Value of online programs?

Cenerentola · April 18, 2025, 07:56:03 AM

My therapist of three years is discontinuing insurance. $:-\$ I can't really afford to continue seeing her regularly (although I'm kind of planning to keep her "on call" for any big internal crises).

I'm wondering whether doing something online might help me continue the self-growth work and keep my internal bearings. Jerry Wise's videos have been helpful to me, so I've wondered about the self-differentiation program he does. Or maybe there's a good workbook our there? Or ...? If anyone's tried things like that and found it helpful -- or not -- I'd love to hear about it!

JustKeepTrying · April 18, 2025, 09:23:08 AM

I have watched the videos and completed the workbooks.They were very helpful. But for therapy I also used an app. I couldn't afford the traditionally advertised ones and I had heard they are very helpful and their therapists are qualified. I wanted support while I traveled full-time and in times where cell connection may be iffy - at the least it would work with a bar of service. I selected 7cups and paid about 150 a month. I used it for 18 months and just ended with the same therapist last December. (I am now back in face to face.) You can switch therapists if you are not connecting. I texted to her all day and basically journaled all my thoughts, feelings and happenings. She responded twice a day five days a week. She sent me long texts with specific advice to the situation and we even set goals and how I could work towards those goals. It was supportive and cost effective.

Cenerentola - you are doing the right thing to keep looking and growing. It is hard work. I applaud your efforts.

TimetoHeal · April 18, 2025, 02:59:33 PM

Cerentola,

I'm so sorry your therapist is no longer taking insurance.

The one therapist I really, really liked working with never took insurance, so I wasn't able to work with her for very long. I think keeping your therapist for backup and looking for something online is an excellent idea! I've never done any programs, so I'm sorry I can't recommend any.

JustKeepTrying,
Wow! That program sounds amazing, and like more support than many local therapists give! I may have to look into it, since I'm having such a hard time finding a therapist who gets this.

Rebel13 · April 18, 2025, 03:02:35 PM

Hi Cenerentola,

You don't mention what specifically you would like to work on (or have been working on). But I have found Emma McAdam's/Therapy in a Nutshell videos on Youtube to be very helpful. She focuses a lot on anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal skills, with some trauma related topics, but not specifically on PDs, narcissism, or topics like that.

For apps, I am really enjoying How We Feel, Insight Timer, and Mindfulness Bell (all for Android). They remind me to pay attention to my physiological state and my emotions so I don't get too stressed out or lose track of what's going on inside.

I should say I have used all of these in the context of weekly therapy. YMMV using them as supports in the absence of that.

I wish you good luck!

Cenerentola · May 06, 2025, 10:28:58 AM

JustKeepTrying, I am looking at 7 cups! Thank you for the suggestion.

Cenerentola · May 06, 2025, 10:29:38 AM

TimetoHeal, thank you for the good wishes. It's tough--sorry you had to deal with the $$ side of things too.

Cenerentola · May 06, 2025, 10:36:54 AM

Quote from: Rebel13 on April 18, 2025, 03:02:35 PMHi Cenerentola,

You don't mention what specifically you would like to work on (or have been working on). But I have found Emma McAdam's/Therapy in a Nutshell videos on Youtube to be very helpful. She focuses a lot on anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal skills, with some trauma related topics, but not specifically on PDs, narcissism, or topics like that.

For apps, I am really enjoying How We Feel, Insight Timer, and Mindfulness Bell (all for Android). They remind me to pay attention to my physiological state and my emotions so I don't get too stressed out or lose track of what's going on inside.

I should say I have used all of these in the context of weekly therapy. YMMV using them as supports in the absence of that.

I wish you good luck!

Thank you for the plethora of suggestions, Rebel13! I will check them all out. Understood that results may vary ... I've been using How We Feel and it's definitely worth something; it's good to have that. Emma Adams is a new name for me, so I'll take a look at that.

In terms of what I'm working on: I have CPTSd (probable, in my therapist's opinion), and have dealt with mild depression and anxiety in the past (those are fairly regulated now, though stress can cause flare ups). FOO is enmeshing in a very kindly, nice, but also demanding way; mom is uPD (Borderline? Covert Narcissistic? Histrionic?) and dad is enabler so a lot of my work has been on emotionally regulating myself to keep my internal boundaries and teaching myself to focus on my own vocation, FOC, goals, etc. If any of you all have any other ideas about that, I'd love to hear them.

GoodPesto · May 06, 2025, 01:31:40 PM

Hi Cenerentola,

you probably have come across the name Pete Walker, he has written a great book on CPTSD. He put out a workbook as well which could be a good offline resource. I got the workbook when I was in the wrong place for it, so I can't tell you much about my experience, but coming from P.W. I guess it could be worth trying.