Month: April 2025

Is Online Therapy Effective for Anxiety?

by Don Laird, NCC, LPC

In the not-so-distant past, therapy usually meant commuting to an office, sitting in an uncomfortable waiting room, and talking face-to-face with a mental health professional. But today, more and more people are turning to virtual therapy—whether by video call or phone—to manage their mental health, especially anxiety. So the big question is: Does it actually work?

The Rise of Online Therapy and Telehealth

Virtual therapy, also known as teletherapy or online counseling, has seen a surge in popularity, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic made in-person appointments difficult (or impossible). Platforms like eTalkTherapy and others have made therapy more accessible, affordable, and flexible.

But convenience aside—what about results?

What the Research Says

Here’s the good news: Virtual therapy has been shown to be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating anxiety disorders.

A 2018 analysis published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that internet-based therapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) had the same effectiveness as face-to-face CBT.Other studies have found that even more traditional forms of talk therapy are equally effective when delivered online.

In other words, seeing a therapist through a screen doesn’t water down the impact of the therapy itself.

Why It Works

There are several reasons why virtual therapy can be particularly effective for anxiety:

Comfort of home: Being in your own environment can help reduce the stress of attending therapy, especially for those with social anxiety.
Greater access: You can connect with a licensed therapist no matter where you live—even in rural or remote areas.
Flexible scheduling: It’s easier to fit therapy into your day without taking time off work or traveling.

But It’s Not for Everyone

That said, virtual therapy isn’t a perfect fit for every person or situation.

Severe cases: Individuals with more complex, or severe mental health issues might need in-person or more intensive care.
Tech issues: Poor internet, lack of privacy at home, or discomfort with technology can make virtual sessions less effective.
Personal preference: Some people just feel more connected and comfortable in a traditional setting—and that’s totally valid.

A Few Final Thoughts

So, is virtual therapy effective for anxiety? Absolutely—if it fits your needs and lifestyle. With the right therapist and approach, online therapy can be a powerful tool in reducing anxiety and improving overall mental health. The key is finding what works best for you.

Whether it’s through a screen or in an office, what matters most is that you’re taking the step to care for your mental health and wellness. And that’s something to feel good about.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation or learn more about our services.

How to Find an Affordable Online Therapist in Pennsylvania

Brought to you by eTalkTherapy, LLC

Let’s be honest—mental health care is essential, but finding affordable and accessible therapy in Pennsylvania (or anywhere) can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, life stress, or just need someone to talk to, therapy can make a big difference. But where do you start? And how do you find a therapist who’s both qualified and budget-friendly?

At eTalkTherapy, we’re here to help make that process easier—and more affordable.

Why Online Therapy?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the why.

Online therapy has become a go-to choice for many people across Pennsylvania—and for good reason:
No commute or waiting rooms: Just log in from your home or anywhere you feel comfortable.
Flexible scheduling: Evening and weekend options make therapy easier to fit into your life.
Greater access: Especially helpful if you live in rural or underserved parts of the state.

Plus, with licensed therapists providing high-quality care virtually, you’re not sacrificing professionalism or support.

5 Tips for Finding an Affordable Online Therapist in PA

  1. Know What You Need

Start by identifying your needs: Are you looking for individual counseling? Help with anxiety or grief? Couples therapy? Knowing what you’re looking for will help you narrow down your search and connect with someone who truly fits.

At eTalkTherapy, we offer services for individuals and couples—so wherever you are in your journey, we’re here for it.

2. Look for Licensed Pennsylvania Providers

In Pennsylvania, therapists must be licensed to provide mental health services. Be sure the provider you choose is credentialed in the state—whether they’re a licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or another licensed clinician.

All therapists at eTalkTherapy are fully licensed in Pennsylvania and meet rigorous ethical and professional standards.

3. Explore Affordable Options

Affordability is key, and many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income. This can reduce session costs significantly, making therapy accessible even without insurance.

At eTalkTherapy, we’re proud to offer affordable rates and we’ll work with you to find a plan that fits your budget—because cost shouldn’t be a barrier to mental wellness.

4. Ask About Insurance or Out-of-Pocket Costs

If you have insurance, find out if therapy is covered. If not, or if you’d rather not use insurance, ask about out-of-pocket rates. Sometimes paying directly is more cost-effective (and private) than high-deductible plans.

We keep our rates transparent and affordable—plus, no surprise bills. Rates are discussed and agreed on with your therapist before the first session.

5. Choose the Right Fit

Therapy is personal. Feeling comfortable with your therapist matters just as much as their qualifications. Look for someone who listens, understands, and helps you feel supported.

We make it easy to schedule a free phone consultation with one of our therapists—so you can get a feel for the relationship before committing.

Why Choose eTalkTherapy?

At eTalkTherapy, we’ve been providing trusted, affordable online therapy to Pennsylvanians since 2018. Whether you’re in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, Scranton, or a town in between, we’re just a click away.

What sets us apart:

  • Affordable rates
  • Licensed, experienced therapists
  • Confidential and secure video sessions that are HIPAA compliant
  • Free consultations to get started

A Few Final Thoughts – Finding an affordable online therapist in Pennsylvania doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right tools—and the right team—you can take that first step toward better mental health today. We’re here to walk that path with you.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation or learn more about our services.

The Mind Body Connection. Women with outstretched arms in front of a waterfall.

5 Ways to Live a Life of Meaning, Authenticity, and Well-Being 

 by Don Laird, NCC, LPC

With all the chaos happening around us, the idea of living authentically and with meaning is more relevant than ever. Existentialism, a philosophical framework that encourages us to confront the raw reality of our existence, teaches us that meaning is not something handed to us but something we create through our choices, actions, and relationships. To live existentially and authentically is to embrace our freedom, take responsibility for our decisions, and shape a life that resonates with who we truly are. If you’re ready to dive deeper into this journey, here are five ways to start living authentically with meaning.

1. Embrace Your Freedom and Responsibility

At the heart of existentialism is the idea of radical freedom — the notion that we are free to make choices in our lives, but with this freedom comes responsibility. You are not bound by a fixed fate or script handed to you by society, family, or history. You have the power to choose how to live your life.

However, this freedom comes with an essential responsibility: you must own your choices. This means acknowledging that you are the one who is responsible for the direction of your life. Whether it’s your career, your relationships, or your passions, take ownership of your decisions. Recognize that while life can sometimes seem uncertain or unpredictable, you have the power to shape it. Start by making small, conscious choices in your daily life, whether that’s how you spend your time, who you surround yourself with, or how you respond to challenges. Accepting responsibility for these choices fosters a sense of empowerment and authenticity.

2. Be Honest About Your Own Existence

Authenticity begins with self-awareness. To live authentically, you need to be brutally honest with yourself about who you are and what you desire. This means stripping away the roles or labels that society or others have imposed upon you and connecting with your true self.

Existentialism encourages us to examine our lives deeply — to question the things we take for granted, like cultural norms, social expectations, and inherited beliefs. Are you living a life based on your true values, or are you simply following a path laid out by someone else? Take time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Ask yourself deep questions like: What do I truly want from life? What re my fears? What would I do if I knew I had no limitations? This kind of introspection will help you discover your authentic desires and aspirations.

3. Live in the Present Moment

Existentialists believe that life is fleeting, and the present moment is all we truly have. By focusing on the now, we liberate ourselves from the endless cycle of past regrets and future anxieties. Embracing the present allows us to find meaning in the simple, everyday experiences.

To live existentially, practice mindfulness. Engage with the world around you in a full, direct way. Savor the moments, whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee, taking a walk, or having a conversation with a friend. Life’s meaning isn’t something you find in the distant future; it’s created right now, in each passing moment. Start incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine. This could be as simple as focusing on your breath for a few minutes each day or giving your full attention (presence) to the tasks you’re doing or the people you engage with.

4. Pursue What Brings You Passion and Purpose

One of the most essential components of living authentically is aligning your life with your passions. Existentialism is not about passively waiting for meaning to arrive; it’s about actively creating meaning through our actions. To do this, we must identify what excites us, what sparks our curiosity, and what makes us feel alive. Where and what is your true north?

The key is to pursue activities that align with your deeper sense of purpose — those that feel meaningful and fulfilling on a profound level. This doesn’t necessarily mean a grand career change; it could be investing more time in hobbies, exploring new interests, or taking up projects that align with your values. Make a list of the things you are passionate about. Then, take at least one small step toward incorporating one of these passions into your life every week. Whether it’s joining a creative group, traveling to new places, or dedicating time to personal growth, these actions will help you lead a life filled with purpose.

5. Cultivate Deep and Meaningful Relationships

Our connections with others can provide a profound source of meaning, growth, and authenticity. However, it’s crucial that these relationships are based on honesty and mutual respect, rather than societal expectations or superficial connections. Cultivating relationships that challenge, inspire, and nurture you is a vital part of living authentically. Invest time in relationships that bring you joy and growth. Have open, honest conversations with the people you care about. Practice vulnerability and authenticity in your interactions, and seek out others who share similar values and a desire for deeper connection.

The Journey to Existential Well-Being and Authenticity

Living authentically and existentially isn’t a destination, but a continuous journey. It requires conscious effort, self-awareness, and a willingness to face the complexities of existence head-on. By embracing your freedom, being honest with yourself, living in the present, pursuing what lights you up, and cultivating meaningful relationships, you can begin to shape a life filled with authenticity and purpose.

Remember, authenticity isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about embracing your uniqueness, your freedom, and your ability to create meaning in a world that is, at its core, uncertain. Start small, but start today — your authentic life is waiting for you. Contact me today (LINK) about my existential therapy or coaching services.

eTalkTherapy - talk with a counselor online

Existential Couples Therapy: Finding Meaning Together

by Don Laird, NCC, LPC

It’s one thing to go through life with someone, but it’s another to do it with a shared sense of meaning. As a couple, you might be working side by side, but are you working together toward something bigger than yourselves? Existential couples therapy pushes couples to ask, “What is the deeper meaning and purpose of our relationship? How does it contribute to our individual lives—and to the world?”

In the chaos of everyday life, it’s easy to forget why we’re in a relationship in the first place. Existential couples therapy helps you reconnect with your shared vision, whether it’s building a family, making an impact in your community, or simply growing and evolving as people together. By identifying a sense of shared meaning, couples can transcend mere survival and move toward living intentionally, with a shared meaning that gives both individuals and the partnership itself a sense of direction.

How Existential Couples Therapy Can Help You Grow 

  1. Exploring Individual and Shared Meaning
    In existential therapy, couples aren’t just looking at what is going wrong or right in their relationship, but they’re diving into the why behind it all. What does each person value in life? What do they want to contribute to the world? Then, as a couple, you ask, “How can we create something meaningful together?” This isn’t about having the same goals in life—it’s about finding a way to align your individual meaning in a way that elevates your relationship.
  2. Facing Life’s Uncertainties 
    One of the core themes of existential therapy is learning to live with uncertainty. Life is unpredictable and, at times, painful, and relationships aren’t immune to challenges, pain, or change. Existentialism helps couples embrace the fact that life will often throw curveballs, and the future is unclear. By facing this uncertainty together, you develop a stronger bond, learning to trust each other in the face of the unknown. It’s not about having all the answers but about finding peace in the questions.
  3. Building Authenticity 
    Existential couples therapy encourages deep, honest conversations about your relationship and your individual experiences. It invites you to ask the tough questions, like: What do I really want from this relationship? What is the meaning of this relationship? What am I afraid of? What am I willing to commit to? These conversations foster vulnerability, which leads to greater emotional intimacy. When you can be truly honest with each other about your existential fears, hopes, and dreams, your connection becomes more authentic, and your bond deepens.
  4. Taking Responsibility for Your Relationship
    In existential thought, one of the most powerful concepts is personal responsibility. Existential couples therapy teaches couples that the relationship they have isn’t something that just “happens” to them—it’s something they create together. Both partners take responsibility for their actions, choices, and the energy they bring to the relationship. This doesn’t mean blaming each other when things go wrong, but rather understanding that both people have the power to shape the relationship. You choose how you show up for each other and what kind of life you build together.
  5. Leaving a Legacy Together
    One of the most profound aspects of existential therapy is its invitation to think beyond the present moment. It encourages couples to ask: What kind of legacy do we want to leave behind? What is our “life after us” project? It’s not just about day-to-day tasks or surviving the next few years—it’s about what your relationship stands for in the grand scheme of life. Whether it’s the values you pass on to your children or the contributions you make to your community, thinking about legacy helps couples stay focused on what really matters and helps them build a meaningful life together.

Why It Works

Existential couples therapy works because it taps into something that’s fundamental to all of us: the need for meaning. We’re not just looking for a partner to share the mundane moments of life with—we’re looking for someone who helps us make sense of our existence, someone who walks with us through the uncertainty, and someone who gives us a sense of purpose.

When couples share a deeper understanding of life’s big questions and their own individual purposes, they’re able to build a stronger, more fulfilling partnership. This isn’t about fixing problems in a superficial way; it’s about creating a relationship that feels rich and meaningful at its core.

If you’re looking to strengthen your relationship in a deeper, more fulfilling way, consider taking the existential route. Existential couples therapy can help you and your partner reconnect with each other and with the bigger picture of life. It’s about building a relationship that’s not just about getting by, but about growing, facing challenges together, and living a life that feels full of purpose.

Out of eight billion people on the planet, you and your partner found each other. When you and your partner can find meaning together, everything else just seems to fall into place.