Why You Should Try Therapy Again

Been to therapy before but you weren't feeling it? We get it. There are so many variables in getting the right match for your mental heath support and it can feel like a moving target you'll never hit.

Maybe you're starting over after some time off or looking to switch licensed professional therapists or online therapy platforms. If you're feeling uncertain as you consider returning to online or in-person therapy, we want to answer your questions and help you find clarity along the way.

Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help

Does therapy work (even if it didn’t before)?

Your therapy session is the starting point for effective support and relief from various symptoms and disorders that impact your emotional wellbeing. Sessions with a licensed mental health professional are not a quick fix- it's estimated that the average person needs 15-20 therapy sessions to see sustained improvement in their mental well-being.

While therapy isn't an instant cure (or even a cure at all), it is a reliable way to explore your thought processes and emotional safety with the support of mental health counselors who can introduce you to tools, ideas, and theories that will support you in navigating your mental health.

Whether you're trying online therapy for the first time or exploring a new type of support, there is a lot of evidence to support therapy as a positive mental health support.

Understanding how psychotherapy works

Psychotherapy is not one size fits all. If you went to therapy before and felt like it didn’t do you any good, it’s possible you were experiencing a method that just wasn’t a good match for what you needed at the time. There isn’t one way, or even one theory behind the ways to help someone who is struggling with their mental wellbeing.

All fitting under the umbrella term of psychotherapy, many schools of psychology, sociology, neuroscience, social work, philosophy, and even genetics contribute to the practice of mental health support. Online therapy and traditional in person therapy have many different tools they can use to succeed.

Every therapist is different

With over 100,000 licensed therapists and licensed clinical social workers in the United States, it can be difficult to navigate how to choose or switch therapists. Make a list of the things you require in your own therapist as well as what you definitely don't want.

Use it to set up consultations to find the right match. Identifying the therapist who makes you feel supported and has experience in managing the reasons you're coming to therapy is critical in getting a match that makes a difference in your life.

Methodology matters

There is more to good therapy than who is doing it: how your mental healthcare is being delivered matters too.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common traditional therapy offered and it's probably what you've experienced before.

In CBT sessions, also known as talk therapy, you'll be encouraged to discuss and explore the emotions you've been experiencing lately to find new tools to navigate them.

Other kinds of therapy are available. Based on various theories, therapeutic methods like Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Your therapist may use a fusion method that combines multiple theories to create the most comprehensive experience for your needs as well.

At the end of the day, while the method matters, how you respond to it will decide whether it works for you. Having a licensed therapist who is adaptable that you trust can make it much easier to take chances on new ways of accessing support.

How effective is online therapy? 

Maybe your schedule doesn't allow for office visits or, after a couple of years of virtual living, you've found that you feel more comfortable being vulnerable when you're virtual. (Yep, that's not just you. It's a thing!) Researchers have begun to study the benefit of therapy in virtual and face-to-face formats and found that they are both effective.

In some instances, online therapy can be more helpful over time or for people with conflicts with time, transportation, or availability. Online counseling is a valid alternative to in-office therapy for many mental health conditions.

Therapy sessions that you can attend consistently and comfortably will be the most beneficial to you. So regardless of the reason, if you are most able to receive therapeutic support through virtual means, your therapeutic relationship will benefit from that.

The pandemic has helped to lessen the stigma around mental illness and receiving virtual support services. We've also seen increased opportunities for mental health professionals to offer resources online.

Insurance may cover online therapy cost

We are happy to bill your health insurance company at LunaJoy and have arranged in-network coverage with a variety of insurers as well as provide a superbill. Other online therapy services may have their own process, but the first step is always within your grasp by reaching out to your insurance provider and asking them directly.

Insurance providers aren't always transparent about their telehealth coverage since it is a relatively new way to receive the support you need, but it's always worth asking your insurance company what they cover!

When choosing online therapy, give them a call before your first appointment, or let us know and we can help you figure out the limitations of your coverage for virtual mental health services.

If you're on the fence about trying online counseling sessions or trying therapy again at all, we encourage you to make that list we mentioned. It's a great way to take stock of your current coping skills and figure out what therapy process you'd most like to try. Getting a good idea of what you need and how you may feel most comfortable receiving it will be empowering even if you're not ready to act on it today.

When you're ready, we will be too. Reach out to us at care@hellolunajoy.com or schedule a consultation to get started today. We believe in you!