Developed in the '60s, CBT is the modern-day application of a wildly successful therapy ideology. Here's everything you might need to know about online CBT therapy, how it works, and how you can make the most out of this method to alleviate emotional obstacles and issues in your life.
It should be noted, however, that CBT can work well with online therapy, using the model, takes a lot of work, discipline and commitment and some clients have found they have been more successful with this in face-to-face therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Online Explained
Cognitive behavioral therapy is goal oriented, takes a problem-solving-centered approach and can be done in an online setting. The aim is to help you change your pattern of thinking and/or behaving. Success using CBT takes a great deal of work from the client. Here is a common CBT model:
In this model, some situations trigger a thought. Let’s say, a dog barks loudly. What follows is a thought, ‘That bark is loud, I’m in danger!’. The ensuing emotion is fear, combined with a physical reaction of sweating, trembling, or weak knees. Finally, the behavior that results from this chain reaction is to run, cry out, or seek assistance.
According to the CBT model, it is not the stimulus that is causing your reaction, but rather your thoughts. The behavior can more easily be modified by addressing and changing the initial thoughts since this is the first stage in the chain reaction that leads to the undesirable behavior. By changing the way we interpret the trigger, we can eliminate the behavior entirely. That is the methodology and the goal of cognitive behavioral therapy.
» Check out these 10 Mental Health Conditions Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help With
Advantages of Online Therapy
Taking this one step further, professional therapists have combined this rewarding approach with the benefits of online therapy for increased results and user satisfaction. Online therapy has several advantages over traditional in-person therapy, including:
Convenience
Traditional therapy requires you to make an appointment with a busy therapist, travel to an office, sit in a session, and travel back when it’s done. This can be time-consuming, frustrating, and inconvenient for many people. Online therapy alleviates all of this. You schedule your appointments whenever it’s good for you. You are able to conduct your sessions in a convenient place and get right back to whatever you were doing before when it is over.
Cost
Online therapy is a fraction of the price of regular therapy. And if you are going to want to work with a therapist for several weeks or even months, it is nice to have the affordability of a qualified online therapist.
Availability
Online therapists are available 24/7 for chatting. You send a message when you have something on your mind and you and get feedback when the therapist checks in. It’s an invaluable resource to be able to send a message to your therapist whenever you’re feeling the need rather than having to wait a week until your next session.
When CBT Is Your Best Option
Cognitive behavioral therapy is proven to work with a wide variety of mental health issues. It is extremely well-suited for situations where you:
- Have phobias that you want to get rid of
- Have undealt with emotions you want resolved
- Are looking for skills and practical strategies that you can take advantage of in many areas of your life
On the other hand, CBT is not a good option if:
- You aren’t committed to doing the work
- You have a complex mental health disorder
- You aren’t ready to face or deal with your issues
The Best Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Online
Understanding the methodology is your first step toward recovery. The second step is getting the help you deserve. There are many services that offer CBT online, but not all therapists are as qualified as others. Check out the 5 best online CBT therapy services out there today.
Online-Therapy.com
- Based solely on the CBT model
- Fast responses from your professional therapist
- Challenge exercises between sessions
Another good site is Online-Therapy.com. Based on the teachings of Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., Online-Therapy.com is based solely on the CBT model. Online-Therapy.com uses live chats and messages from your therapist, as well as videos from Dr. Lombardo herself. Through innovative tools like worksheets, learned readings, and even yoga, Online-Therapy.com offers a "happiness toolbox" that is guaranteed to get you to a better place in your life.
Read the full Online-Therapy.com review
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BetterHelp
- Data-driven results
- Industry leader in therapy help
- Extremely affordable sessions
If professionalism is your gauge, then look no further than BetterHelp. This online therapy service is known for its superior quality across the board. From the wide network of therapists to its easy-to-use platform filled with customization options and more, BetterHelp makes every aspect of using the service simple, pleasant, and professional.
What’s even more encouraging is that BetterHelp has the numbers to back up their success. In an independent study conducted by the Berkley Well-Being Institute, BetterHelp confirmed that its services produce resounding results. So, whether you prefer to just write back and forth, to do live chats, phone, or video sessions, at home, at work, or on your commute, wherever, and whenever you want, BetterHelp is there to help.
Read the full BetterHelp review
ReGain
- A couple’s focused approach to therapy
- Therapists with specialized relationship training
- Works with one or both members of the couple
If you are struggling in your relationship, ReGain is one of the best places you can turn to. That's because these counselors focus specifically on couples' therapy and relationship issues. Using a wide variety of techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy, ReGain therapists help you deal with common issues that come up in a relationship.
These areas include but are not limited to: lack of intimacy, rekindling the spark, infidelity, and codependency. Each therapist is highly trained and has experience. All sessions are managed over the phone or computer, so you don't have to fit a commute into your schedule. And what's even more convenient is that ReGain therapists will work with the couple together or separately.
Pride Counseling
- Highly qualified therapists
- Therapy geared toward the LGBTQ community
- Get matched with a therapist in less than 24 hours
Pride Counseling applies the unique approach of CBT online therapy to a specific group that often suffers in greater proportion from emotional and psychological distress. The LGBTQ community and those who are simply questioning their sexuality are targeted more frequently, causing more fear, anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles.
Pride Counseling tackles these larger issues by using cognitive behavioral therapy to help their clients manage the challenges they face. Pride is a popular choice because it is professional, cost-effective, and gives you a lot of flexibility to express yourself openly.
Read the full Pride Counseling review
Teen Counseling
- Counselors that work with teen issues exclusively
- Chat, video, and phone sessions from your device
- Parental approval required
Teens respond to CBT therapy extremely well and there are many therapists at Teen Counseling who utilize the CBT model when it is appropriate. This service has strict information policies, so the teens feel comfortable talking about their feelings.
Meanwhile, there are also smart policies in place regarding therapists needing to notify parents of self harm, abuse and neglect, or risk to another person. Teen Counseling offers several communication methods, and all chats are conducted right on the client’s own device making it the ideal choice for parents and teens seeking cognitive therapy online.
Read the full Teen Counseling review
Use Cognitive Therapy Online to Resolve Your Issues
Cognitive behavioral therapy has been used for decades to help people work through their issues and resolve phobias, create better problem-solving techniques, and focus on certain difficult life situations. Find a qualified counselor from a top online therapy service and start feeling better today!
» Not sure if cognitive behavioral therapy is right for you? Check out other Types of Therapy You Should Know About
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