Pride Counseling

Straight up, I hate therapy, not because I think it’s a sign of weakness, or any of the stigma that people put on the work that people have to do to maintain and improve their mental health, but because I have a lot of difficulty expressing my emotions in front of someone face to face. Because of my anxiety around this, I rarely can make an appointment on time, and it just ends up being a wash of guilt. APP THERAPY IS BRILLIANT. I love the relative anonymity, although I feel very comfortable with my counselor (great match, even though I was worried when it took a couple days to happen). I love being able to reach out any time. This isn’t really 24/7 counseling, due to your counselors IRL personal and professional life. But, it’s the next best thing. Mine was upfront with her availability, so I am able to work in a live chat session at least once a week to make the program worthwhile. I can also shoot a text anytime something comes up I think is relevant and will get a response within a few days. Overall, I can’t recommend this style enough. It’s not free. It doesn’t work with insurance, but it’s a less expensive option for people to get help, and that’s really important. Having access to LGBT friendly counselors is essential for this community, even if your identify or orientation has no impact to do with your day to day life. Brilliant program, good app, and I’m grateful for it.

I’ve been to a lot of therapy in my life cause I’m all messed up. I’ve done group therapy, one on one, art therapy, equine therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy...I did intensive therapy in eating disorder treatment. I didn’t think this would be a good platform for me as group therapy and one on one do work well. I thought this would be as useful as using a journal which I’ve personally never found helpful. Turns out just the fact that I know someone is reading what I write makes keeping a journal easy. Also if something happens right now I can immediately write what’s bothering me, even if the therapist won’t get back for a bit. This way I feel like the therapist can get a better idea since when I meet with an in person therapist once a week there is always stiff I forget. Anyways so far so good. Also don’t be afraid to request new therapists if the one you are paired with isn’t working. Their feelings won’t be hurt and you’ll get the support you need. Cheers!

Truly life changing, and WELL worth the money. I was skeptical about how much therapy could help me, and even more skeptical about this web based platform, but all I can say is that I am so happy I took the plunge and got it. My therapist/counselor is amazing; she helped me just get in the right mindset with working towards change in my life, and always listened with such attention and care. I’ve learned so many practical, actionable things I can do every single day to change my mind frame (this is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and it’s worked wonders so far. At the very least I UNDERSTAND myself so much more, and can finally appreciate myself and then begin to help myself move towards a healthier me. It’s nice knowing you have someone in your corner, but in your pocket instead haha. If you’ve been thinking about getting therapy for ANYTHING (right now currently working on a self esteem thing I’ve been half heartedly working on since childhood) I’d suggest giving it a go. It’ll only help!

I live with high anxiety and clinical depression. Why do I react to people the way that I do? I am an epileptic and a recovering-alcoholic (one year, two months and four days of sobriety...one day, I will stop counting). May be it’s a genetic predisposition for me to be and feel the way that I do, all these things place less responsibility on myself for my own care... it’s someone or something else’s fault. I am so grateful for my in-person therapist, my medication(s) and creative outlets & friends and most importantly for Pride Counseling and my online counselor Michelle Pellin. This isn’t a service to utilize if you are in crisis. If you are in crisis there’s a hotline they recommend and if it’s really bad, please call 911. These chats offer you fresh eyes that see you as a whole, unique person. You don’t have to pretend to be happy to make someone comfortable. You and your counselor may not agree on ever point, but keep making yourself be heard and like A.A., it works if you work it and please keep coming back! I plan on sharing the insights and tools I’ve gathered with my a.p.r.n., and offline therapist and say, “this is where i AM at not where anyone thinks I should be and let’s start from here...” Thank you Pride Counseling I am working hard, and it’s worth it... I am worth it. Let’s all let go of the stigma of mental illness and seeking help. Love & Peace, Jo

I have tried other apps out there, honestly spent money on what I thought was going to help me out. I was not really sure about this once I was getting ready to start and decided to give this online counseling another try. I am VERY glad that I did. I was matched with a counselor within an hour, had a great first conversation and have never had to wait more then a day for a response! Hands down one of my MUST HAVE apps on my devices for help whenever I need it or just to share a thought to discuss later in a non judgement room. Also I was very busy with work for a weekend, I had an email waiting for me in my inbox asking if everything was okay and if I was still comfortable with my counselor. I have to say I was impressed that they didn’t leave me behind even when I was to busy to realize that I had not responded in a few days! Thank you PC for everything so far!