovery methods

You can call at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or find local treatment centers on SAMHSA's website.

Mental Health America also provides information on local support groups as well as an interactive tool that will help determine where you should seek help.

Explore online resources

For more information, guidance, and support on which steps to take if you or someone you know is experiencing mental or emotional distress, here are some great references:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Jed Foundation’s Mental Health Resource Center
• Take 5 to Save Lives

Be aware of suicide warning signs and how to respond to them

Not all people experiencing suicidal thoughts show obvious warning signs, but it's important to know what behavior to look for. Signs, according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, include:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or obtaining a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

If you see a person showing any of those signs, or suspect he or she might be having suicidal thoughts, reach out to a hotline or other resource listed here, or seek assistance from a trusted friend, family member, or professional.

Make sure the person is in a safe environment free from alcohol, drugs, firearms, or other means that could be used for self-harm, and offer them your support.

Remember: Self-care isn't selfish

Though it's easy to forget, your mental health and emotional well-being should always be a priority in your life.

Whether you take a mental heath day from work every now and again or decide to avoid social media for awhile, it's crucial to set aside time to care for yourself. Here's a list of doable self-care suggestions to consider.
Source: mashable.com/2018/06/08/list-of-mental-health-resources/

Texting, Messaging & Chat Compared

In this blog post we compare three options: Texting (SMS), Mobile Messaging and Online Chat. While these terms often get used interchangeably, they are in fact three very different options, each with their own characteristics to consider.

We leave out voice calls because they've fallen down the pecking order of preferred smartphone apps. We're also leaving out app notfications and email because neither are effective at supporting full conversations on mobile devices.

Text, Messaging, and Chat compared

Online Chat

“Online chat may refer to any kind of communication over the Internet that offers a real-time transmission of text messages from sender to receiver. The first dedicated online chat service that was widely available to the public was the CompuServe CB Simulator in 1980.” (Wikipedia).

Chat is also a verb that can be applied to any texting activity but here we are talking about a solution category.

Online or web chat is very different from Texting and Messaging. Chat is used frequently used by customer service when a customer is online and needs help. It has been designed to solve problems in the online environment and falls short when moved to a mobile environment. Chat is also not used for building and maintaining engagement through an extended conversation.

Example chat vendors are listed in this Mobile Engagement Vendor Landscape blog post.

Texting (SMS)

Short Message Service (SMS) is also called text messaging or texting. It was invented 30 years ago as a way to send text-based messages through the cellular network.

SMS comes preinstalled on your mobile phone. I mostly use the Samsung SMS app to communicate with my friends and with businesses (old school).

Texting is very popular and widely used globally. SMS supports 160 characters of data before it wraps to a new text message. Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is an extension of SMS and supports pictures, audio, and video.

SMS sends messaging over the wireless network's control channel, which is a separate data-only channel used to control the "bearer" channels that carry voice conversations or cellular data. This means you need to have wireless network coverage for SMS to work.

SMS Texting and Messaging Compared

Messaging Apps

Modern messaging applications first started to appear in 2005 in the form of apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and similar services. Messaging is immensely popular, with the combined user base of the top four messaging apps (WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat, Line) being larger than the combined user base of the top four social networks (Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Linkedin). Additionally, more messages run through messaging apps than over SMS.

Messaging is how people communicate and has become the fabric of daily life. And as such, needs to be understood by the enterprise when determining how they will communicate and have a conversation with the digital consumer.

“Asynchronous messages, conversations, and the conversation list form the basis of mobile messaging. It is the combination of all of these behaviors and expectations in messaging that make it such a dominant part of people’s digital lives. It is what makes messaging the most comfortable communication medium ever invented…. The comfort of messaging has had real consequences in making it the most engaging and popular activity on our most personal devices.” (Ben Eidelson)

Messaging was once a simple service for exchanging messages, pictures, videos, and GIFs but is has evolved into ecosystems with their own developers, apps, and APIs. Now messaging apps can be built into a mobile solution to become part of the in-app (or mobile web or other UI) experience.

There are two important categories of Messaging apps: consumer personal use and enterprise use. Personal use apps are the ones here like Facebook Messenger. Enterprise-grade messaging apps like our My:Time messaging solution follow the same communication framework but provide robust and scalable features needed to run a large scale business.

My:Time™ also packages this framework to be an end-to-end messaging solution for the enterprise with all the components and services needed to support next generation customer service strategies.

Comparison: Texting vs Messaging vs Chat

The table below provides additional comparison of the three communication options. Messaging is a very compelling option that needs to be considered for all engagement strategies, including those where you would typically deploy online chat. In some niches, Texting (SMS) works really well (see use cases below) and might be a better option.

Our comparison shows major differences between texting, messaging and chat. Each option has enterprise use case where it best fits. If you need more help sorting out the options, shoot us an email or give us a call.
Source: info.contactsolutions.com/digital-engagement-blog/messaging-texting-chat-compared

Find A Therapist/Support Group

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
Psychology Today Therapist and Support Group Finder
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Suicide Bereavement Support Group Finder
HelpPRO Suicide Prevention Therapist Finder
Emotional Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Find a mental health provider - Wild Rivers Coast, Oregon

*    *    *

Someone's therapist knows all about you.

---

Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
Menstuff® Directory
Menstuff® is a registered trademark of Gordon Clay
©1996-2023, Gordon Clay