Why? Here are four answers.

1.     One Word: COVID.

COVID has generated an unprecedented pressure cooker for the last 18 months or so. Remember earlier mandates to “shelter in place” and “self-quarantine”? The resulting isolation has weakened mental health; experts are now linking COVID to a spike in suicide.[1] 

What began with COVID-19 has now morphed into variants and various vaccination mandates, which burden us with additional pressures. Let’s list other pain as well: the heartbreaking death of loved ones and the end of life as we knew it—like the inability to breathe without wearing a pesky mask in public spaces. (At least, that’s the regulation in Los Angeles county, where my office is).

Then there’s the matter of employment. The pandemic has terminated jobs and businesses, causing panic and anxiety. But that doesn’t mean the employed are exempted from stress. Workers are required to juggle the workload meant for two or more employees, severely jeopardizing their mental health. 

COVID and its related stressors make it understandable to consult a therapist. 

2.     Shame is Passé

Just ask two of sports’ most famous names, tennis player Naomi Osaka and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. This year they openly shared their struggle vis-à-vis depression with the world.[2] Further, Ms. Biles courageously decided to skip some of her Olympic routines, all in the service of caring for her mental health. She’s also forthright about seeing a therapist for help.[3] 

God designed us tripartite—consisting of three parts. Indeed, we’re at once spirit, soul, and body. As such, if it’s okay to care for our spiritual need (say, by attending church), and if it’s also okay to consult with a doctor (or a dentist) for the sake of our body, why is it shameful to visit a psychologist (or therapist)? 

If there’s ever a good reason to follow trendsetters, prioritizing mental health is it. 

3.     Teletherapy? Terrific.  

The mandatory lockdowns we slogged through in 2020 promoted #wfh—working from home—which, in turn, prompted the need for telehealth. In my practice, for instance, there has been a whopping 70% increase of teletherapy clients compared to pre-pandemic.

Yes, meeting in person offers unparalleled perks compared to teletherapy. As a client, you’ll benefit from your therapist’s full breadth of non-verbal responses. You get to appreciate the beauty of his or her office décor. There’s also the plus of hopping into your car for the chance to exit your house. 

Still, meeting online eases the process considerably. Seeing a professional on a HIPAA-compliant online platform will save you time. Doing teletherapy also eliminates any worry that anyone might spot you walking into a therapist’s office.  

4.     Podcasts & YouTube. 

Would you like a taste of therapy before committing to a therapist? No problem. There are currently over two million podcasts covering a host of topics, from what’s cerebral to jovial to, I’m sure, extra-terrestrial. (I’m imagining a couple of goofy guys discussing whether aliens can catch the virus.)

Some podcasts, done by bona fide therapists, are dedicated solely for mental health. The way they are in the podcast is the way they’ll be in the therapy hour.

Listening to these shows will also expose you to the different theories these therapists use.[4] That way, even if those particular therapists can’t see you, but you find a particular theory intriguing, you can find other therapists who also practice that same theory.

Finally, you may also want to listen to New Life Live. They regularly take listeners’ phone calls while also offering you a convenient way to locate faith-based therapists.[5]

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[1] https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ludhiana/covid-led-to-spike-in-suicide-cases-experts-309633

[2] https://www.npr.org/2021/06/01/1002092628/naomi-osaka-reveals-mental-health-struggles-and-other-athletes-rally-around-her

[3] https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/simone-biles-opens-up-about-how-sexual-abuse-affected-her-mental-health-i-should-have-quit-way-before-tokyo/ar-AAOSSuX?OCID=ansmsnnews11

[4] As an example of an IFS therapist’s podcast, check out https://theoneinside.libsyn.com/ifs-and-altogether-you-with-jenna-riemersma

[5] https://newlife.com/broadcasts/