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Caregivers know that caring for the elderly is often a job akin to parenting small children. For many caregivers, their days are filled with personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and exercise) along with food preparation (grocery shopping, meal prepping, housekeeping, laundry, and more. Most caregivers are responsible for the health and wellbeing of elderly patients as well, which can include overseeing medications and prescription pickup, doctors appointment reminders and travel, and the administration of medications. In some ways, caregiver jobs are more emotionally and practically demanding than parenting can be (your elderly patients are not going to school, sports, or playdates!), with very little breaks for self-care.
The stress and strain of busy caregiver responsibilities can exacerbate mental health issues and leave you feeling run down, ragged and worn thin. It’s easy to put your own mental health on the backburner for the sake of accomplishing everything you have to do every day as a caregiver, but your stability is important, for both you and your patients.
Online group therapy is a powerfully effective tool that offers a group dynamic in a virtual classroom, led by a licensed mental health provider. Most online therapy groups will meet every week at a set time for about an hour, and group members will attend together as they learn better skills and strategies for improving their health and wellbeing in everyday life. Video chat is the preferred method of attendance for online groups, although you’re not required to appear on camera. Some online groups utilize a chat room feature or a phone-in option as well, but no matter what, your privacy is protected at all costs. You’ll usually be in a group with individuals struggling with the same issues or mental health conditions as you, and the goal is to keep the same members in your group week to week so you can develop a sense of community and support each other on your journeys.
Many types of mental health conditions and issues are treated through online group therapy, including but not limited to:
Your group will be led by a licensed provider such as a clinical social worker, therapist, counselor, or psychologist. Depending on the therapist and the goal for treatment, they may use tools such as CBT, psychotherapy, DBT, or other evidence-based treatment methods designed for a professional counseling plan.
While the last thing on your mind is likely therapy for yourself, adding in online group therapy sessions is easy, flexible, cost-effective, and can significantly improve your quality of life. There are many benefits of online therapy for caregivers, but here are just a few.
Accountability & Support
The busy life of a caregiver combined with the associated stress, anxiety, and fatigue can leave anyone feeling run down and isolated. Online group therapy can bring a sense of community and understanding that will help you find peace, fulfillment and better mental health in the midst of your everyday life. Your peers in therapy can help hold you accountable for attending your sessions, doing any journaling or skills application outside of therapy, and being kind to yourself.
Affordable & Efficient
While most one on one therapy costs upward of $100-$200 per session, group therapy is much more affordable because it allows the therapist to charge each group member a lower per session cost since they are seeing multiple members simultaneously. The overall cost of online group therapy is also lower because of the reduction in costs associated with office rental, etc. and offers patients a solution that minimizes travel expenses and time strain. Your insurance company may even cover your online group therapy sessions!
Safe & Confidential
Online group therapy is always facilitated by a mental health professional that is licensed to practice, and every member is required to sign a confidentiality agreement in order to participate. Therapy sessions take place over HIPPA-compliant platforms, and members are never asked to reveal their names or locations.
Convenient/Mobile
Online group therapy is a mobile/remote solution for those seeking to improve their mental health & wellbeing, which is particularly critical for caregivers. You can attend your sessions from a phone or computer, in your car or office or your patients home in a quiet room, or in the comfort of your own home at your convenience. In fact, studies show that participating in online group therapy in places that are safe and familiar to you can increase your level of comfort with opening up to your peers and therapist. Having a virtual solution decreases your chance of missing sessions due to a sick patient, busy schedule, travel plans, and schedule changes.
Clinically Proven
Research continues to show that online therapy is just as effective as in-person treatment for anyone struggling with the mild to moderate symptoms of most mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD and more. If you can make time to vent to family and friends, you can definitely make time to open up to your therapist and peers in online group therapy! Every session can improve your coping skills, increase your ability to strategically approach emotional distress and other hurdles, and improve your relationships with others at work and at home.
As a busy caregiver it can be difficult to make time for yourself, but the good news is that getting started with online group therapy has never been easier! Click below to be matched with a group today.
Remember that making time for mental wellness is important, especially amidst the hustle and bustle of your life as a caregiver. There is no better time than the present to get started!
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