As a mom, you don’t have a lot of time on your hands. Life is busy enough with your own responsibilities, then you add in taking care of a family and it can quickly feel overwhelming. But just because your schedule is busy doesn’t mean life slows down for you. So, you have to learn how to handle all that life throws your way as you go. And sometimes it can have a negative impact on your mental health.
Thankfully, there are many ways to address improving your mental health and counseling is one of those options.
Is counseling right for me?
If you’re asking yourself this question, the answer is probably going to be—yes. There are a lot of things that counseling can help people with including:
- Stress and anxiety from daily life
- Anxiety around your role as a parent or caregiver
- Mental health disorders
- Relationship struggles
- Low self-esteem
- Grief and difficult emotions
- Depression
- Not feeling like yourself
While you may feel like there needs to be some specific moment or event that occurs that “qualifies” you for counseling, that’s not the case. Counselors can help people with mental health disorders or those going through big life changes and those struggling with major life setbacks, but they can also help the mom who struggles with feeling not “good enough” or overwhelmed with daily tasks.
As a mom, life can feel unpredictable. Just when you think you have things figured out, the kids hit a new stage and things change again. Sometimes, these changes can feel like a lot to handle.
A counselor can help you learn the right strategies that will help you as you maneuver through the ups and downs of life. But finding time to add counseling into your already busy schedule might feel impossible. That’s where online counseling can help.
What is online counseling?
Online counseling is just doing therapy online instead of in-person. There are many different options available for you to choose from. You can look for a local therapist that offers online therapy services or you can choose an option like MyTherapist that matches you with a licensed therapist that is best for you.
Online counseling sessions can be conducted through video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging. This form of therapy is particularly useful for individuals who may not have access to mental health services in their area or for those with mobility issues.
Also, online counseling can provide a sense of anonymity for those who may feel uncomfortable with face-to-face counseling. It is important to note that online counseling is still a confidential process, and therapists must adhere to the same ethical standards as traditional in-person therapy.
Here are some of the benefits of online counseling:
Easy to fit into your schedule
Online therapy allows you to more easily fit sessions into your schedule. You don’t have to account for a commute time. You can simply hop on the call (or messaging app) when it’s convenient for you.
With online counseling, there is no need to take time off work or rearrange your day to attend an appointment. You can easily fit a counseling session in during your lunch break or after your workday has finished. The flexibility of online counseling means that you can receive help and support whenever you need it, without having to sacrifice your daily routine.
Access to a therapist when you need it
With traditional therapy there are times when it may be challenging to wait to address situations or questions until your next session. And many people find that right when they are starting to make progress, the session is over, and they have to leave. Online counseling allows you to interact with your therapist between sessions. That means you can reach out for help and guidance in the moments that you need it most.
Online counseling offers the convenience of being able to access a therapist whenever you need it. Whether it’s in the middle of the night or during a busy workday, online counseling provides 24/7 access to mental health services. Also, online counseling removes any potential social stigmas associated with seeing a therapist in person, allowing individuals to seek the help they may need without feeling judged or embarrassed.
You don’t have to find a babysitter
If you have young children, it can be a challenge to find someone to stay with your children so you can go to therapy. With online therapy, you can have your sessions from your bedroom, kitchen, living room, or whatever is most convenient for you.
This also allows you to do sessions during naptime, after bedtime, or while you watch your son at soccer practice from the car. You can fit your sessions around your life without having to leave your kids at home.
Gone are the days of struggling to coordinate schedules and making sure someone is available to watch the kids while you attend a therapy session. With online counseling, you can simply log on from the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits your schedule. This means that you can be more flexible and efficient with your time, without having to worry about finding someone to take care of your children.
It can be more affordable
Unlike traditional face-to-face therapy, online counseling eliminates the need to travel to a therapist’s office, reducing transportation costs and saving time. Additionally, because online counselors don’t have to pay for office space or utilities, they can often offer their services for a lower fee.
Not only can you save money by not having to pay someone to watch your children while you attend therapy, but you can also save money on the sessions. Many online therapy apps are more affordable than doing weekly sessions in-person. However, make sure you understand the way pricing works along with what’s included before you get started.
More privacy
You may be leery about having people see you go to therapy for a number of different reasons. Or you may feel uncomfortable sitting face-to-face with someone you don’t really know. Online sex therapy can give you that sense of privacy that allows you to feel at ease when getting the help you need.
In some cases, the mere act of sharing intimate experiences can feel like a breach of privacy. However, online counseling eliminates this concern since clients can take sessions from the comfort and safety of their own homes. This privacy allows clients to discuss their most difficult problems without fear of judgment, allowing them to receive the help they need to foster their mental and emotional well-being.
Explore your options
As a mom, your schedule is likely to be busy whether you’re a stay-at-home-mom, working mom, or anything in-between. Life can feel full but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make time to get the help that you need to feel your best. Online counseling can help you do just that.