3 Ways an Online Therapist Can Help You Manage Anxiety
Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by Prath
Reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
- Published on 20 February 2025
Talking to an online therapist might be an option for you if you have a perpetual fear of everyone and everything.
Do you feel judged by other people, even when they’re not paying attention to you? Or do you find yourself more concerned about the future, living each day with dread and panic?
Although anxiety is normal, it can vex you if the intensity exceeds the reality of the actual danger. With this overwhelming fear, you may become hypersensitive to daily stress and find it difficult to function healthily.
People with anxiety disorders may especially benefit from online therapy, as they can confront their issues in an environment where they feel most at ease.
Thankfully, talking to an online therapist is just as effective as talking to them in-person.
This article discusses the 3 key ways an online therapist can help you manage anxiety.
This Article Contains:
Why Talk to an Online Therapist When You Have Anxiety?
You might love the idea of opening up from your bed full of comfort blankets and cushions. But maybe your friend prefers meeting a therapist face-to-face.
There is never a right or wrong way to approach therapy. Every person may have different needs and preferences. What’s important is that you can understand what works best for you and invest in the right resources for your mental well-being.
Online therapy in Australia may be a good fit for you if you:
- Have mild to moderate issues such as anxiety or mood swings
- Are comfortable using technology
- Struggle to step out of the house due to several reasons such as generalised anxiety disorder, busy schedule, or family commitments
- Prefer saving travel time and the affordability option of online therapy
In the section below, let’s explore the 3 core reasons to talk to an online therapist if you have anxiety.
1) You Don’t Have to Leave Your Space
If you are an anxious person, you may feel nervous meeting a ‘stranger’ for the first time.
Although mental health therapists are professionals, unless we get to know them during sessions, they may remain strangers to us.
Many people may also struggle to make phone calls to book sessions. The idea of entering a new place can also cause jitters.
Talking to an online therapist can help you overcome this initial apprehension. You do not have to leave your comfort zone!
Using the ABCDE Mode to Overcome Call Anxiety
Call anxiety is the fear of making or attending phone calls. Although online therapy may be better for people with anxiety issues, attending a call can be just as overwhelming.
However, the good news is that there are several coping techniques you can use to overcome call anxiety. One such tool is the ABCDE Model.
The model is a reflective framework that helps you swap irrational beliefs with rational ones. Try to fill in the sections with your own worries.
A (Adversity) – I can’t talk to a therapist online.
B (Irrational belief) – I’m not capable. I can’t do anything right.
C (Consequence) – I give up on seeking mental health support.
D (Dispute the irrationality) – I have successfully made phone calls before. I deserve high-quality support, and therapists are mental health professionals who are understanding of my problems.
E (Effect of the rational belief) – I attend my first therapy session and work with my online therapist to talk about my anxiety. I will learn important therapeutic skills that will reduce my anxiety symptoms significantly.
2) You Can Communicate in a Way That Feels Comfortable
It’s important to take baby steps if you struggle with anxiety. These steps are:
- Learning to speak louder
- Making eye contact with the mental health therapist
- Switching on the video for a better therapy experience
- Opening up honestly and sharing your feelings in as much depth as possible
To work on the steps above, you should begin from a place that feels most comfortable to you. The best way to proceed is to talk to an online therapist.
For example, do you have anxiety about switching on the camera? Opt for an audio therapy service.
Do you feel nervous about remembering all the information you have to share with the therapist? Use the Journal & Notes feature on your TYHO Dashboard to jot down your thoughts well in advance. You don’t even need to talk about these out loud. Share your notes with your online therapist via the platform, and the professional will guide you further.
Do you struggle to maintain eye contact? You can look at the corner of your screen or keyboard instead.
There are many ways to make the therapy experience comfortable and safe. Talk to your therapist about your needs and worries.
Ultimately, as a client, you get to control the environment of online therapy.
3) You Can Get Support Sooner
It is common for people with anxiety to procrastinate or put off seeking support.
Booking in-person sessions can be even harder as the number of decisions you may have to make (eg which place? What dress? What transport?) can increase your symptoms.
Talking to an online therapist works differently.
You can attend the session from your room, library, or a private space at work. If you’re worried about the outfit, you can choose a simple black/white t-shirt for the video call. If you’re scared of being vulnerable, you can choose to turn off your camera at any point or stay closer to any object or environment that gives you comfort.
The most important decision you will make is choosing an online therapist. Everything else will follow effortlessly.
Making Online Therapy Work for You
Overcoming anxiety takes time, consistency, and intentional effort. However, with the right support, change is possible.
The important thing is to pick the right therapy services, proactively work with your online therapists, and implement your learning in real life.
In addition to professional support, there are some things you can do concurrently.
1) Learn about anxiety
Psychoeducation not only helps you understand yourself better, but you can also learn self-care strategies to overcome milder symptoms.
At TYHO, we offer several resources on managing anxiety that can help you get started.
2) Talk to loved ones
It’s hard to go through any life experience alone. Just as we may feel the urge to share our happiness with others, talking about the downs and issues can also relieve us of stress.
Hearing about other people’s experiences can sometimes strengthen our purpose and intention to change our lives.
“Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half sorrow.”
3) Improve your lifestyle
Although sleeping better or exercising are not the ultimate solutions to any mental distress, these small changes can complement your work in therapy and lead to a much healthier body and mind.
Conclusion
Anxiety does not define you. You are made up of many different experiences, wonders, and love. Through talking to online therapists in Australia, you can manage your anxiety symptoms and find joy and peace within you.
TYHO Therapists are well-qualified to help with mood swings, anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, and so on. We can also help you find the right mental health professional.
Remember that you can start your therapeutic journey from a place of comfort and safety. You have the control to mould your therapy experience in a way that best suits your needs. You are not alone.
