Is There an App for that?
Many times when I work with clients, they express a need for practical tools which can help with their distress in the moment. The most effective tools for clients in the moment are often breathing and grounding exercises. We work on these exercises in session and I encourage practice outside of the session as well. However, many times when the distress shows up, clients are unable to remember the steps, can't find the handout or may feel overwhelmed at the idea of walking themselves through the process.
As a result, I have found some helpful phone apps that clients can download and have accessible during those times of overwhelm. Below I will list and discuss a few of the apps I recommend most often for clients to use outside of session.
Calm
The Calm app is one of my favorites. It features a variety of tools for including breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and sleep stories. Sleep stories are calming stories designed to help you fall asleep. This app is free, but you can upgrade to a monthly or yearly subscription. I highly recommend the upgrade if your budget allows.
Breathe2Relax
This app is simple, yet effective. It simply guides you through deep breathing exercises. The app is free and it allows you to customize the length of both your inhalations and exhalations.
Happify
This app is a great tool for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or negative thinking patterns. It utilizes several research based techniques to allow clients to continue the work they are doing in their counseling sessions into their everyday life.
Moodtrack Diary
This app is a great tool for both client and counselor. It allows individuals to track their moods in a simple way throughout the week and then the information can be shared with their mental health provider.
While I recommend these apps as tools, they should not be used in place of therapy. If you are experiencing significant distress from your symptoms, it is best to contact a mental health provider to determine the best course of treatment.
As a result, I have found some helpful phone apps that clients can download and have accessible during those times of overwhelm. Below I will list and discuss a few of the apps I recommend most often for clients to use outside of session.
Calm
The Calm app is one of my favorites. It features a variety of tools for including breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and sleep stories. Sleep stories are calming stories designed to help you fall asleep. This app is free, but you can upgrade to a monthly or yearly subscription. I highly recommend the upgrade if your budget allows.
Breathe2Relax
This app is simple, yet effective. It simply guides you through deep breathing exercises. The app is free and it allows you to customize the length of both your inhalations and exhalations.
Happify
This app is a great tool for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or negative thinking patterns. It utilizes several research based techniques to allow clients to continue the work they are doing in their counseling sessions into their everyday life.
Moodtrack Diary
This app is a great tool for both client and counselor. It allows individuals to track their moods in a simple way throughout the week and then the information can be shared with their mental health provider.
While I recommend these apps as tools, they should not be used in place of therapy. If you are experiencing significant distress from your symptoms, it is best to contact a mental health provider to determine the best course of treatment.
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