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Month: April 2025

The Role of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in Workplace Mental Health

Posted on by Prath
  • Published on 17 April 2025

Endless deadlines. A near-constant pressure to perform. The fear of falling behind. A virtually non-existent work-life balance. 

If you’re a working-age adult, odds are you’ve experienced at least one, if not all, of the above.  

Yet, despite dedicating themselves to the demands of the corporate world, many employees end up undervalued, underpaid and burnt out. 

Millions of people around the globe struggle with workplace mental health issues, but don’t know where to turn for help.  

However, the good news is that an increasing number of employers are realising the importance of improving employee mental health through workplace mental health programs such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP). 

In this blog, we take a deep look at why mental health at work matters and explore initiatives that help support employee wellness.  

This Article Contains:

Understanding the Need for Workplace Mental Health Programs

In the recent past, awareness about mental health has increased significantly, and the momentum is only on the rise.  

But while we’ve become more vocal and accepting of mental health issues in our personal lives, there’s still one area of life where we vastly overlook them: the workplace. 

Work isn’t just something that puts money in our pockets and food on our plates; it’s so much more. It’s where most of us spend roughly 30-40% of our day – it’s a significant part of our routine, identity and social life. 

Just as an employee’s personal mental health issues can affect work, a toxic workplace can severely impact employee productivity and mental wellness.  

That’s precisely why workplace mental health initiatives are, without a doubt, the need of the hour. They’re essential tools to foster healthier, more sustainable work environments that prioritise employee mental health. 

Below is a quick list of reasons that showcase the increasing need for mental health support in the workplace: 

  • Mental health issues are rising steadily among working-age adults. 
  • Social stigma prevents employees from seeking help on their own. 
  • The line between work and personal life is more blurred than ever. 
  • Workplace mental health issues, when left unaddressed, can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity and higher employee turnover. 

Workplace mental well-being matters

Explore our EAP services today

Factors that Affect Mental Health at Work

Workplace mental health issues don’t always result from major crises.  

More often than not, they build up through everyday challenges that are easy to overlook. 

A stressed employee in a corporate setting showing signs of stress and burnout.

Let’s look at some of the most common factors that cause poor mental health at work: 

  • Excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, and the pressure to work beyond hours can lead to chronic stress and eventual burnout. 
  • Micromanagement and a sense of loss of control over one’s work can cause frustration and decreased motivation. 
  • Fear of layoffs or lack of career progress may take a toll on employees’ emotional stability, sense of safety and self-worth. 
  • Unchecked bullying, favouritism or discrimination can lead to a toxic workplace. 
  • Lack of empathy, support or recognition from managers and those at the top can leave employees feeling isolated and undervalued. 
  • Absence of work-life balance and blurry work timings, especially in hybrid or remote settings, may lead to emotional exhaustion and disrupted routines. 
  • Lack of transparency, unclear expectations and inconsistent feedback can contribute to confusion, stress and disengagement. 

A Quick Guide to TYHO’s EAP Services

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are employer-sponsored services that aim to support employees’ mental, emotional and psychological well-being. These programs offer confidential, safe and accessible support for a range of mental health issues, be it personal or work-related. 

EAPs and other proactive mental health initiatives help foster trust, belonging and psychological safety at work. 

1) What Do EAPs Include?

EAPs typically provide various tools and services, such as mental health assessments, one-on-one counselling, support groups, workshops, etc. 

At Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO), we help organisations improve employee mental health through the following EAP services: 

a) Talk therapy

Structured one-on-one sessions with professional counsellors. Talk therapy provides employees with a safe space to process mental health challenges, such as burnout, anxiety or personal issues. 

b) Empathy circles

Small group discussions facilitated by a trained therapist. Empathy circles encourage open dialogue and foster trust, connection and a sense of community. 

A support group of five people, engaged in a therapist-led discussion.

c) Wellness seminars

Interactive learning sessions covering topics like stress management, conflict management, impostor syndrome, boundary setting, etc. These seminars equip employees with practical tools to use in their everyday work life. 

d) Onsite support

In-person mental health support at the workplace, including therapy sessions and crisis management sessions. On-site initiatives help provide much-needed support during high-stress periods and after major changes or workplace crises. 

e) Workshops

Skill-building sessions focusing on topics like psychological first-aid, effective communication, and managing setbacks. Spread over two days, these workshops include role-playing exercises and other interactive activities. 

2) Key Features of TYHO’s EAP Services

If you’re an organisation or employer looking to improve your employee’s mental well-being, you’ve come to the right place! 

Here’s a quick but comprehensive look at the core features of our EAP services: 

a) Pay-as-you-use-services

At TYHO, we make it a point to have no lock-in contracts or administrative overhead fees for our EAP services. All you have to pay for is what you use – whether that’s a set of therapy sessions, a wellness seminar or onsite support. 

b) Online services across the globe

Online mental health services are one of the most accessible forms of support you can provide your employees, especially those working remotely. 

c) In-person sessions in Singapore & Malaysia

If you’re an employer based in Singapore or Malaysia, your employees can access same-day in-person therapy sessions at TYHO Therapy Rooms. 

d) Real-time employee insights dashboard

Access anonymised data on service usage, common challenges, and demographics. You can also download custom reports for internal discussions or management reviews. 

e) Carefully curated pool of therapists

At TYHO, we connect you with 100+ professional Therapists who speak multiple regional languages and offer diverse mental health services. We help ensure your employees get personalised mental health support at the workplace. 

f) Single point of contact for dedicated support

We make the EAP process as easy and accessible as possible for you! With a dedicated SPOC, your HR team doesn’t have to go through multiple channels to manage EAP. Experience quick query resolution and same-day support through WhatsApp and Email. 

Looking to support your employees’ mental health?

Book a Demo

Workplace Mental Health Initiatives Beyond EAP

While EAPs play a central role in improving employee mental health, they work best when paired with other ongoing initiatives that foster mental wellness and psychological safety as integral parts of your company culture. 
 
If EAPs are the foundation, then aspects like empathetic leadership and day-to-day work environment are the bricks that shape the monument of long-term mental wellness. 

Below are a few initiatives and activities that can help ensure workplace mental well-being in addition to EAPs: 

  • Mental health training & psychological first-aid training for managers 
  • Flexible work policies including hybrid/remote work modes, flexible hours, etc 
  • Dedicated mental health days 
  • Accessible and transparent grievance redressal mechanisms 
  • Peer support initiatives and support groups 
  • Regular mental wellness check-ins with managers 
  • Mandatory breaks throughout the day 

Benefits of Mental Health Programs for Employees and Employers

A common misconception is that EAPs and other mental health initiatives don’t have an effect proportionate to the investment.  
 
In reality, that statement couldn’t be further from the truth. 

When an organisation genuinely prioritises employee mental well-being, the results are not just significant; they are long-standing.  

Prioritising workplace mental health creates a ripple effect across the organisation, ranging from personal benefits to employees to an overall increase in employee morale and productivity. 

The following section takes you through some common benefits of mental health programs for employees as well as employers.

1) How Workplace Mental Health Programs Benefit Employees

  • Improved employee morale & emotional resilience 
  • Higher job satisfaction 
  • Better work-life balance 
  • Reduced instances of burnout 
  • Enhanced sense of belonging & workplace bonding 
  • Access to mental health tools & resources 
  • Positive & healthy work culture 
A team of corporate employees sharing a moment of bonding and connection.

2) How Workplace Mental Health Programs Benefit Employers

  • Increase in employee productivity & morale 
  • Lower absenteeism 
  • Better employee retention 
  • Improved team dynamics & better collaboration 
  • Increase in employee engagement 
  • Strong sense of trust & safety at work 

Conclusion

Mental wellness in the workplace is the cornerstone of a thriving organisation.  

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) are one of the most widely used means of corporate mental health support.  

EAPs and other workplace mental health programs provide a wide range of benefits to both employees and employers. 

However, it’s important to remember that workplace mental health initiatives benefit the organisation as a whole. The company shows that it cares, and in turn, the employees give back through increased productivity and loyalty. 

In today’s corporate world of rushing to meetings and chasing deadlines, employee mental health is more relevant than ever.  

If you’re an employer searching for the right EAP for your workers, book a demo with TYHO today! 

How Long is Counselling? Long-Term Vs. Short-Term Counselling

Posted on by Prath
  • Published on 17 April 2025

Counselling is a journey towards better mental health and emotional growth.  

Just as no two people can be the same, no two counselling journeys can follow the same path. 

This is why there’s no single answer to the question, ‘How long is counselling?’ 

Some people may achieve progress as early as a few months, while others may need long-term support to work through deep issues or concerns. 

Having said that, the exact duration that’ll work for you may depend on several factors, such as:  

  • Your goals for counselling 
  • The challenges or concerns you’re looking to address 
  • The type of counselling you choose 
  • The frequency of your counselling sessions 

During your first session, your counsellor will help lay out a therapeutic plan that’s tailored to your needs. 

Read on to explore common factors that influence counselling duration and different types of counselling based on duration, ie short-term and long-term counselling. 

This Article Contains:

Is there a Timeline for Counselling?

The short answer? No, there isn’t a fixed one-size-fits-all timeline for counselling in Australia. 

The duration of counselling varies from person to person and may depend on a range of factors, including but not limited to: 

  • The nature and severity of concerns 
  • The frequency of counselling sessions 
  • The type of counselling, eg cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy etc 
  • Your personal goals and expected outcomes 
  • Finding the right counsellor 

It’s essential to keep in mind that counselling is not about rushing to a finish line – it’s about making meaningful progress at a pace that feels right to you. 

2 Types of Counselling Based on Duration

1) Short Term Counselling

Short-term counselling typically ranges from 5-20 sessions and is ideal for those looking to address specific issues such as life changes and workplace challenges. 

It follows a pre-structured and solution-oriented approach, providing clients with immediate strategies and actionable solutions. 

Below are some commonly practised types of short-term counselling: 

Over 50% of people see significant progress within 15-20 sessions.

Find a therapist today!

a) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured, evidence-based type of counselling that helps identify, challenge and reframe negative thought patterns.  

It’s a highly practical and action-oriented approach that equips you with real-life skills that can be applied in everyday life. 

Counsellors may generally use CBT for concerns such as anxiety, mild depression, phobias, stress management and self-esteem issues. 

A blurry top view of a crowded train.

Here’s how it works

Sia, a 27-year-old teacher, starts experiencing panic attacks when travelling in crowded trains and buses. She thus begins avoiding public transport, which makes her daily life difficult.  

Sia decides to see a counsellor in Australia. After 12 sessions of CBT, she is able to: 

  • Understand her triggers: Sia learns that her panic attacks were triggered by an underlying fear of losing control in a confined space. 
  • Practise cognitive restructuring: Sia identifies automatic negative thoughts and restructures them. Eg ‘I’m going to pass out and embarrass myself’ → ‘I’m experiencing a panic attack, and this will pass very soon’. 
  • Engage in gradual exposure: Over the course of counselling, Sia starts gradually taking short trips on less crowded trains during lean hours, accompanied by a friend. 
  • Learn coping skills: Sia learns several CBT-based tools and grounding techniques to ride out panic attacks, such as the  5-4-3-2-1 Technique, box breathing and reality checks. 

b) Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

SFBT is a goal-oriented, future-focused type of counselling that centres around solutions rather than focusing on the problem. It helps clients identify their strengths and develop practical strategies to achieve progress. 

SFBT is best for those going through transitions in life, facing short-term stressors, or struggling with decision-making. 

Here’s how it works

Krish is a 45-year-old techie who feels stuck in their career and is considering a career shift. However, they feel conflicted and anxious about making a shift so late in their career.  

Krish decides to start online counselling in Australia. After six sessions of SBFT, Krish is able to: 

  • Gain clarity about their goals: With their counsellor’s guidance, Krish defines their career goals clearly. They find that job satisfaction and fulfilment are more important to them than the paycheck.  
  • Reflect on past successes: Instead of focusing on the negatives that a career change could bring up, Krish learns to reflect on past instances where they successfully navigated change. 
  • Learn coping skills & techniques: SBFT teaches Krish various tools and techniques, such as the miracle question technique – ‘If you wake up tomorrow in your ideal career path, what would be different?’ 
  • Develop an action plan: By the end of session six, Krish has an action plan in place – network in their desired field, upskill through courses, set a timeline, and shortlist jobs. 

c) Crisis Intervention Therapy

The American Psychological Association defines crisis as follows: 

‘A situation (e.g., a traumatic change) that produces significant cognitive or emotional stress in those involved in it.’ 

Crisis intervention therapy is a type of short-term counselling that aims to provide immediate emotional support and coping strategies for anyone experiencing acute psychological distress. It helps restore stability and helps regain a sense of control during or after a crisis. 

Crisis counselling is generally prescribed for those facing sudden hardships such as grief, trauma, job loss, divorce, etc. 

Here’s how it works

Mike is a 19-year-old college student who lost his pet dog unexpectedly. He’s overwhelmed with grief, unable to focus at college and struggling with disturbed sleep. 

Mike decides to reach out for help and engage in counselling. Through 10 sessions with a crisis intervention counsellor in Australia, Mike is able to: 

  • Access immediate emotional support: Mike’s counsellor provides him with a safe space to express any feelings and emotions without judgment. 
  • Understand & make space for grief: Counselling helps Mike hold space for his grief and experience all emotions as they come, be it sadness, anger, anxiety, apathy or guilt. Mike understands that the first step is acknowledging that feeling these emotions is okay. 
  • Develop coping mechanisms: Mike learns to take it one day at a time, breaking down his tasks into manageable steps and practising guided breathing exercises, grounding techniques and self-care. 
  • Build a support system: Mike’s counsellor encourages him to lean on his family, friends and support groups during this challenging period. 

2) Long Term Counselling

Long-term counselling is spread across several months or years. It involves more profound psychological work and ongoing emotional support, helping people work on persistent patterns, unresolved trauma and long-standing mental health challenges. 

Long-term counselling is ideal for self-exploration, personal growth and addressing chronic mental health conditions. 

Some common types of long-term counselling are discussed below: 

a) Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy is a type of counselling that explores how unconscious thought processes, early childhood experiences, and past relationships may affect present behaviours. 

A psychodynamic counsellor in Australia can help you improve self-awareness and unearth hidden emotional patterns that could drive current life struggles. 
 
Psychodynamic therapy may be the right fit for you if you’re facing self-esteem challenges, recurrent relationship struggles, unresolved childhood trauma, etc. 

A young couple ignoring each other after a fight.

Here’s how it works

Katrina, a 32-year-old writer, struggles with recurrent issues in her romantic relationships. She often feels abandoned by her partners and deals with self-worth issues. 
 
Katrina reaches out to a psychodynamic counsellor in Australia. After a year of psychodynamic counselling, she is able to: 

  • Explore childhood attachment issues: Katrina discovers that her attachment issues with childhood caregivers have shaped her expectations in relationships as an adult. 
  • Understand her defence mechanisms: Katrina’s counsellor helps her realise how she subconsciously uses defence mechanisms like avoidance to protect herself from potential hurt. 
  • Identify recurring emotional patterns: She understands that she has a fear of abandonment, and this has led her to over-accommodate or push people away. 
  • Improve her self-esteem: Through psychodynamic counselling, Katrina processes past wounds and issues and is able to improve her self-esteem and self-confidence. 
  • Learn to set better emotional boundaries: Katrina learns to communicate her needs clearly and establish healthy boundaries in her relationships. 

b) Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

DBT is an evidence-based form of counselling that blends core tenets of CBT with mindfulness and acceptance-based practices.  

It aims to equip people with practical skills to manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships and build emotional resilience. 

DBT may be ideal for issues such as emotional dysregulation, borderline personality disorder (BPD), chronic self-harm behaviours, suicidal ideation, and intense interpersonal conflict. 

Here’s how it works

Jo is a 35-year-old who runs a small business in Australia. For the past few months, they have been experiencing sudden emotional outbursts, impulsiveness and mood swings. 

Jo decides to engage in counselling to help manage their emotions better. After a year of DBT, Jo is able to: 

  • Validate feelings & emotions: Jo learns to acknowledge and accept that their emotions, no matter how intense, are valid. 
  • Nurture self-compassion: Instead of judging their emotions or pushing them away, Jo begins to explore where they are coming from and respond with compassion. 
  • Practise emotional regulation skills: Jo’s counsellor helps them identify emotional patterns, track triggers, and use practical skills to manage their emotions.  
  • Apply mindfulness & grounding techniques: DBT equips Jo with mindfulness and grounding techniques that help them move away from reactive spiralling and towards staying present and aware. 
  • Use distress tolerance tools: During moments of emotional overwhelm, Jo learns to use DBT strategies like TIPP (Temperature change, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, and Progressive muscle relaxation). 

c) Humanistic Therapy or Person-Centered Therapy

As the name suggests, humanistic therapy, also known as person-centred therapy, places the client at the centre of the counselling process.  

It’s a very flexible type of counselling where the counsellor lets clients traverse their mental health journey at their own pace. 

Humanistic counselling is grounded in the belief that all humans have the potential for self-growth and healing. A person-centred counsellor prioritises empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuine therapist-client relationships. 

Humanistic counselling is best suited for you if your goals are any of the following: 

  • Identity exploration 
  • Holistic personal-growth 
  • Self-esteem & self-worth issues 
  • Existential concerns 

Here’s how it works

Neo is a 15-year-old high-schooler dealing with internalised homophobia and self-esteem issues. He feels isolated and misunderstood, and often criticises himself for not fitting in with society’s expectations of a high school boy. 
 
Neo chooses to see a humanistic counsellor in Australia. After 5 months of counselling, he is able to: 

  • Foster self-acceptance: Neo’s counsellor provides him with a safe, empathetic and non-judgmental space where he begins to slowly accept his authentic identity without shame. 
  • Reflect on his feelings & emotions: Instead of suppressing or ignoring his emotions, Neo learns to express, acknowledge and understand them freely. 
  • Improve his self-worth: With his counsellor’s support, Neo challenges his internalised beliefs and cultivates self-love and acceptance of his authentic self. 
  • Be his authentic self in public: Neo starts to express himself more openly, both at school and with his family, becoming more confident in his identity.  

Conclusion

Counselling can be broadly grouped into two categories on the basis of duration: short-term and long-term counselling. 

However, remember that there’s no ideal duration that works for everyone.  

The length of counselling depends on a multitude of factors such as your concerns, goals, frequency of sessions, type of counselling, etc. 

If you’re unsure about how long you should stay in counselling, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

1) The choice is always yours: You and your counsellor in Australia can decide the duration of counselling based on your goals and the outcomes you wish to see. 

2) Progress matters more than duration: Counselling is a long-term investment in your mental health. It equips you with practical tools and can significantly improve your quality of life. 

3) You can always revisit your plan: Your needs may change over the course of counselling, and that’s completely normal. You can always revisit and adjust the frequency or duration of your sessions with your counsellor at any stage. 

Given that you’ve already taken the bold first step to seek counselling, figuring out the right duration is just one part of your mental health journey – and you don’t have to do it alone! 

Schedule your first session with a TYHO (Talk Your Heart Out) Counsellor today to take the next step towards better mental health. 

A Beginner’s Guide to Building Trust with Your Online Therapist

Posted on by Prath
  • Published on 8 April 2025

Research shows that the stronger the bond between a client and therapist, the more successful the outcomes of therapy will be.  

You may now ask, ‘So, how do I ensure a strong bond with my online therapist?’ 

The answer to that question lies in trust! 

Trust lays the foundation for any successful relationship, and therapeutic relationships are no exception. 

“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” 

– Stephen R. Covey 

Interested in learning how to foster a trusting relationship with your online therapist in Australia? You’ve come to the right place! 

This blog explores every aspect of trust in therapy, starting from what it is and why it matters to how you can build it and when it begins to take shape. 

This Article Contains:

The What: What is Trust?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines trust as follows: 

‘An assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.’ 

In the context of therapy, trust can mean a strong belief in your therapist’s: 

  • Professional expertise to help achieve your therapy goals 
  • Commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice, ensuring a safe space 
  • Approaches, strategies and tools 
  • Ability to provide unbiased, non-judgemental support 

The Why Part 1: Why Trusting Your Therapist May Feel Difficult

A person getting ready for their first session with an online therapist.

Imagine this:  

You’re getting ready for your first session with an online therapist – setting up a makeshift therapy table, checking your WiFi connection, filling up a bottle of water and making a cup of steaming hot tea for company. 

You’re excited to finally begin therapy! But, as your tea steeps, you find yourself wondering, ‘Will I be able to trust my therapist?’ 

Feeling apprehensive about trusting your online therapist in Australia is completely normal. 

You may feel so for a myriad of reasons, including but not limited to the following: 

  • Your therapist is a stranger at first 
  • Therapy requires you to be vulnerable 
  • You’re starting therapy for the first time 
  • You’ve had negative experiences with trust in the past (this can be with past therapists or relationships in general) 

The Why Part 2: Why Trust is Vital in Online Therapy

As we saw earlier, trust is the cornerstone of an effective and successful therapeutic relationship. Without trust, therapy becomes an incomplete jigsaw puzzle – missing a key piece that holds the power to achieve meaningful outcomes. 

Trust allows you to open up to your online therapist, discuss any aspect of your life, and achieve steady progress together. 

Here are a few reasons why trust is an integral part of therapy: 

a) Creates a Safe Space

You may have heard the phrase ‘therapy is a safe space’ numerous times.  

What makes therapy a safe space is a balance of your therapist’s professionalism, training, and ethics, as well as the trust you place in them. 

b) Encourages Honest & Open Communication

It’s when you trust someone that you can speak openly and honestly with them.  

Being honest with your online therapist is necessary to see the most effective results. 

c) Allows You to Be Vulnerable

Open communication, honesty and vulnerability go hand in hand.  

In therapy, being vulnerable – such as sharing sensitive, personal or emotional aspects of your life – is often essential for progress. 

Trust is a general human prerequisite that allows you to be vulnerable with someone. 

d) Strengthens the Therapeutic Relationship

Trust can significantly improve the strength of any relationship.  

A strong bond with your online therapist can, in turn, lead to better therapeutic outcomes! 

The How: How to Build Trust with Your Online Therapist

You now understand what trust means in the context of therapy and why trusting your online therapist is crucial for progress in your mental health journey.  

But, even though you understand its importance and want to trust your therapist, you may find yourself struggling to achieve it.  

Feeling this way is absolutely understandable since trust is a complex emotion that takes time to build. 

However, the following sections discuss practical tips to help you ensure a trusting relationship with your online therapist in Australia. 

1) Research Your Online Therapist Beforehand

Trust starts with familiarity and knowing a person. 

But you may wonder, ‘How do I get to know someone before actually meeting them?’ 

When it comes to online therapy, researching your online therapist beforehand can help you develop a sense of comfort and even build trust before you step into your first session. 

Here are some ways you can do that with Therapists at Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO): 

a) Explore the therapist’s profile

Read through their bio, check their qualifications, explore the types of therapy they practise, and understand their therapeutic approach. These are some of the most crucial things you need to know about your therapist. 

b) Watch their introductory video

Seeing and hearing an online therapist talk on screen can help you get a sense of their personality and how they will interact.  

You can then go into your first session with an idea of what to expect, making the prospect of trusting your therapist less daunting. 

c) Read client reviews and testimonials

Learning how other clients feel about the therapists you’ve shortlisted can offer reassurance and help build trust in them. 

d) Start with one session

A single session can be an easy avenue to get to know your online therapist before committing to full-fledged therapy sessions with them.  

Your first session can be the stage to: 

  • Ask questions about your therapist and their approach to therapy 
  • Understand what a session with your therapist would typically look like 
  • Discuss any concerns you may have (including apprehensions about trust) 
  • Explore how you feel talking to them and note your gut feeling: do you feel comfortable, safe and positive? 

2) Ensure Open & Honest Communication

Trust in a therapeutic relationship grows through open, honest, vulnerable and judgement-free conversations.  

However, opening up to a new therapist may not be the easiest thing to do, especially during initial therapy sessions.  

This is where the interplay of trust and honesty comes in. 

While trust is key for honest communication, honesty is also a vital aspect of what goes into building that trust in the first place.  

Acknowledging your apprehensions and being honest with your online therapist can help you establish trust more quickly. 

Below are some tips to help you ease into opening up to your therapist in Australia: 

a) Go at your own pace

Start small! You don’t have to share every single detail about your life in the first few sessions.  

Take your time to open up over the course of multiple sessions. 

Try this: If you’re feeling apprehensive, start by discussing neutral topics or areas of your life that feel easy to share. 

You can gradually move to more sensitive topics as you become more comfortable. 

b) Make sure honesty extends to your concerns

Honesty in the context of therapy doesn’t just mean sharing personal issues; it extends to any concerns you may feel.  

Let your online therapist know about your fears and apprehensions. If you’re finding it hard to trust them, make sure to be open about that as well. 

c) Be vocal if something doesn’t feel right

In addition to pre-existing concerns, if you feel hesitant or unsure about something, such as a strategy, approach or certain questions, remember to be vocal about it. 

A good online therapist will tailor sessions to your comfort and create a safe space that accommodates your concerns. 

d) Don’t hesitate to ask questions

A majority of your therapy sessions may involve your online therapist asking questions and you providing answers.  

However, it’s important to remember that you’re always free to pose questions to your therapist. 

Want to know why your therapist is using a particular technique? Ask away! 

Questions lead to better understanding, which in turn fosters open communication and trust. 

e) Be honest about your progress

Let your therapist know if you feel an approach or strategy isn’t leading you to the progress you wish to see. 

Sharing your honest thoughts with your online therapist can help them adjust their approach and suggest alternative strategies to better suit your goals. 

3) Evaluate Your Therapist’s Actions

Trust is a two-way street. Your therapist’s actions play a crucial role in creating a trusting therapeutic relationship.  

Paying attention to the green flags from your therapist’s actions can increase trust, while noting any potential red flags can help you decide whether they’re the right fit. 

Below are some easy ways to evaluate your therapist’s actions: 

a) Pay attention to how they respond

A good therapist makes you feel heard, respected and safe, even when discussing sensitive or complex topics. 

Ask yourself: 

  • Do they listen actively without interrupting you? 
  • Do they validate your feelings and emotions (and not dismiss them)? 
  • Are they non-judgmental? 
  • Are they patient and empathetic? 
  • Do they offer reassurance about your apprehensions and concerns? 

b) Observe their professional boundaries

A professional therapist will ensure that the focus remains on you, the client, and always keep your concerns and boundaries in mind. They will never try to push you into discussions you don’t want to face yet. 

Ask yourself: 

  • Do they maintain confidentiality? 
  • Are they respectful of your personal space? 
  • Do they double-check when broaching sensitive topics? 
  • Do they avoid sharing much about their personal life? 

c) Check for consistency in approach

Trust is built over time through consistency. An online therapist who is punctual and consistent in their approach translates to someone reliable and trustworthy. 

Ask yourself: 

  • Are they punctual for therapy sessions? 
  • Do they reschedule sessions often? 
  • Do they follow through on commitments? Eg sharing a podcast or guide 
  • Do they ensure consistency in approach and strategies? 

d) Note whether they encourage autonomy

A therapist’s role is to guide and support you in your mental health journey – not to take control and steer the course of it. You should feel empowered and encouraged to spearhead your healing journey. 

Ask yourself: 

  • Do they empower/guide you to your own decisions (as opposed to offering advice or solutions)? 
  • Do they let you steer the pace of therapy? 

e) Reflect on how you feel after sessions

Taking some time after sessions to reflect can help you understand how you feel about your therapist and where your therapeutic relationship is currently at. 

Ask yourself: 

  • Do you leave sessions in a better mental space than when you entered them? 
  • Do you leave sessions with a clearer perspective or a lighter heart? 
  • Do you feel safe expressing your feelings and sharing your thoughts? 

The When: When Will You Start Trusting Your Online Therapist

It’s important to remember that trust is developed over time, not established overnight.  

While some may start trusting and feeling connected to their online therapist within the first few sessions, it may take a few weeks or months for others. 

There’s no set timeline on when you should start trusting your therapist in Australia. What matters is that you go in with an open mind, put in the effort, and give it time. 

If you feel like an online therapist may not be the right fit even after a few sessions, you can always discuss this concern with them or switch to a different therapist. 

Conclusion

Building trust with your online therapist in Australia takes time, patience and effort.  

If you’re feeling unsure about trusting your therapist, remember – trust isn’t built by rushing into the unknown; it’s fostered through small and intentional steps. 

At TYHO, we work with a team of vetted Therapists in Australia who are here to help you navigate this journey towards mutual trust and mental wellness.  

Explore online Therapists in Australia today!