Traditionally, seeing a therapist required you to schedule an appointment, dress up and get on the road to fight traffic. It’s even worse if you have to wait in a queue. Nearly every aspect of this model hindered access to therapy for those battling depression or any other mental health issue and running hectic schedules. But as technology advances, innovation is rapidly changing the healthcare landscape and telecounseling is becoming easily accessible to all.
Today, therapy is more affordable and accessible for those in rural and urban areas alike. Thanks to telecounseling. Telecounseling is a modern way of using technology to administer therapy remotely through secured platforms, including video conferencing and ongoing direct messaging.
Teletherapy can ensue in real-time in which the counselor interacts with the client or assume a delayed-time format like email messaging where the client replies later. Although telehealth has always been in the pipeline, the adoption rates skyrocketed when Covid-19 struck, and physical interaction restrictions were instituted. But it is the merits of telecounseling that will keep this mode of psychotherapy around.
Minimal barriers to entry
Nailing the initial appointment is the biggest challenge facing therapists worldwide. Statistics show that most clients attend the first counseling session and never return. While theories offer varying explanations for such statistics, experience during the first visit is the major contributor. Struggling to locate the therapist’s office, sitting anxiously counting down the time and waiting for your turn can be frustrating even for the healthy; how much more for the unwell?
Instead of all these struggles, telecounseling allows you to receive care from the comfort of your home. No need to dress up and sit waiting in the queue. You can make yourself as comfortable as you want, whether by having your special mug by your side or lying in your cozy couch during the session. With teletherapy, nothing hinders you from starting therapy and opening up.
Efficiency and productivity
Time is precious, and clients want to save every minute. However, scheduling an in-office appointment means the client has to postpone or cancel some of their activities. Plus, much time might be wasted during the commute or between sessions. Clients can also be overly tense when they arrive late for sessions, reducing the productivity of each session. Telecounseling helps save time, which the therapists or clients can use to develop themselves further.
Flexibility
Sometimes, clients might be overworked and even miss therapy sessions. Rescheduling the missed sessions can be hectic or impossible with traditional in-office appointments. Telecounseling grants maximal flexibility as meetings can be scheduled depending on the prevailing circumstances. For instance, most high-achieving individuals on the verge of mental breakdown tend to have the least time for other activities, including doctor appointments, which they need most. With teletherapy, you can reschedule and integrate emergency sessions for such individuals without disrupting service provision severely.
Accessibility
Telecounseling provides equal access to health services to all community members, including those with disabilities or living in remote areas. Even college students who do not prefer the services of swamped college counseling centers can still receive treatment from their preferred therapist via telecounseling.
Although much needs to be done before therapy becomes fully virtual, telecounseling promises numerous advantages over traditional in-office appointments. Teletherapy opens up a new frontier in healthcare with greater flexibility, efficiency and accessibility. Instead of cancelling your activities to see a counselor miles away, you can schedule an appointment with a teletherapist and save time. Reach out to Kayenta Therapy today and schedule your teletherapy session today!
Mood changes and feelings of sadness, anxiety and irritability following childbirth are common, but typically subside after a few weeks. When these symptoms persist and have a negative impact on your ability to function, finding a therapist for postpartum depression can help.
It’s important to remember that the exact causes for postpartum depression are unknown, and that it is not your fault. A therapist can answer your questions about PPD, delve into any issues that may be a factor in your depression and help you learn techniques and coping mechanisms to deal with your feelings in a healthy manner.
There are many different symptoms that may occur with PPD. Some of the most common include:
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seeing a therapist for postpartum depression can help you make sense of it all and get you back on track so you can enjoy spending time with your new baby and family.
One of the most common types of therapy recommended for postpartum depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy helps you learn how to identify negative or inaccurate thoughts and respond to them in a healthier way. CBT is often an effective tool for treating PPD, as it can help you quickly learn how to recognize and cope with specific challenges.
Interpersonal therapy can also be extremely helpful in treating PPD. This therapeutic approach teaches you how to identify, understand, and address issues in your relationships with others. In psychodynamic therapy, a therapist helps you explore unconscious thought and behavior patterns that may be causing conflict in your life.
When used in combination with traditional talk therapy, exercise, light therapy, meditation, mindfulness, and other self-care techniques can also be effective for assuaging the symptoms of PPD. Taking good care of yourself by getting adequate sleep, eating well, connecting with others, and asking for help when you need it can also take a lot of weight off your shoulders. In some cases, an antidepressant may also be needed to treat postpartum depression.
It’s important to feel comfortable with whom you choose to share your worries and fears. A therapist should never make you feel like postpartum depression is your fault. However, you do want to find someone who may challenge your ways of thinking while still validating your feelings. One of the main goals of any therapist treating you for PPD should be to help you learn how to cope with your symptoms in productive ways. A knowledgeable therapist will approach you with compassion and respect, while helping you do the work to improve your mental health.
If you’re looking for a therapist for postpartum depression, the trained mental health professionals at Kayenta Therapy can help. Contact a therapist directly to schedule an in-person or teletherapy appointment today.
Living with an anxiety disorder can be challenging. Therapy can help give you the tools to change your ways of thinking and learn how to cope with feelings of fear or panic when they arise. There are several types of therapy for anxiety disorders that can help you discover its underlying causes and develop healthy problem-solving skills and techniques to assuage your worries.
There are several anxiety disorders that may cause people to react to distressing feelings, thoughts, and situations in an extreme way. In some cases, those with anxiety attempt to manage their reactions by avoiding certain triggers. However, this can backfire and cause your anxiety to worsen. Therapy for anxiety disorders can help treat conditions such as:
Types of Therapy for Anxiety
Each anxiety disorder comes with its own hurdles and affects individuals differently. That’s why it’s important to be thoroughly evaluated by a mental health professional before beginning any type of therapy. The type of therapy that works best for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your diagnosis.
The basic principle of cognitive behavioral therapy is that your thoughts, not your immediate circumstances, impact how you feel and react. CBT helps you recognize and understand negative ways of thinking and damaging behavior patterns and learn how to replace them with more rational thoughts and actions and effective coping mechanisms.
Your therapist can give you specific strategies for reshaping unrealistic or negative thoughts and help you learn to apply healthy coping skills to manage panic, fear, and worry.
A counselor may employ a type of CBT called exposure therapy, which involves introducing anxiety-producing objects or situations and helping you work your way through them using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, or meditation.
Another type of CBT that can help anxiety disorders is dialectical behavior therapy. DBT emphasizes a dialectical (opposing) way of thinking, acceptance, and change. In short, this type of therapy for anxiety disorders helps you discover how to accept your anxiety while actively working to change it. Common techniques for easing anxiety include:
Some other types of therapy for anxiety and other mental health conditions include acceptance and commitment therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. No matter which one seems the most appealing to you, seeking therapy for anxiety disorders can help you find out which types meet your specific needs and personality.
The therapists at Kayenta Therapy can help you find the tools and skills you need to cope with therapy for anxiety disorders and live a healthier, happier life. Contact a therapist directly to schedule an in-person or teletherapy appointment today.
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Depression can diminish your quality of life and even cause physical pain. But there is hope and help for overcoming depression, whether it’s teletherapy, an in-person therapy session, or a combination of both.
Depression affects each person who suffers from it in different ways. However, there are some common symptoms that many people experience:
Whether you’re experiencing one or several of these symptoms, confiding in a therapist about how you feel can help with overcoming depression.
Depression is a complex condition that can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, physiology, social and or environmental influences. It is also more common in those who have suffered trauma or abuse. The loss of a loved one, stress, illness, addiction, and other major life changes can also contribute to depressive episodes. It’s important to understand that it’s a real illness. If someone tells you to just “snap out of it,” know that it’s not your fault and that you can feel better if you receive the care you need.
In many cases, counseling or low-cost therapy in Las Vegas is enough to treat depression, but for clinical, severe depression, medication like antidepressants can be helpful to reduce symptoms. Teletherapy or an in-person therapy session can help you process feelings, change toxic ways of thinking, and provide coping tools you can use for a lifetime.
Mental health professionals like psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), and other types of counselors are highly trained in helping clients overcome depression. Each therapist has their own style, and many use a combination of approaches to treat depression. Just talking about how you feel in a safe, private space can help you feel better. Your therapist may help you:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps you learn to identify and manage negative thought and behavior patterns. Once you identify these thoughts and behaviors, you can learn how to change unrealistic beliefs and behaviors that can make your depression worse and help you interact in more constructive ways.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) helps you improve relationships with others by learning how to express emotions and solve problems in healthier ways. IPT helps you cope with challenging situations, build social skills, and find support for coping with stress and symptoms of depression.
If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, you don’t have to go it alone. Our therapists at Kayenta Therapy can help you learn skills for overcoming depression and put you on the road to recovery. Contact a therapist directly to schedule an in-person or teletherapy appointment today.
Anger is a common emotion that can be healthy in some circumstances, but when it becomes unmanageable, it can have a negative impact on your relationships and quality of life. Anger management therapy can help you learn how to cope with these feelings in a more effective way and can lead to positive self-growth.
Although anger is a natural response to many different situations, when you find yourself feeling intense anger very often, it can become a serious problem. Explosive rage and frequent feelings of anger can make you feel stressed, have a detrimental effect on your physical and mental health, and damage relationships.
When anger strikes, you may feel a rush of adrenaline, your breath may become shallow, your face may feel flushed, and your muscles may tense up. The physical response to anger can cause your blood pressure to rise rapidly and have other detrimental physiological effects. Anger management therapy in Las Vegas can help you learn to manage your emotional and physiological responses to anger, recognize triggers, and enable you to express your feelings in a more positive way.
Therapists may employ several different approaches and techniques to help you learn to manage anger in a healthier manner. Some important elements include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you recognize triggers, cultivate coping skills, and alter your thoughts, feelings, and responses to anger. Using CBT techniques can help you feel much more in control when anger arises.
If you struggle with extreme or frequent bouts of anger, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can help you regulate your emotions, improve distress tolerance, and develop more effective communication skills.
Psychodynamic therapy examines the psychological roots of anger and your reactions to it. It can help you learn effective tools to identify and change unhealthy patterns.
Couples counseling and family therapy can help family members address lingering resentments in a positive way and teach you how to work together to resolve issues and improve communication.
Your therapist may also recommend attending group therapy for anger management. Discussing these issues with others who face similar challenges gives you an opportunity to discover fresh perspectives and may make you feel less alone.
Regardless of which techniques work best for you, anger management therapy provides a space where you can share your feelings and learn how to cope with anger more effectively.
The experienced, compassionate therapists at Kayenta Therapy are committed to providing quality mental health services that can enrich your life and open you up to a world of self-discovery. Contact a therapist directly to schedule an in-person or teletherapy anger management therapy session today.
There are many different reasons people seek therapy. Whether you’re looking for help with emotional challenges, want to improve a relationship, or need to adjust to a new phase of life, finding an in-person therapist who’s right for you is vital. Talking with a therapist about your thoughts and feelings can help you heal, learn healthy coping skills, and lead to growth that enhances your quality of life.
Although talking about issues with close friends and family can be helpful, a therapist provides a more objective perspective that can help you get to the root of your problems and overcome them. Seeking help from a mental health professional not only provides the support you need, it can help you make positive changes and give you a fresh perspective about things you may be struggling with.
Therapy can be beneficial for anyone – many people turn to an in-person therapist to deal with stress, loss, family and relationship issues, or to develop more self-awareness. Finding a therapist you trust and developing effective tools that help you cope with life can be a transformative experience. Although it takes hard work, therapy can help you rebuild the life you want.
Because you’ll be sharing intimate details about your life, it’s critical to find a therapist you feel comfortable talking to about difficult issues. You should feel supported by your therapist, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s also their job to challenge you sometimes.
Clinical professional counselors (CPCs), psychologists, marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), and psychiatrists are all trained mental health professionals who are licensed by the state, and may offer:
It’s always a good idea to check and make sure your therapist is fully licensed, reputable professional. Of course, the type of therapist you choose will depend on your specific needs. Many counselors and therapists use a range of methods and styles to fit each client’s individual needs. If you have a busy schedule or feel more comfortable attending sessions remotely, teletherapy may be a good option for you.
After your initial intake, subsequent sessions typically last about an hour. When you first begin counseling, you will likely have therapy once a week. It may take a few sessions to get comfortable. If you feel your therapist isn’t a good fit, don’t hesitate to look for someone else.
Therapy should be a place where you feel safe and supported, but it won’t always be pleasant. Discussing painful experiences and emotions is challenging, and feelings such as sadness, anger, and shame may arise. This is normal and your therapist is there to guide you through the process. To reap the benefits of therapy, it’s critical to apply what you learn in your sessions to real life. Although your therapist can guide you, they can’t do the work for you. Being honest about your feelings, implementing the tools you’re learning, and regularly attending sessions can help you get the most out of it and help you create positive change in your life.
At Kayenta Therapy, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate quality care that can help enrich your sense of self and change your life. Contact a therapist directly to schedule a session via teletherapy or with an in-person therapist.
Although teletherapy has been around for quite a long time, it has become much more prevalent in the new world of the COVID-19 pandemic. Teletherapy has allowed even more people to get the mental health services they need, but if you are unfamiliar with this type of therapy sessions you may be wondering how teletherapy works and whether it is effective.
Teletherapy is a counseling session that is done remotely, typically via videoconferencing. Therapists, medical providers and other mental health professionals are required to use HIPAA-compliant video conferencing services, so it is also secure and confidential. It can be used for various types of therapy and is a safe, effective way to attend sessions without having to leave your home.
Therapy sessions via videoconferencing or phone work much like traditional counseling. First, you schedule an appointment with your therapist. If you are new to therapy, it’s important to prepare by gathering relevant information such as any prescriptions you may be taking, your medical history, previous mental health treatment and a list of questions you’d like to ask. In addition to individual sessions, teletherapy can be used for family counseling, couples counseling and group therapy. These sessions are conducted the same way they would be as if everyone were together in the same room.
Teletherapy has been shown to be just as beneficial as in-person therapy, and may even work better for some clients. Those who are concerned about privacy or struggle with issues such as social anxiety may feel more comfortable attending sessions via videoconference instead of in a therapist’s office.
Getting to in-person sessions can also be challenging for disabled clients, people with busy work schedules or those who don’t have easy access to transportation or childcare. For people in these types of circumstances, accessing mental health services from home can be life-changing. Although using technology can be a hurdle for some, there are resources that can help you get set up with and learn how to use teletherapy to your benefit.
People seek therapy for myriad reasons. Whether you already have a mental health diagnosis or you are going through a tough time and want to learn more about yourself and how to develop healthy coping and communication skills, teletherapy can be used to treat many different conditions, including:
In some cases, remote therapy sessions provide limited benefits. For example, children who attend play therapy are best served by attending in-office visits.
Technology has made it easier than ever to find the mental health treatment you need. Kayenta Therapy offers in-person and teletherapy sessions for individuals, couples and families. We are dedicated to providing accessible, affordable therapy that can help you find self-growth, peace and joy in your life. Contact a therapist directly to schedule an appointment.
Staying connected with loved ones is more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted much longer than expected and many people feel isolated from friends, family and the world around them. Maintaining relationships is vital for mental health, but during these tough times it can be challenging to keep up the connections that help to sustain our physical and emotional well-being. Seeking therapy and trying these tips for fostering and maintaining relationships can help you cope with feelings of isolation and keep in touch:
Writing a letter to let someone know how much you love and appreciate them will not only make them feel valued, it can give you a sense of happiness. Almost everyone gets emails every day – an email is not a substitute for putting pen to paper. It’s also nice to receive correspondence that isn’t junk mail or bills. Whether it’s a parent, cousin, teacher, or someone else who has positively impacted your life, receiving something like this in the mail will put a smile on their face and can strengthen your connection.
Although Zoom and other videoconference platforms are a convenient way to make virtual face-to-face connections, they’re not for everyone. After a year of Zoom happy hours and family get-togethers, not to mention using it for work, many people are burned out. Picking up the phone provides a way to connect without pressure. Hearing a familiar voice can be just as satisfying as seeing a loved one’s face on a Zoom call. Even if you keep in touch with someone via text or social media, nothing can replace the connection you make with a good old-fashioned phone call.
Casual interactions like talking to someone in line at the grocery store or chatting with a neighbor you bump into outside can provide much-needed social contact and lift your spirits. Although these conversations may seem innocuous, they offer something all humans need – each other. Even a smile and a quick hello can make someone’s day and give your mood a boost.
Meeting up with a friend or family member at a local park or even in your neighborhood is a safe way to catch up and get some exercise as long as you practice COVID-19 safety protocols. In Las Vegas, we’re fortunate to enjoy fairly mild weather year-round. Getting some sun on your face, moving your body and connecting with a loved one in this way can help stave off depression and anxiety. It’s great for your physical health, too.
If you’re finding hard to connect with others, a therapist can help you sort out your feelings, learn ways to be more social and cope with loneliness during the pandemic. If you’re uncomfortable with going to an in-office therapy session, telehealth appointments via video are more accessible than ever. Therapy can also help you find tools and techniques to implement in your everyday life that can help you become happier and more grounded.
If you’re feeling isolated and need to find ways to make connections with the ones you love, our therapists at Kayenta can help. Contact a therapist directly to schedule an in-person or teletherapy session.
There’s no doubt that 2020 was a challenging year for everyone. However, one positive has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic – more people than ever are talking about mental health and seeking therapy. Taking stock of your goals and relationships and contemplating the path you want to take in the future is a common theme this time of year. Even if money is tight right now, low-cost therapy can help you improve your mental health and gain a new perspective on yourself, your life and your goals for 2021.
If you don’t have insurance or would prefer not to submit claims for counseling sessions, low-cost therapy is a great way to get the help you need without breaking the bank. For example, Kayenta Therapy’s Legacy Program offers sessions with supervised graduate student therapists for just $40.00 per session. These graduate student therapists work with individuals, families and couples of all ages and walks of life.
Graduate students work closely with a licensed supervisor who is experienced in providing therapy to a wide range of clients while adhering to the highest quality and ethical standards. Seeing a graduate student for low-cost therapy not only enables you to discover more about yourself and how you can make a fresh start, it also fosters students’ personal and professional development.
Low-cost therapy offers an affordable safe space where you can talk about how you’re feeling without fear of judgment. Working through challenges and changing old patterns and ways of thinking takes work, but if you’re honest with yourself and your therapist it can be extremely rewarding. Some benefits of therapy include:
Learning more about yourself. Your therapist will listen and may make suggestions, but they don’t tell you what to do. Figuring out why you think, feel and act the way you do and learning how to cope with it can be empowering and life-changing.
Successfully setting and keeping goals. Therapy can help you determine what’s really important to you. If you’re uncertain about your goals, talking about them, clarifying your intentions and setting realistic steps to achieve them can set you on a path to success. Therapy can also help you realize the journey is often the most rewarding part of achieving a goal.
More fulfilling relationships. Whether it’s a relationship with a partner, friend, family member, or coworker, therapy can help you understand how to communicate with others more effectively. Overcoming hurdles in relationships can bring you closer together and contribute to your general sense of contentment and happiness.
Better overall health. Research has shown proven links between mental and physical health. When your sense of well-being and self-esteem improve, you may be inspired to start nourishing and caring for your body as well.
Are you looking for a fresh start in 2021? Low-cost therapy at Kayenta can help you ring in the New Year with a new perspective and set you on a path to improved health and happiness. Contact a therapist directly to schedule an in-person or teletherapy session.
Children and parents have dealt with a lot of uncertainty this year, which can make easing back into school after the holiday season challenging. Whether your child is going back to school in person or returning to the routine of distance learning at home, therapy and these tips can help make the transition easier for everyone:
How to Help Your Child
Children often experience a wide range of feelings about going to school. Feeling nervous about returning to school after the holidays is common, and it may be especially tough if your child is returning to in-person classes for the first time in months. If your child seems particularly fearful, depressed or anxious, it may be a good idea to consider therapy with a qualified counselor who can help them sort out and cope with their feelings.
Set up a Routine Ahead of Time
Although it can be tempting to ignore the inevitable, preparing your children to go back to school the last week of the break can help support them through the transition. Writing out a schedule and posting it can be a helpful tool, so children can read or visually see what they need to do to get back into the groove. Some other ways to gradually change your children’s schedule include:
Discuss Going Back to School
Most kids get stressed about going to school at one time or another. Take the time to ask your children about how they feel about returning to school after the holidays. If they express worries or fears, provide reassurance by telling them that it’s normal to feel nervous and they will likely feel more at ease once they’ve settled back into a school routine. Sharing your own experiences can also help them realize they’re not alone.
Encourage your kids to ask any questions they may have. They may be concerned about what will be the same and what may be different. If your child’s school hasn’t provided any information about how things may be changing, you may want to email a teacher or administrator to find out what your kids can expect.
Once they’re back in school, make sure to praise them for being courageous about overcoming their fears and ask them if there’s anything they’d like to discuss about returning to school. Listening but staying upbeat can help your children develop positive attitudes about going to school. If your child digs in their heels about not wanting to return to school or becomes withdrawn, it may be time to help them seek therapy.
Help Your Kids to Get in Touch with Friends
Even though it may not be possible for your children to get up close and personal with friends, scheduling video chats or calls with them can help kids feel better and assuage their fears. A safe, socially distanced playdate outdoors can also help lift their spirits and help them connect with friends.
If your child is having trouble transitioning to school after the holidays, therapy can help. Contact a licensed therapist at Kayenta today to set up an in-person or teletherapy session.