Author: Josh Wolff

Staff Writer at Talkspace

Breaking C-Suite Stigma: Our Interview with Jason Saltzman, CEO of Alley

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
Jason Saltzman sitting on stairs

With more leaders and athletes going public with their mental health stories, it’s an important reminder that mental health issues affect a broad spectrum of people, from all backgrounds.

At a recent conference hosted by Talkspace, world-champion swimmer Michael Phelps described feeling like an “animal in a zoo,” referring to his mental state while under the intense spotlight of performance. And he’s right: We tend to place celebrities, athletes, and those in the C-suite on an almost mythical level. But they are people, with real challenges, who are entitled to the same compassion we expect from our own support networks.

We recently sat down with Jason Saltzman, CEO and founder of co-working community Alley. Jason has used his platform as a successful entrepreneur to advocate for openness about mental health in the workplace, the technology sector, and beyond.

Below he shares his journey with general anxiety disorder, and how it’s made him a more compassionate person and leader.

Continue reading Breaking C-Suite Stigma: Our Interview with Jason Saltzman, CEO of Alley

Introducing Talkspace for Teens

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
Talkspace for Teens

Therapy is evolving to meet the demands of a younger, tech-savvy generation. But the objective remains the same: better mental health for all.

With the recent announcement of Talkspace for Teens, we want to adolescents feel comfortable reaching out for help using the Talkspace app. We understand you may have some questions about the process and the technology behind Talkspace. Continue reading Introducing Talkspace for Teens

What to Expect From Your First Online Therapy Experience

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
woman using phone in city at night

At its core, online therapy’s objective is similar to that of brick-and-mortar therapy: provide tools, solutions, and ways to reframe your current issues, allowing you to overcome challenges in many areas of your life.

Online therapy differs, however, in that it puts therapy in the palm of you hand and enables you to share your thoughts and challenges anytime you wish. This makes therapy more convenient and affordable for those who are new to the experience. Additionally, online or text-based therapy (like Talkspace) is known to be as effective, if not more, than brick-and-mortar therapy.

Here’s what to expect when beginning your online therapy experience, and how to set expectations for positive outcomes along the way.

Continue reading What to Expect From Your First Online Therapy Experience

Why World Mental Health Day 2018 is Especially Important

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
A group of teenagers talks in a circle

Today is World Mental Health Day, an opportunity for organizations and individuals around the globe to bring awareness to mental health and surrounding challenges.

Each year, the World Federation For Mental Health (WFMH) selects a theme that facilitates discussion around a growing mental health epidemic or challenge. This year’s theme is “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World.”

Continue reading Why World Mental Health Day 2018 is Especially Important

What is the Myers-Briggs Personality Test (and How To Take It)?

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
Taking a multiple choice test

Have you ever overheard a friend or coworker declare “I’m an INFJ!” or another seemingly random four-letter combination? It’s likely they’re talking about their Myers-Briggs test results.

This personality-related test was developed in the 1940’s, yet continues to be discussed and applied in modern instances. Why has it become so popular over the years, and how can you take the test yourself? Answers below!

What is the Myers-Briggs Test?

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality test, typically based on psychological attributes and is used to determine differing strengths and types of personalities in a workplace or other setting. The questionnaire’s battery of tests can provide insight into the subject’s perception, decision making, leadership skills, and other attributes may contribute to personal or professional success.

Continue reading What is the Myers-Briggs Personality Test (and How To Take It)?

A Walkthrough of Talkspace’s Coolest Features

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
Talkspace on various devices

Talkspace represents a major breakthrough in modern psychology: using technology to improve individual and couples therapy. This use of technology is also known as “telemedicine,” and is part of a growing shift in the healthcare industry, with technology enabling more convenient, affordable, and on-demand benefits.

We’d like to give you a brief tour of the cool benefits Talkspace offers as part of the online therapy experience.

Continue reading A Walkthrough of Talkspace’s Coolest Features

Why We Took a Break From Drinking: A Talkspace Co-Worker Chat

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
Bartender pouring a drink at a dive bar

At the end of last summer, I had an existential crisis. I was about to turn 35, at a career crossroads, and on the verge of leaving the U.S. for good. I reflected back on how my adult years had been spent. They were self-serving, blurry and distant, and lacking deep personal connections with others. And myself.

I’d been living unhappily as a “man-child” — a lifestyle fueled by excessive partying and minimal commitment — for most of my adult life. Ashamed and disappointed I hadn’t accomplished more, I dwelled on squandered time and people I’d hurt along the way. I wanted to run from it all.

Rather than bouncing to Bangkok, however, I decided to clear my head. I was going to try an long-overdue experiment: a break from drinking. Half a year later, I’m still enjoying the positive benefits of that decision.

Continue reading Why We Took a Break From Drinking: A Talkspace Co-Worker Chat

5 Reasons Online Therapy is Right For You

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
Woman in teal shirt smiling while using her phone

Online therapy is proven to be as effective, if not more effective than face-to-face therapy, with important benefits that bring the experience into the modern era. For some, traditional therapy is their choice because they haven’t yet experienced the freedom that online therapy offers.

If you’re on the fence about whether online therapy is right for you, consider these positive benefits.

Continue reading 5 Reasons Online Therapy is Right For You

Free Online Therapy: Understanding Therapy vs. Free Counseling

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
Woman on couch with hands open, talking to a therapist

Online therapy is fast becoming the norm for those seeking therapy on their own terms. A recent study found online therapy to be as effective as face-to-face (FTF) therapy in treating major mental health challenges like anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms. The same study regards online therapy as a “treatment for the future.”

When evaluating online therapy options, there are many avenues to take depending on your mental health challenges. The first avenue should always be to seek professional help — self-diagnosis can be a dangerous game. Therapy remains the next best step, and in exploring online therapy options, you may encounter offers claiming “free” online therapy.

Continue reading Free Online Therapy: Understanding Therapy vs. Free Counseling

How Talkspace De-stresses

Author By Josh Wolff, Staff Writer at Talkspace
Posted:
Woman in citrus bath

Stress has been a part of the human experience since the dawn of consciousness. It’s an instinctual reaction to perceived threats, originating as humans made their way up the food chain. Gone though are the saber-toothed tigers and growling bellies of our ancient past. Our new threats are red bubbles with numbers in them, and politically-charged talk radio over hour-long commutes.

Prolonged stress takes its toll. Over 70 percent of Americans report experiencing physical and psychological symptoms caused by their stress. Productivity loss and health care related to stress costs employers close to $300 billion annually, according to the same American Psychological Association study. Stress has reached epidemic proportions, and how to cope with, or manage modern stress has become a literal “billion dollar question”.

In honor of “Stress Awareness Month”, Talkspace asked our therapist community and co-workers to share their favorite ways to de-stress.* We hope you discover some beneficial new stress management solutions!

Continue reading How Talkspace De-stresses