Therapy or therapy apps? Therapy is the go-to solution when talking about stress, trauma and any form of mental health. Today it’s largely recognised for the positive impact it can have on our relationships and our self awareness as we go through life. In a disconnected world filled with social media comparison-itis, issues such as depression and anxiety are becoming increasingly common and therapy can be a much-needed release. But it is not always accessible for people. The NHS has an incredibly long waitlist due to underfunding and overwhelm of the system. Paying for private therapy can be a quick solution, but with many therapists charging upwards of £60 for an hour session, this just isn’t affordable for many people, especially in a cost of living crises. Not to mention it can be hard to find the time or resources to attend regular sessions.
Enter the rise of therapy apps – a chance to prioritize our mental health every day, and from the comfort of our own homes. Below I will talk about four therapy apps that I have tried to help you decide which one may be helpful for you.
One app that has been particularly helpful for me is Bloom. Created by mental health professionals, their daily exercises and techniques can help you manage your stress levels and work through your feelings as and when they come up. Bloom helps users deal with anxiety, depression and stress. The app offers daily exercises including a journal and feelings ‘check in’, along with techniques that can help you manage your mental health.
They also have 10minute mini ‘therapy’ sessions, with a catalogue covering topics such as work, stress, motivation, anxiety, sleep and self-love. You can choose topics to customise your feed to issues relevant to you.
Currently you can get Bloom for £59 per year which I would say is well worth it if you use it consistently.
2. Betterhelp
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that offers therapy sessions with licensed therapists via text, audio, and video (you choose which format is your preference). The app offers a variety of plans, including individual therapy, couples therapy, and teen therapy. It also offers unlimited messaging, so you can communicate with your therapist whenever you need to.
I used Betterhelp briefly for about 3 months during a stressful time. It was useful to be able to speak to a therapist at my own convenience and not have to leave the house. However I did not feel a particularly good connection with my therapist who was based in the US, and ultimately ended my subscription. If you need to speak to someone badly then this could make a good last resort but I wouldn’t choose this in place of a good local therapist.
3. Silvercloud
Silvercloud is a mental health platform that provides accessible and personalized mental health support. It offers a range of evidence-based programs that address a variety of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep problems.
Silvercloud’s programs are designed to be interactive and engaging, using techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and positive psychology to help users develop coping skills and improve their mental wellbeing. I believe you can sign up for Silvercloud by contacting your GP, employer, or educational institution that may have a partnership with Silvercloud.
4. Coach.me
Coach.me is an app designed to help people achieve their personal goals and build better habits through coaching, accountability and community support. The app offers a range of coaching services, including one-on-one coaching, group coaching and self-coaching programs.
With coach.me you can identify your goals, create action plans and track your daily progress. You can also connect with a community of people who share similar goals and interests, providing additional support and motivation. Coach.me covers a wide range of areas, from health and fitness to career development and mindfulness, making it a versatile platform for personal growth and development.
The app also provides personalised recommendations based on your habits and behaviours.
Therapy apps can be a great way to take control of your mental health and be your own therapist. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or stress, or just need to sleep better at night, there’s an app out there that can help you. Have you tried any of the apps above or others? What has worked for you?
I encourage you to explore and find the one that works best for you.
