The Role of Family & Friends in Online Therapy for Personality Disorders

Personality disorders can be deeply discomforting due to ingrained habits or ways of thinking that don’t align with typical experiences. This misalignment can make it challenging to lead a smooth life, relate to others, or handle everyday situations. These persistent patterns can significantly interfere with an individual's ability to lead a fulfilling life.

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Types of Personality Disorders: A Simple Breakdown

a. Odd or Eccentric: Individuals who may be very distrustful or withdrawn.

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b. Dramatic or Emotional: Individuals who may experience intense emotions, unstable relationships, or a strong need for attention.

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c. Anxious or Fearful: Individuals who are excessively worried, dependent on others, or very perfectionistic.

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Why Online Therapy?

Online therapy offers several advantages that can help individuals fully benefit from it:

1. Accessibility: Online therapy provides convenience, comfort, and geographical reach, eliminating the need for travel and associated costs. 
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2. Flexibility: Individuals can choose when and where to have their sessions, whether on their laptops or phones.  
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3. Comfort & Privacy: Clients can seek help in familiar environments, which can make them more comfortable and open with their therapists, reducing the stress of adapting to new spaces. 
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4. Increased Availability of Therapists: Online therapy allows access to a wide range of therapists across the country, making it easier to find the right fit and providing emergency access if needed. 
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5. Financially Friendly: Online therapy can be more affordable, as clients only pay for session fees without the additional cost of travel.

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The Role of Family & Friends in Online Therapy

Family and friends can play a crucial role in supporting individuals seeking online therapy for personality disorders. Their support can make a significant difference in the individual's experience and progress.

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Here’s how they can contribute:

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1. Emotional Support:
   • Provide ongoing encouragement to help the client stay committed to their therapy sessions and recognize their importance.
   • Be patient and empathetic towards the client’s struggles with their disorder.
   • Offer a genuine listening ear without giving unsolicited advice, which can be incredibly reassuring. 
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2. Practical Support:
   • Assist with setting up online sessions or troubleshooting technical issues.
   • Help with scheduling follow-up sessions based on the client’s daily routine, reducing time management stress.
   • Create a calming environment for the client to take their sessions comfortably.
      
3. Encouragement:
   • Promote activities that enhance overall mental and emotional well-being to complement therapy.
   • Help build a supportive social network if the disorder affects relationships or social interactions.
   • With the consent of both the client and the therapist, participate in sessions to better understand the client’s perspectives and improve communication. This involvement can also aid in completing any homework assigned by the therapist. 
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4. Awareness and Education:
   • Educate themselves about personality disorders through articles, consultations with doctors, or participation in sessions with the client.
   • Being well-informed helps in recognizing warning signs that may indicate a crisis or the need for immediate assistance.

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Positive Outcomes of Support from Family and Friends

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1. Improved Therapeutic Engagement:
   When clients see support and encouragement from their families and friends, they are more likely to consistently attend sessions and focus on their own improvement. 
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2. Improved Emotional Well-Being:
   Emotional support from loved ones can reduce stress and feelings of isolation during treatment, fostering a sense of security and safety that encourages openness. 
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3. Increased Willingness:
   Assistance with scheduling and technical issues helps clients adhere to treatment plans and ensures timely follow-ups. 
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4. Holistic Support:
   Promoting healthy habits and self-care contributes to the individual’s overall well-being. 
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5. Increased Self-Esteem and Confidence:
   When families and friends understand and educate themselves about the client’s disorder, the individual feels seen and accepted, which boosts motivation.

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Conclusion

Active involvement from family and friends not only empowers the client to seek help but also creates a supportive environment that fosters acceptance and understanding of the individual's struggles. This support enhances the overall quality of life and underscores the importance of mental health and therapy.

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If you are personally struggling or know of a loved one experiencing mental health difficulties, consider exploring online therapy with Rocket Health India. Providing ease of accessibility and flexibility, you can be assured of support and guidance with our experts. Visit Rocket Health India’s website to explore more and schedule your first session. 

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References

American Psychiatric Association. (2020). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.

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Doe, J. (2021). Benefits of online therapy for personality disorders. Journal of Digital Mental Health, 15(3), 123-135.

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Smith, A., & Johnson, R. (2022). Supporting loved ones in online therapy. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(4), 456-469.