It is unbelievable what all a single phone can achieve. Smartphone owners aged 18 to 24 send 2,022 texts per month on average and receive 1,831 (Experian). Young adults are reaching out more through texts as they find it comfortable, safe, and familiar. So, we want to make sure there is a qualified professional at the other end when they want to text their sorrows away. Therapy through chat/text has been growing in popularity. Come to think of it, there are a lot of advantages to having Chat as an option while seeking therapy. 

 Provides Increased Privacy

In deeply stigmatized households where seeking therapy is unsupported, text therapy seems to be the only way one can reach out for help. It is a powerful source for consistent support. Mental health, especially when on the brink, cannot wait for increased privacy or acceptance from others around. In such cases, having someone understand and empower you through text can be a profound experience.

 Reduces inhibitions

People who are new to the idea of therapy or feel anxious about the process can start with some simple texts. A lot of people, if not all, can express themselves better through texting. It is just easier to write things down sometimes. Text therapy also gives them the space to be authentic and more in touch with themselves. 

 Can reflect on conversations

Text therapy makes space for reflection. This allows the person to really think through things before answering or responding to the therapist’s intervention. It also provides an excellent opportunity to go back and read parts of the conversations that were helpful. 

It is also important to acknowledge the limitations of text therapy, the major one being a lack of non-verbal cues. For example, not hearing one’s tone of voice or seeing one’s facial expressions can be challenging to understand their mood accurately. This is exactly why we believe that text therapy might need additional training to make the process smooth and highly beneficial.