The Scoop: For those who know something isn’t right, it helps to talk with a trained and experienced counselor. But financial situations, time constraints, or even cultural taboos surrounding therapy often stop people from getting the help they need. BetterHelp offers affordable online counseling services that are always available for members. And singles and couples can talk to therapists to develop skills, improve their relationships, and gain a better perspective on life.
Marlie Martin said she always felt like she had to be perfect while growing up. She excelled in school, but once she started her career, she realized how emotionally fragile she was. Her self-confidence was shaky, and she struggled with a new job in a new city. Then, when a close family member died, she felt like she had lost her only support system.
It didn’t help that she had just started a new relationship after finally freeing herself from an emotionally abusive partner. She needed someone to talk to, but the therapist she saw wasn’t helping. Marlie said she often cried on the couch while the therapist listened and nodded. She needed more coping strategies.
After starting a new job, she learned that its benefits meant she couldn’t afford in-person therapy at all. Marlie finally broke down. That’s when she decided to reach out to an online therapist with BetterHelp, an affordable alternative to in-person counseling.
“I felt devastated and overwhelmed with anxiety because I didn’t think I could cope on my own now that I had started seeing someone,” Marlie wrote in an online testimonial. “My family didn’t understand what I was so upset about — I just needed someone to talk to about my struggles, and the thought of not having that support was so overwhelming.”
Marlie decided to give virtual counseling a try after a friend of her boyfriend recommended BetterHelp. Following her meeting with a qualified therapist, Marlie said she now sees a light at the end of the tunnel.
“Since signing up with BetterHelp, I’m starting to realize that the dialogue inside my head isn’t necessarily accurate,” Marlie said. “Just having the understanding that vulnerability and shame are at the core of my self-deprecating beliefs has helped me challenge my own narrative.”
BetterHelp offers people like Marlie access to licensed, trained, and experienced psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and other professionals. Its counselors can help singles and couples take control of their lives — and their happiness.
Tips for Navigating Emotional Issues in the Dating Scene
BetterHelp offers valuable services at affordable prices through its online therapy model and also provides free advice for singles through its dating blog.
Mental health is a significant obstacle for many couples and can even be challenging for those who feel stable and confident in their everyday lives. It may also be confusing when a partner shares a diagnosis that may seem unfamiliar.
For example, someone with Borderline Personality Disorder will likely have a long string of unstable relationships that start by believing the person they are dating is “the one.” The problem with that diagnosis is that they can easily switch and decide their partner is horrible — without any middle ground. Extreme emotional swings can make it confusing if the person isn’t aware of the symptoms.
BetterHelp experts also offer advice on intimacy because many people won’t admit their internal shame surrounding sex. Therapists may recommend digging deep to find the source of the shame, if possible. Then they can encourage patients to take things slow and find a supportive partner. Not everyone wants sex right away, and with time, it may be more comfortable to move forward together.
Married couples also benefit from the free marital advice in the BetterHelp blog section. Many couples struggle with feeling lonely in a marriage because they think their close relationship should shield them from those feelings.
Experts recommend that couples talk about their feelings regularly and recognize that infidelity can change things. Some relationships can move past the tough times while others can’t. Working together to balance parenthood and careers can improve sex lives and end-of-day chats. However, a therapist may be necessary to bridge any remaining gaps.
Prioritize Mental Health in Every Part of Your Life
People can get a good workout at the gym, but they won’t see impressive results unless they make exercise a part of their routine. Self-esteem is like a muscle, which is why it’s important to make mental health a priority every day.
However, society doesn’t teach individuals what they need to do to feel better about themselves. In fact, it may be the opposite. People often learn how to feel bad — from advertisers wanting money or even people in power, including bosses, parents, or public figures.
Talking to a trained therapist can help turn those bad feelings around. For example, some people may feel unaccomplished even though they try their best. BetterHelp experts suggest people stay away from broad generalizations. Just because one — or two or three — things go wrong doesn’t mean everything in life is a disaster. Look at the things that are working and build a foundation around those.
It’s common for people to feel unhappy, especially because of the stay-at-home mandates from the COVID-19 pandemic. Trained BetterHelp therapists help patients choose happiness by cultivating resilience and gratitude and engaging with their community.
It’s crucial for both singles and those in relationships to create and practice self-care every day. Of course, that can look different for different people, but it should include staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, taking regular breaks from work, being mindful with money, having hobbies, and exercising daily.
Many people work with a therapist as part of their self-care routines, and BetterHelp makes it easy to find a therapist online.
BetterHelp Supports Singles and Couples in Tough Times
BetterHelp online therapists have years of experience working with patients and know they are making a difference thanks to the many online testimonials and reviews they receive. The testimonials are all written by real patients, but they use initials to protect their privacy.
One patient, D.I., worked with Dr. Nathaniel Mitchell for two weeks on issues including depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy, and self-esteem, among others.
“Dr. Mitchell is a great therapist, and he makes me feel like I’m talking to a friend,” D.I. wrote in an online testimonial.
Another patient, M.A., worked with Beverly Zimmerman, LPC, for 10 months on depression, stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes.
“Beverly has been amazing,” M.A. wrote. “Her empathy and kindness is infinite. Her understanding of the treatment of anxiety and depression has been incredibly helpful. She is truly a dedicated professional.”
The many positive reviews on BetterHelp’s website serve to give prospective patients a feeling of hope. They can read stories from actual patients who have made significant progress in their lives thanks to the trained professionals who work with BetterHelp.
That helps them see that anyone can find the help they need. And those individuals can start working toward increasing their level of happiness and strengthening their relationships by focusing on improving their lives.
