Counseling Discussion: Does Online Therapy Really Work?

Heard about online therapy services? What is it? It’s mental health support done remotely and it is also called e-therapy. Learn more about it and see the difference between online therapy and traditional therapy.

therapy online can make someone pursue hobbies like photography
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Real-Life Individual Stories

What Does Virtual Counseling Entail And What Are Its Benefits?

This is a story about how I knew and understood a convenient way to help people overcome mental health issues through online therapy and with the help of licensed therapists,  family therapists, or licensed clinical social workers on a  platform or through valid sites. Sometimes, we come across people who would open our eyes to some things we’re not aware of, especially during a mental health crisis.

In this article, we will get to know more about online therapy. What does this mental health treatment entail? Who benefits from these online mental health services? Is this type of therapy for everyone? Is it cheaper than in-person or traditional virtual therapy? How does virtual therapy really work? Do online services include most types of therapy (e.g. cbt, couples therapy, etc.)?

E-counseling, mental health counseling, virtual therapy, or whichever term you want to use – we have inspiring stories to tell about virtual therapy.

Benefits Of Virtual Counseling

The nice thing about these online health services is that they allow me to meet many people with unique stories and experiences, albeit through a virtual platform. What makes it even more lovable is that I get to take great photographs of these people while we are mediated by a licensed mental health professional. Sometimes, we also have clinical social workers and other licensed therapists with us during our therapy sessions per week. Obviously, these individuals with varying mental health issues are strangers to me, but somehow we find a way to connect with one another through these best virtual therapy programs.

Through my profession, I was able to meet several clients during virtual sessions. Surprisingly, some of them have touched my life completely even if I haven’t seen most of them in person.

Therapy Online Insurance Coverage And Cost

Virtual therapy genuinely is something we should better understand and learn more about – cost, health insurance coverage for online mental health care, best platforms, and many more. This type of treatment is relevant for marriage and family, friends, and other relationships. There is a licensed online therapist that is specially trained for every condition and issue. Additionally, it is effective for most mental health disorders including bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and adult depression.

Online Therapy Industry Worldwide

Virtual therapy services have become increasingly popular, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many mental health providers offer a wide range of mental health services, including medication management, talk, and online CBT. Patients can connect with licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and other mental health professionals through online help websites. Some providers even accept insurance, making mental health treatment more accessible to those who need it.

Virtual therapy sessions can be conducted from the comfort of the patient’s own home or office, which is convenient for people with busy schedules or mobility issues. The platform allows for flexibility in scheduling, and patients can choose an online therapist that fits their specific needs. Virtual mental health help programs can help individuals with various mental health diagnoses, and family therapists can provide support for couples and families.

Additionally, it has made mental health treatment more accessible, including teen therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Talkspace offers a virtual platform for teens to connect with licensed therapists, including psychiatric nurse practitioners. This provides a convenient and effective option for teens to receive therapy from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need to be in the same room as their therapist. Options also make it easier for individuals to receive financial assistance for mental health treatment. Health savings accounts (HSAs) can be used to cover the cost of online therapy, making it more affordable.

More about this treatment is discussed below.

Life Before Virtual Counseling

One of the people I could not forget is Marga. We met during a photo shoot for a fashion show. She was one of the models for a grand event in the city, while I was part of the list of official photographers. After that, we keep on seeing each other in different shoots. We eventually became close to one another, and that was the time when I discovered that she is suffering from one of the eating disorders – bulimia emotional support like I did. For everyone’s information, virtual therapy for eating disorders has been proven to work, especially with the guidance of a trained online provider. Different kinds of eating disorders can be managed in conjunction with therapy sessions. Other mental health counselors can also join in to help with certain issues you may have.

Virtual therapy has become a popular option for individuals seeking mental health support. Licensed marriage and family therapists offer virtual counseling and couples counseling through a virtual platform, allowing online users to connect with a therapist from anywhere. Video sessions provide a convenient and accessible way to receive support, particularly for those with busy schedules or mobility issues. In the event of a mental health emergency, in-person sessions may be necessary. However, this type of therapy can be a valuable resource for individuals seeking regular counseling or couples counseling.

As a friend, I decided to stick with Marga to help her overcome her problems and give her emotional support. We tried to find solutions together. During our research, we found out about this treatment. She liked it because each session is made in this environment. At the same time, it did not take up so much of her time since she can attend her own treatment at the convenience of her own home – one of the more favored benefits of virtual therapy.

Positive Changes After A Few Online Therapy Sessions

A woman confidently walking in a fashion show with bright yellow dress partnered with an umbrella.
Source: cpn.canon-europe.com
  1. Through Therapy Online, She Overcame Her Weight Issues

The primary concern of Marga to turn to online therapy is her size or weight. Since she is engaged in professional modeling, she wants to maintain her perfect body. However, as she tries to make this happen, she did not know that she was already suffering from an eating disorder. Fortunately, this treatment helped her overcome weight issues.“This treatment positively affected my life in more ways than one.”

2. Through Therapy Online, She Became Happier

After her online therapy experience, Marga was no longer complaining about her eating habits and her mental health improved tremendously. In fact, she now follows a strict diet without compromising her health. Because of the virtual therapy service we availed, she found the right happiness that she was looking for for the longest time. Nowadays, you can always see her excited and gleeful about the job that she has. Perhaps listening to Marc Romano, PsyD‘s statement is beneficial when he reminds everyone to “Focus on yourself and your own happiness and do not compare yourself to others.”A big part of my happiness is because of this treatment.”

3. She Gained Self Confidence.

Brie Shelly, MS, LMHC, RYT once said, “Exploring your past, present, and future experiences and mental health symptoms are challenging work and require a huge dose of internal motivation, dedication, and courage.” Even if she was already a model, Marga always had problems with her looks. According to her, she was not always enough. She was insecure about many things in her career and personal life. All these have affected her relationships with other people. However, getting the best online therapy or relationship documentation therapy services like online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and online counseling and talking to mental health professionals solved all of these mental health problems.

After completing the virtual therapy sessions, her self-esteem increased. Since she doesn’t need the doctor to prescribe medication for her, she is so happy to have turned to online therapy for mental health care and just to have licensed mental health professionals to help with her mental health conditions. If you ask her, she would always prefer online therapy to face-to-face therapy.

“Indeed, online therapy works!” Marga said during one of our online therapy sessions.

A woman using her laptop seeking consultations virtually (online therapy) while sitting and relaxing.
Source: cimg2.ibsrv.net

Final Thoughts

However, “This kind of effort takes a fair amount of commitment and understanding of the online world.” John M. Grohol, Psy.D. said. I am sharing this story to remind everyone how innovation in the field of affordable online therapy can help lots of women out there. Many ladies are hesitant to go for traditional in-person therapy or in-office therapy. There is still that stigma that approaching an online therapy expert or going to a therapist’s office or getting mental health medication is embarrassing.

Therapy Online Made More Available

If you are suffering from this problem too, do not worry because online treatment is now available. Problems with your partner can be dealt with through online couples therapy. There are also online therapy services for cognitive behavioral therapy as well. There are hundreds of online therapy platforms but you can choose an affordable online therapy that your health insurance covers. If you don’t quite like your online therapists, don’t worry – you can always switch therapists – that is your right.

You can now talk to a professional by simply booking online therapy through the best online therapy platforms. Check https://www.betterhelp.com today to know more about this.

Online Therapy FAQs

  1. Can You Talk To Therapists Virtually For Free?

  2. How Effective Is Online Therapy Vs Traditional Therapy?

  3. Which Virtual Therapy Is Best For Me?

  4. Are Online Therapists Real?

  5. Is Free Online Therapy Safe?

  6. Who Is Not Suitable For Online Therapy?

  7. What Are The Disadvantages Of Online Therapy?

  8. Can I Text A Therapist For Free?

  9. Do Health Insurance Providers Cover Virtual Therapy?

  10. What are the costs?
  11. Which type of therapy is most cost-effective?
  12. Can online therapists diagnose you?
  13. How often should you go to therapy?
  14. Can I go to therapy just to talk?
  15. How do I know if I need therapy?

Frustration

Photography is not for everyone, which is why some people still fail at it and suffer from resentment. No matter how much a person tries to excel in a profession, he fails, and the frustration worsens. Frustration can be debilitating. It can throw one’s focus away from the goal.

But here’s what you need to know. Frustration can be a natural part of the journey for photographers, especially when learning new techniques and terms. While it’s easy to feel anger and impatience during this process, investing time and effort into understanding these challenges can ultimately lead to a positive outcome, enhancing skills and transforming initial frustrations into valuable learning experiences.

So, what is frustration? Read on to learn more.

Source: blog.creativelive.com

Have you suffered from frustration? Do you know what frustration is? Frustration affects one’s mental health.  Negative feelings such as this can lead to sadness, anxiety, or even depression. It happens to anyone in any profession, including photography. Let’s learn more about the emotion here and how you can help someone suffering from it.

Frustration Is A Reaction To Stress

An individual who suffers from frustrations tends to withdraw from his relationship with the people surrounding him. Most of the time, he is unaware that he has driven people away from him due to his disappointment or frustration. But remember, “Authentic happiness is relating to the entire universe. There is a presence about a truly happy person, a look that says “Yes,” to oneself, to others, and to the world.” Andrea F. Polard, PsyD said.

The term internal frustration is a sense of feeling of dissatisfaction that arises when a person faces physical activity or body roadblocks when reaching his goal. It can be caused by many different things, including internal factors such as a lack of skill or knowledge, or external causes such as competing goals. Some people have a high tolerance and are able to continue working toward their goals even when they encounter roadblocks. Others have a low frustration tolerance and give up easily when they encounter any type of difficult mood or social situation or have a lack of control over their aggression. If you know people who experience frustration because of individual differences, call for help.

Frustration can significantly impact a person’s life, particularly his mental health. Someone suffering from severe exasperation may eventually suffer from depression and become anti-social and insecure. It is a reaction to stress. Frustration imbalances one’s well-being and creates a negative emotional response. The feeling comes out when you cannot manage something you think you can do.

Frustration

A person dealing with frustration has low self-esteem, which impairs their mental health. A feeling frustrated person eventually loses his self-confidence. Avoid putting too much pressure on him. If he has failed in music or photography, do not immediately convince him to shift to a new passion. You will only fuel his frustration and will further pull down his self-esteem. Let the other person recover from his frustrations at his own pace. Think about what Alicia H. Clark, Psy. D. has to say, “The sensation of pressure doesn’t have to be negative—it can be a positive challenge and motivating.”

Source: ak7.picdn.net

Be A Listener

Sometimes, a frustrated person wants to talk about his heartbreaks and failures. Be a trusted friend and listen to his stories and confessions. This is the best way to ensure that someone suffering from frustration will not feel any resentment and even reap some health benefits. Don’t make unnecessary comments and act negatively because that may only worsen his angry feelings and feelings of frustration that may often lead to violence.

It will also help the person to feel better if you can convince him to go out on a walk to breathe some fresh air. Sometimes, feelings of frustration die down when one sees and feels things other than anger, stress, and annoyance. A breathing exercise is also effective in the process of relieving stress.

In the United States, the assistance of therapists for frustration is in-demand. Make sure to take advantage of the services of these professionals. Noah Rubinstein, LMFT, LMHC said, “A good therapist should be open and willing to understand your concerns.” But for someone with the emotion, he must be comfortable with his therapist.

Source: blog.doctoroz.com

It is beneficial to highlight that calling a professional therapist to cope with frustration is not always a good idea. If you believe that the issue and frustration of your loved one are still manageable, then just follow the first three tips above.

Getting Out Of Hand

However, once you notice that the situation is already out of hand, stop wasting time and do not hesitate to call a professional immediately to help deal with your frustration. Some techniques and strategies can be incorporated into the therapy sessions. All these can make the person suffering from the emotions feel good about himself.

When we’re solving a problem and we feel like we’re not making any progress, it can be frustrating. We may feel like our inability is being emphasized and that all our effort is for naught.

There are two main types of frustration: internal and external. Internal frustration occurs when we feel like we should be able to accomplish something, but we can’t. External frustration occurs when our perception of the situation doesn’t match expectations vs reality.

There are some common symptoms of frustration, including feeling overwhelmed. So, it’s important to respond accordingly to higher levels of frustration and create a safe environment for you and your loved ones.

Learn More About It

To learn more about frustrations, visit BetterHelp. Some competent professionals can talk to you about your frustration or your loved one suffering from it. It should not be feared. Recognize the emotion to understand and manage it.

When we face challenges in our lives, it can often feel like everything is against us. Insecurity starts to arise like we’re not good enough to overcome the tasks before us. This feeling of frustration can arise and affect your brain in many different ways, but it’s important to remember that we are healthy and strong enough to overcome anything life throws at us. Seek support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Frustrated Mean?

What Causes Frustration?

What Is An Example Of Frustration?

Is Frustration An Emotion?

How do you deal with frustrating people?

Is frustration the same thing as anger?

Is frustration a negative emotion?

What are the types of frustration?

What should you not say when someone is upset?

What causes frustration in a relationship?

What is the feeling of frustration?

What is the main cause of frustration?

What words describe frustration?

How do you describe frustration?

Is frustration an attitude?

Why Therapists Recommend Nature Photography

 

 

Source: photographytalk.com

 

 

My husband, Charles, tried his hand at nature photography just last year, and it puzzled me then. Sure, he has always loved communing with nature – he can almost instantly distinguish a type of bird from the shape of the nest and the color of its feathers. But Charles has gone through anxiety and was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He is over-energetic, and he finds it hard to focus and sit still.

This is why I found it strange that he preferred to be quiet and still in a peaceful bird hide for several hours, concentrating on feeding the birds so that he could take pictures of something enchanted on his camera.

Most of us often believe that we must stop and look directly at nature for us to benefit from nature. However, Charles discovered that wildlife and nature offer therapeutic photography.

The Healing Effects

He is not the only one reaping the benefits of nature photography. Liz Brewster, a doctor at Lancaster University, studied the connection between mental health and photography. She studied the impact of sharing and capturing images on individuals who reported a range of diagnoses and those who were not diagnosed with anything at all.

After her study, she established that nature photography could be valuable for all forms of mental health problems. She claims that it permits mastery of practical skills, offers a creative outlet, and takes much focus and patience, especially for wildlife and nature photographs. She adds, “I believe there is something relevant in that. It decelerates us amidst this quick-moving society.”

A participant in the study of Dr. Brewster describes how she felt. She says that nature photography forced her to take another view of the world. She also added that taking photos is a postural thing. When a person is depressed or anxious, he is often looking down or hunched over. Taking photos of nature encourages you to position your head up, or perhaps squat down and view something extraordinary, like ‘stopping and smelling the flowers.’

 

Source: rawpixel.com

 

An Essential Part Of Healing

Photography alone is beneficial, but when it is mixed with nature and wildlife, it appears to have even more benefits. Tony Darwin from California is diagnosed with anxiety and clinical depression and has experienced several mental breakdowns, two of which have resulted in hospital admissions. He utilizes landscape, wildlife photography and guided imagery as an essential aspect of his healing. He says that unraveling a passion for nature and photography is a therapeutic thing for him.

Tony describes getting out of the hospital for the second instance. He became agoraphobic and didn’t want to leave his house. “My mom encouraged me to commune with nature by visiting the gardens, turning on the timer to take selfies with the nature around me, and jotting down the ways of how I felt while I was there.”

He felt more comfortable and eventually more relaxed to go out of his house, slowly increasing his time until he was strolling down the nearby beaches. On the beach with the blue waters and clear skies, just being there made him feel amazing. When he began capturing images of his walks, he discovered that focusing on that exact moment provided him some headspace, and his frustration and anxieties eventually disappeared.

The Social Aspect

Aside from the therapeutic effects of being outdoors and viewing life from a different angle, Dr. Brewster’s study also revealed some social benefits of nature photography. She reports that people who tried their hand at photography projects established better connections and relationships. This is perhaps achieved through photo sharing and social media interactions and through getting together with members of the photography community.

According to Dr. Brewster, most individuals can use captured images to open up about aspects of their lives that they find challenging to talk about, including mental health issues. “Photography,” she says, “can be a vital kind of self-care.”

The doctor’s study entailed photography of all types, but she observed that nature and wildlife photography appears to bring certain benefits. A participant diagnosed with cancer explained elaborately how he had been capturing images of garden plants and birds and how this has altered his entire routine. She claimed that discussing her long walks on the forests and coasts and taking pictures of these amazing creatures seemed to give her peace and healing.

 

Source: photographyconcentrate.com

 

Discovering Calm Behind The Camera

Nature photography can surely be appreciated alone, and be paired up with online therapy, but getting into a photography community can provide more social opportunities that could be therapeutic and beneficial. Broken Light Collective is a group created by Danielle Hark, a professional photographer based in New York. He has an online gallery that is devoted to individuals who were affected with mental health conditions. Danielle went through major depressive bouts and had discovered that photography was an effective instrument that helped her go through life with lesser pain and misery. She then created Broken Light Collective to inspire others to try their hand at photography as well.

You could take a leisurely walk taking spring hues using your latest iPhone lens or simply nestle in the lakeside with a Nikon, just waiting for an hour or two for that egret to do its first catch. Either way, it appears that nature and wildlife photography therapy can navigate you serenely into the moment. All you need to do is to step outdoors to reap its benefits.

 

 

 

 

Photography As A Form Of Self-Therapy

 

 

Source: rawpixel.com

 

 

These tips for self-therapy using photography comes from no less than licensed art therapists that we have talked with. Most of these professionals refer to their experiences with their clients, but we are also hoping that these recollections will serve as inspiration. Many activities can be applied for individuals utilizing guided imagery strategies to help themselves enhance their mental and emotional well-being. Of course, not all strategies will work for everybody, so you are encouraged to try those you are comfortable with.

While you can check out these tips to discover new things in your life, it is vital to remember that there is always a possibility that applying the strategies might elicit unexpectedly tough memories or emotions within you, such as anger, frustration, sadness, etc.  If you realize this happening, you could choose to scrutinize this further by visiting a professional therapist.

Learn To Do Meditation

This entails encouraging the clients to try mindfully and deliberately connecting within while studying everyday things and circumstances. Observing your own emotional responses is a crucial factor of transformation, as one cannot change what he is not conscious of. It is also a way of helping an individual slow down, mindfully observe, and connect to his internal world.

After taking some photos, it would be beneficial to engage in a brief writing exercise regarding the photos brought. Art therapists typically ask their patients to utilize non-judgmental words while seeing the photos, like, “I’m noticing that these shades are opening up emotions of happiness and calm right now.” They may also say how they feel when they were taking those pictures.

Experiment On Collage

Collage is a method that experts we spoke with mentioned often. They said that cutting figures from a picture and placing them into a fresh context encourages a discussion about ways to improve their lives. They add that we are really not as trapped as we may think sometimes. Recontextualization can be done.

 

Source: snapshot.canon-asia.com

 

The initial project that these experts talked about was making a series of collages from photos that displayed and honored their significant others. Actual pictures of family members and also photocopies were utilized to make beautiful collages. Phrases that portrayed each member of the family, colored paper, and clip art were integrated with the images for every college page.

Investigate

For seasoned photographers, a challenge regarding therapeutic photography strategies is letting go of expectations. Another means to do that is by investigating and exploring new things such as displaying family photos at home. Don’t focus too much on doing it the right way. Rather, focus on what makes you feel curious or what interests you most.

You don’t really have to own an expensive DSLR. You can use a toy camera or your smartphone. Barter your regular gadget for something else, or take pictures of a brand-new thing or place.

Try Recording Events From Your Life

To be clear, you can attempt to do this activity by yourself, but if you were not doing it with the supervision of an art therapist, it wouldn’t be described as art therapy. Literally, art therapy occurs when a patient or client works with an art therapist – someone who is trained in the mental health field.

However, it doesn’t imply that reflective activities like art-making by yourself are not beneficial. It is crucial that if an individual who is not a therapist utilizes therapeutic strategies, they use them only personally without another individual. It is still better to undergo online therapy if you want to be guided by a professional.

Envision Your Feelings

One mental health professional that was interviewed recalled having his patients record their feelings and study them figuratively. He says that another patient of his also used photography therapy as self-therapy to record her emotional process and other feelings. This particular patient would break some dishes and then take pictures of the shards – where they fell and sometimes arranged intentionally. The photographs that the patient took had a significant definition as it had helped with the feelings that she was having a hard time managing.

Seeking A Professional

 

Source: rawpixel.com

 

Ultimately, photography as a form of self-therapy is effective, although seeking the help of a therapist can help individuals reflect in various ways than they could on by themselves. Anybody who attempts these activities on their own and perhaps does not find much should not set aside the idea. The process of photograph therapy will be smoother, more organized, and more powerful with the supervision of mental health professionals.

Individuals can utilize therapeutic photography strategies on their own or in groups. Still, a licensed therapist can make a safe space for unraveling these strategies more completely and at the same time evading possible triggers. Naturally, if at some point you realize that mental health problems are interfering or impacting your life, the initial step must be to contact a mental health provider for help.

Photography as a therapeutic tool can be subtle, and occasionally, what is uncovered is unnerving. This is a great reason why it can encourage individuals to do therapeutic work with a qualified professional.

 

 

 

Guided Imagery Process

What is guided imagery? What do photos mean to you? Photos represent our life memories. We might associate our feelings with images to remind us of them – our loved ones. They tell our happy and sad stories, those that end well and those that don’t.

boy watching pictures of a girl
Source: pixabay.com

Understanding The Treatment: Practicing Guided Imagery

Pictures are also potent tools for evoking emotions; at the same time, they can be one of our relaxation techniques. Because of this, counselors might use a stress management technique called guided imagery. It makes use of the power of pictures to relax us. Guided imagery meditation or meditative visualization might be a good fit for you, especially if you are a photographer or interested.

This technique has been used as early as the ancient Greek period.  Countries like China and India have also used this in traditional, religious, and healing practices.

During the 1970s, Dr. David Bressler and Dr. Martin Rossman pioneered helpful therapeutic guided imagery in counseling, integrating it with treating physical illnesses such as chronic pain and cancer. Today, the benefits of mental rehearsal are an established alternative and complement to medicine.

This anxiety-guided imagery is a type of meditation. First, you must be in a quiet place with little to no distractions. To effectively utilize imagery and guided techniques for stress relief and overall health, it’s essential to be in a comfortable, fidget-free position that allows your body to fully embrace the guidance provided.

According to peer-reviewed studies, interactive GI for anxiety is the process of creating mental images of peaceful scenes in order to achieve healthier vital signs. It is a form of self-hypnosis that can be used to reduce post-surgery pain management, performance anxiety relief, improve sleep quality, sanitize your own thoughts, and other beneficial effects. It is often used in conjunction with deep breaths, clinical massage, progressive care units, and randomized clinical trials to allow a significant decrease in mental health disorders.

What Photos In Guided Imagery Do To Calm Our Minds

During a regular session, your counselor will provide verbal directions for you to follow in your mind. For instance, they may ask you to envision a very peaceful place. It may be a natural landscape in most peaceful settings (nature-based guided imagery) or a comfortable room.

Finding peace and reduce stress can vary from person to person. For some, it may involve practices like guided meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or sleep meditation, all of which can contribute to reducing stress and achieving a sense of inner calm. It depends on what peace means to you.

Because of this, counselors might use a stress management technique called guided imagery.
Source: pixabay.com

Your therapist will instruct you to use all your senses to capture the whole scene. They may ask you to include sounds, textures, and even aromas in your photography. During these moments, you must abandon any thoughts besides that of relaxing photography. Guided imagery in mental rehearsal/mental imagery is a good healing method.

Guided imagery is a process of visualization that supports a relaxed state and calm state amid a stressful situation and less social anxiety. It involves picturing oneself in a calming setting, such as a tropical beach, and may also include an audio recording and healthline media. This technique has been found to be helpful for a variety of health conditions. Guided imagery, as a relaxation technique, can be highly beneficial to the overall health of older adults. It has the potential to help lower blood pressure and relieve stress, contributing to their well-being and quality of life.

Aside from influencing your mind, this technique is also designed to relax your entire body. When your mind is focused on calming photography, your breathing deepens, allowing your muscles to relax. This will relieve physical stress, tension, and possibly aches that you feel in your body. It also reduces anxiety and other symptoms of mental health issues.

There are different techniques used in helpful therapeutic photography. One popular method is listening to guided imagery scripts. This guided imagery script of guided meditation can be in the form of audiobooks or voice recordings. Once you have learned the guided imagery intervention technique, you may practice using scripts without the help of your counselor.

You can also do helpful therapeutic photography in a group setting. Your counselor can refer you to support groups that use this technique in counseling. There are also yoga classes that incorporate guided imagery to encourage the body’s natural relaxation response.

Another technique used in this treatment involves using music as part of the therapy. This relaxation training exercise is similar to the use of hypnosis. The relaxing music played in these sessions can also help you reach a state of progressive muscle relaxation faster. A major difference between meditative visualization and hypnosis is its purpose. The use of hypnosis helps a person relieve stress levels and become more accepting of new beliefs.

A woman doing yoga in the beach
Source: pixabay.com

Guided Imagery

Mental Health Problems That Can Be Alleviated Through Helpful Therapeutic Photography

In recent years, helpful therapeutic mental rehearsal/mental imagery in counseling has been a popular method in stress management. Studies show the effectiveness of this treatment in reducing anxiety or disorder symptoms.

Mental and emotional problems address through photography include:

  • Anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms
  • Post-traumatic stress symptoms
  • Different types of stress
  • Relationship concerns
  • Family problems
  • Substance abuse issues

This new mental rehearsal/mental counseling treatment can also manage maladaptive behaviors. It can help control frustration, impulsivity, and compulsion.

Mental health professionals can also use helpful therapeutic images to reduce feelings of anxiety and manage your pain and blood pressure, improve integrative health and enhance your performance.

making music can be therapy
Source: pixabay.com

Photography Library Sorted

Envisioning a peaceful and calming scenario can be difficult in a world with many distractions. Like any counseling method and technique, this treatment has pros and cons. Depending on your personality and lifestyle, you can assess whether helpful therapeutic photography is for you.

Firstly, the good things. Unlike other stress management techniques such as yoga, mental rehearsal/mental imagery is more inclusive. People with physical limitations can engage in the session without the risk of being injured. Plus, it significantly helps to reduce anxiety and stress.

Mental rehearsal can disrupt negative emotions and negative thought patterns. This will help you become more resilient to stressful events. As a result, you will be influenced to have a more positive mindset. This can affect your mood and attitude throughout your day and your overall quality of life.

The only con for written instructions of guided imagery is it can be difficult to master. We live in an age where information travels at a very high speed. Entertainment is at the tip of our fingers. It will take a lot of practice to immerse yourself in your mind completely. However, with the use of audio recordings or the help of your guided imagery counselor, you can enjoy this technique.

human, employee, office, visual imagery
Source: pixabay.com

Therapeutic Mental Rehearsal For Imagery

Therapeutic-guided imagery is just like taking photographs. But instead of taking pictures with a camera lens, we use our minds to create a live, vivid scenery. If you enjoy photography and the visual arts, you may enjoy incorporating this practice into your daily life. The few minutes it takes to practice mental rehearsal can greatly affect your mental and physical well-being.

Guided imagery is also a popular medical intervention for depression and other medical diagnosis. This technique gives the individual the ability to use their imagination to create positive images that can help them feel better.

This technique can improve the connection of your mind and body, providing easier access to your inner wisdom. Despite being a new method, guided therapeutic imagery in counseling offers an efficient alternative approach to improve your health.

FAQs

What Is An Example Of Guided Imagery Or Mental Rehearsal?

What Is Mental Rehearsal Technique?

What Is Mental Rehearsal?  What Is It Used For?

Is Mental Rehearsal The Same As Hypnosis?

Is Mental Rehearsal  Used For PTSD?

Is Mental Rehearsal A Form Of Meditation?

Can Anyone Do This Technique?

How Effective Is Mental Rehearsal?

Is It A Mind Body Therapy?

How Does Guided Imagery Reduce Pain?

How Do I Learn Guided Imagery?

What Is Guided Imagery In Teaching?

What Senses Are Used In Guided Imagery?

What Are The 4 Stages Of Guided Imagery?

What Is Another Name For Guided Imagery?

Why Your Counselor May Suggest Photography As Part Of Your Mental Healing

“Killing yourself slowly is still killing yourself. Wanting to die is not the same as wanting to come home. Recovery is hard work. Not wanting to die is hard work.” This is the most famous quote from feminist poet Blythe Baird’s book, Give Me A God I Can Relate To.

Source: pixabay.com

In the Spoken Poetry industry, Blythe has left her mark as an influential spoken word poet. She was the youngest competitor in the National Poetry Slam in 2014. Her poetry collection discusses many issues, like eating disorders, mental health, feminism, gender and expression, and a lot more. Many of her poems are based on her experiences, like her suffering from ED and depression. To Blythe, poetry has greatly served as an outlet for her feelings of frustration, ideas, and struggles.

Blythe is an example of how art has become highly beneficial to people with mental health illnesses. Numerous findings have yielded promising results on the cognitive effect of creative expression. People find an outlet with art. It allows them to explore their creative soul, use their imagination, and improve their self-esteem. Because of these, art has become an integral part of mental health treatment approaches, even as simple as displaying family photos at home.

Art can take many forms. Blythe chose poetry. But you can also take up other forms such as painting, sculpting, pottery, digital art, theater, photography, and even music. If you are currently receiving counseling or online therapy, you can raise the idea of complementing your talk therapy sessions with art therapy.

How Photography Helps With Mental Health Recovery

One of the most popular creative activities many counselors recommend nowadays is photography. A lot already do it because we live in the digital age, and it’s more common. Many people have it as a hobby, a pastime activity. Some work as photographers. But some use photography for its therapeutic benefits.

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Photography is defined as the art of creating pictures with the use of a camera. With new technology emerging here and there, it is relatively easy for people to take photos. Back in the day, the most commonly used tool for photography was film cameras. But now, there are hundreds of different digital cameras readily available, including mirrorless cameras and sports action cameras. Even smartphones offer the convenience of having a camera feature for immediate photo-taking.

It may seem counterintuitive for your counselor to advise you to spend more of your time in front of your phone or camera, but research tells otherwise. Photography will allow you to maximize your time outdoors, finding hidden gems, exploring exciting things and interesting places. Spending your days out will significantly improve your psychological well-being as the sun is a natural mood booster. If you visit amazing sites and move around a lot, it will also serve as a physical exercise for you.

Through therapeutic photography, you may also experience self-discovery, which is essential for your psychological welfare. You can render your thoughts and feelings in the form of pictures when words fail you. It is a healthy outlet to release your pent-up emotions and instead create meaningful art. There is a literal emotional release that helps you with stress relief as well.

Science also backs up studies suggesting how making art, like taking photos or drawing, can trigger your brain to release dopamine. Dopamine is a neurochemical often referred to as the “pleasure hormone.” Once dopamine is released into our body, it makes us feel happier.

Different Types Of Photography You May Try

There are different types of photography therapy you can experiment with during your counseling. These varying types mainly depend on the subject being photographed, which you can relate to or help you relax.

Portrait Photography

Self-portraits, headshots, and pictures where the individual’s or group’s emotions are captured fall under portrait photography. It is one of the most popular types of photographs. Many people love portraiture as it shows raw emotion, focusing on the eyes. As they say, eyes are windows to the soul. It may be a good choice for you if you have a hard time showing your feelings.

Pet Photography

From the name itself, pet photography’s subject is pets. This type of photography may be ideal for you if you love pets. Animals are a big help in many people’s mental recovery. Animals are used in animal therapy—another well-known type of therapy available for mental disorders.

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Food Photography

Some mental health sufferers turn to food for stress relief. Turning the stress eating into food photography is like hitting two birds with one stone.

Adventure Photography

The great outdoors is waiting for you to explore it. Going on an adventure will undoubtedly be great for your mental health. You can also meet people to go on a venture together. Having adventures and exploring the outdoors can give you a sense of freedom and openness to the world. It can also boost your social confidence, which would help your psychological well-being immensely. It would be best if you have as much fun and sun as you can.  So double up your travels by doing photography.

Ocean Photography

Perhaps seascape or ocean photography is what most people with mental illness will consider. The sea is already calming on its own, only watching the waves rise and fall. But with photography, you can explore the ocean so much more while also helping yourself mentally recover. You can also try sea diving and capture photos of marine life, such as corals and sea turtles.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is the opposite of ocean photography. From the name itself, the main focus of this type of photography is capturing lands. Like bodies of water, bodies of land appear calming to some people too.

Conclusion

You do not necessarily have to be good with arts to enjoy its benefits. Art is subjective. If you feel what you are creating is art, no one should tell you otherwise. Doing things that provide tranquility and clarity of mind can be very beneficial for your mental well-being.

Wait no further. Go forth and create art, whether through photography or not. Find an artistic outlet, relieve your feelings, and try to eliminate emotional roadblocks. Who knows? You might have a knack for creativity and discover a hidden talent of yours.

FAQs About Anxiety And Panic Attack

You may have heard the terms panic attack and anxiety attack used by most people interchangeably. They seem to have the same meaning and similar symptoms, some of which may include shortness of breath, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. However, anxiety vs. panic attack has distinct features in practice, and behavioral health providers use these phrases for specific disorders and symptoms.

Panic attack is a mental health disorder that relates to sudden or intense feelings of anxiety. Often, the symptoms and emotional stress that come along with it are uncontrollable. It leads to overthinking a pending doom, fear, or danger. It becomes alarming when accompanied by physical symptoms such as chills, hot flashes, rapid pounding heart rate, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating.

There is no specific explanation of the direct cause of a panic disorder or attack. However, research and studies show that a particular mental health condition can be linked to a combination of things, including unforgettable, stressful, or traumatic events in life or death of a friend, family member, pet, or special someone.

For most people with panic attack disorder, unexpected panic attacks and things can get entirely uncomfortable. Fortunately, this particular condition is not dangerous. One can practice slow breathing for immediate relief from symptoms of panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It goes deeply and gently through your nose.

But, it is essential to note that treating panic attacks alone may not be applicable since the condition requires specific treatment and medication provided by a medical professional or a licensed therapist. With the proper treatment and medication, one can easily live with the symptoms and manage daily tasks better.

What Is An Anxiety Attack, And Does it Affect A Person?

Anxiety attack, sometimes called anxiety disorder, usually manifests the same symptoms as panic attack. However, a few episodes of intense fear suddenly occur without warning and often pop out of the blue. Sometimes, an anxiety attack happens even when a person least expects it. For some people, obvious triggers may cause it, such as riding in an elevator, opening a sealed box, driving a vehicle in a congested space, running low on time, and many more.

The physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder are much the same as a panic attack. There’s shortness of breath, fluttering or pounding heart, chest pain, sweating, restlessness, nausea, and chills. But in severe conditions, an anxiety attack can be worse than a panic attack due to the aftermath of the mental disorder.

The constant psychological battle with anxiety will soon bring negative impacts such as difficulty concentrating and analyzing situations, sleep pattern problems (difficulty sleeping or staying awake), the inability to control violent emotions (anger, frustration, rage), and feeling constantly irritable and moody.

In some people, an anxiety attack is manageable as long as they commit to their mental wellness approach of keeping an active lifestyle, getting enough quality of sleep, engaging with people (friends and family), eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, drinking a lot of water, and meditating. However, some individuals can no longer control their condition. These people are the ones that need professional and medical attention.

So if you or you know someone who might be dealing with a mental health condition and psychiatric disorders, always reach out for help. Seek medical attention from a mental health professional. Ask for a licensed professional’s advice, and take the properly prescribed medication. It is always important to take care of our overall wellness.

An image showing two options: Serenity or Anxiety
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What Triggers The Mental Health Condition?

Stressful or devastating health problems are among the most common triggers of an anxiety attack. Other equally potent triggers include medications like cough syrup and birth control pills, concerns about employment, money, bills, and pessimism.

Risk factors for anxiety disorder include smoking, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs. Other risk factors include a family history of mental health disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, a chronic health condition, being female (women are two times more likely than men to suffer from the disorder), being genetically predisposed to anxiety, and having experienced trauma or abuse during childhood.

What does an anxiety attack feel like?

When you are suffering from an anxiety attack, the first thing you realize is losing control over yourself or the situation. You may have chest pain, and your heart rate is much faster than usual. You feel like you’re choking and find it difficult to breathe normally. You also tremble and experience hyperventilation. You feel like you are going crazy.

It’s important to remember that although the symptoms of anxiety attack can feel similar to those of a heart attack, they are not the same thing. While an anxiety attack can be incredibly distressing and overwhelming, it is not usually life-threatening, like a heart attack. If you are ever unsure whether you are experiencing an anxiety attack or a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately to rule out any serious health concerns.

How do you calm an anxiety attack?

Initially, you must acknowledge that you are experiencing an attack. Then, you try to regain control by closing your eyes and breathing in and out slowly and consciously. It also helps you count if you steadily count every time you breathe. You must learn how to question and fight your thoughts to gain control over yourself eventually.

What’s The Difference Between A Panic Attack And An Anxiety Attack?

Panic and anxiety attacks are two different conditions but share many of the same symptoms.

Anxiety attacks usually happen as a reaction to a perceived danger or stressor, while panic attacks tend to and can occur without any trigger at all. Panic attacks are severe and distracting, and their physical symptoms are often worse than those of anxiety. There are times when anxiety symptoms are mild to moderate. Additionally, anxiety symptoms last longer than panic attack symptoms, which typically resolve in minutes.

What Is The Best Medicine For Anxiety Attacks?

Benzodiazepines are among the most popular anti-anxiety drugs recommended by doctors for immediate pain relief, while selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are prescribed for a longstanding anxiety attack. However, these medications do not cure anxiety but provide temporary relief. They also come with safety precautions and side effects.

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are another type of antidepressant that is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. SNRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These drugs can be effective in treating depression, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among other mental disorders.

What Should I Do After An Anxiety Attack?

Listen to your body and breathe in and out so that you can slowly relax. If the adrenaline is still there and your body is still warm from the rush, physical activity like walking outside so that the built-up energy can go somewhere. You can also diffuse some oils, such as lavender or chamomile in your room for a more relaxing feeling.

What happens after an anxiety attack?

Some people feel warm and energetic after an anxiety attack because of the fight and flight response’s persistence. Still, they feel very tired of others, as though the adrenaline has expired and a tremendous crash has followed.

Is it OK to sleep after a panic attack?

You will most probably have difficulty going back to sleep right after a panic episode, as you will be restless just thinking about what caused the episode in the first place. Also, you’ll most likely be concerned that it’s going to happen again. Sleep might be all right, but you must take steps to eliminate the panic attack.

What is the aftermath of an anxiety attack?

When an anxiety attack has finally ended, most people are relieved and can gradually relax. However, those who experience severe anxiety go through an emotional lag when all heightened emotions have dropped down. They are left feeling spaced out and shattered.

 

A woman in dark green blouse, holding her head and thinking deeply about her personal issues and problems
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How Do I Stop Feeling Jittery?

If you’re a coffee drinker, you first should not drink too much coffee for that particular day, or you can lessen your caffeine intake regularly. Another reason for feeling jittery is anxiety, and you can get rid of your jitters by practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques like muscle contractions. It is also important to drink plenty of water to be constantly hydrated.

Why Does My Body Feel Shaky Inside?

There are several reasons why you shake inside, but one of the most common reasons is anxiety. When someone is anxious, his body can react as if his body is being attacked, causing adrenaline release. This may lead to bodily responses such as shaking, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

Why do I feel shaky and weak?

Weakness and shaky hands can indicate anxiety, but they could also mean that you suffer from hypoglycemia, hypertension, low blood pressure, dehydration, or sleep deprivation. They could also indicate more severe conditions like congestive heart failure or stroke.

Why do I feel jittery and shaky?

Shakiness is a common indication of anxiety, which a lot of people experience at some point in their lives. When you are anxious, you also feel nervous and jittery due to the imbalance of chemicals in the body when activating the fight and flight response.

When you experience panic attacks you can also experience shakes and jitters, which are signs of the fight or flight response. How do I stop feeling jittery? The first thing you need to do is to make sure that you are not actually experiencing a panic attack. This can be done by taking time out from whatever situation you find yourself in and evaluating your symptoms. If they continue but don’t worsen then it is likely that these are just normal feelings of anxiety.

What causes a person to shake?

Nervousness and anxiety often lead an individual to shake. It is a symptom most people experience when anxious, but there may be other reasons why the body shakes, such as hypoglycemia and hypertension.

In some cases, fear overwhelms an individual to such an extent that it triggers the body’s fight or flight response, causing rapid heartbeat, trembling, and shaking. This reaction is the body’s way of preparing to face or flee from a perceived threat, even if it’s not physically present.

Are shaky hands a sign of anxiety?

Trembling or shaky hands is a usual physical indication that you may go through when you have a social anxiety disorder. When you are anxious and shaking, your fight-or-flight response may be active.

 

A woman in dark green blouse, holding her head and thinking deeply about her personal issues and problems
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Anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health disorders, affecting approximately 20% of American adults yearly. Anxiety can considerably impact an individual’s life, but only very few who experience symptoms ask for help or treatment.

Effective treatments can produce better results and improve one’s well-being, so you must speak to your doctor if you are experiencing anxiety or panic attack symptoms. Women actually have a higher likelihood of having anxiety symptoms, so the Women’s Preventative Services Initiative now suggests screening for anxiety for all females above 13 years old.

A mental health provider typically asks you questions regarding your symptoms, and these include factors such as duration, intensity, and the effect it has on your usual everyday functioning. Depending on your assessment results, your provider can then provide a diagnosis based on the diagnostic and statistical manual or DSM-5 criteria.

How do I stop panic attacks forever?

Stopping panic attacks forever may not be possible, but there are ways to manage and reduce their frequency and intensity. It’s important to understand that panic attacks are a symptom of anxiety, not a standalone condition. Therefore, treating the underlying anxiety is key to reducing panic attacks.

One effective way to manage anxiety and panic attacks is through therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach used to treat anxiety and panic attack disorders. This type of therapy helps identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and panic attacks. Additionally, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and meditation can also help manage anxiety and reduce the likelihood of panic attacks.

Exposure therapy is another option for treating anxiety disorders. This therapy exposes the patient to their feared stimuli while in a safe environment, helping them learn how to manage their panic attacks.

Making lifestyle changes can also help in reducing anxiety or panic attacks. Regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can all contribute to better mental health. Moreover, developing healthy coping mechanisms such as journaling, spending time outdoors, joining your local or even online anxiety and depression association, and practicing gratitude can also be helpful in managing anxiety and preventing panic attacks.

While it may not be possible to completely stop panic attacks forever, managing anxiety through therapy, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes can reduce their frequency and intensity. It’s important to seek professional help if you are experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.

Can panic attacks be silent?

Yes, panic attacks can be silent. A silent panic attack is a panic attack where a person may not display any usual signs or symptoms of a regular panic attack but can still experience the emotional symptoms that come with a panic attack, such as extreme fear and a distressing rush of physical sensations.

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