Online Therapy for Moms: Finding Support and Healing from the Comfort of Home
I’ll be completely honest with you.
When Covid first happened and we all had to move to 100% online therapy, I was skeptical.
I wasn’t sure if it would feel the same, if the energy would be anywhere close to what it felt like to share space together and sit in the same room. Could we do effective work online? Would it be as good?
I STAND CORRECTED. Online therapy is awesome and JUST AS EFFECTIVE. In fact, the benefits are such that my practice remains all online and I love it.
Online therapy has emerged as a powerful and convenient tool to provide the support mothers need, all from the comfort of their homes (or cars, or any space that works for them). For the moms who are managing working outside the home and caring for children, to the moms of newborns, toddlers, and kiddos who spend so many hours in the car and caretaking for others, I am so happy to provide a safe, convenient way for them to care for themselves without having to add ONE MORE THING to get to.
Over the years, I have found these 5 things to be the best benefits of online therapy:
1. Convenience: Number One!! One of the most significant advantages of online therapy for moms is its unparalleled convenience. Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood with work, household chores, and personal well-being can be challenging. With online therapy, mothers can schedule sessions at times that suit their busy lives. There's no need to commute to a therapist's office or arrange for childcare, as therapy sessions can take place from the comfort of your own home. This flexibility can be a game-changer for busy moms who often find it hard to allocate time for themselves. No more feeling like you can’t make it to another appointment, grab your coffee, get cozy and head to your favorite spot in the house for your therapy appointment. Voila!
2. Accessibility: If there is one thing that I hear all the time is how difficult it can be to find a therapist. That sucks! Online therapy allows moms to connect with licensed therapists and counselors throughout the state, ensuring that they have access to a diverse range of expertise and perspectives. Many mothers may live in areas with limited access to mental health professionals, making it difficult to seek traditional in-person therapy. Geographic barriers are broken down and online therapy provides greater accessibility for moms in need of support. Additionally, moms with physical disabilities or limited mobility can also benefit from the accessibility of online therapy.
3. Effective Therapeutic Outcomes: If you are like I was, you may question whether online therapy can be as helpful as in person therapy. Numerous studies have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns(Carlbring et al., 2018; Kessler et al., 2009). Moms facing issues such as postpartum depression, anxiety, stress, or relationship difficulties can experience meaningful improvements in their mental well-being through online therapy. The therapeutic relationship formed in virtual sessions can be just as strong and supportive as in-person interactions, allowing moms to open up and work through their challenges effectively.
4. Anonymity and Reduced Stigma: There is no shame in the online therapy game…Online therapy can provide a level of anonymity that some moms may find comforting. It allows them to discuss personal issues without fear of judgment from others in their community. This can be especially important when addressing sensitive topics related to motherhood, mental health, or relationship struggles.
5. Access to Specialized Services: Online therapy often opens up the offerings to a variety of specialized services tailored to the unique needs of mothers. While the offerings may be limited in your area, being able to find a therapist in your state who specializes in your specific challenges can be a huge benefit to your healing process. Moms can choose therapists with specific expertise, ensuring that they receive the most relevant and effective support.
Online therapy has transformed the way moms access mental health support, making it more convenient, accessible, and effective than ever before. Motherhood can be challenging, but with the right support and healing, it becomes a more manageable and fulfilling journey. If you're a mom in need of support, consider exploring online therapy options to help you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood from the comfort of your own home. Remember, seeking help is a courageous step toward better mental health and overall well-being.
XO,
Deborah
References:
Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Riper, H., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2018). Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(1), 1-18.
Kessler, D., Lewis, G., Kaur, S., Wiles, N., King, M., Weich, S., ... & Peters, T. J. (2009). Therapist-delivered internet psychotherapy for depression in primary care: A randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 374(9690), 628-634.
