Learn essential skills to support a family member, friend, or colleague with a mental health challenge

Helping someone with a mental illness can lead to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. This course teaches the skills so that you can feel confident that you know what to say and do.

"My wife recently had a terrifying (for both of us) period of GAD & MDD, and after 4 months is just beginning to come out of it. I've searched the web high and low for helpful resources, and Therapy in a Nutshell has been by far the most helpful." 

-Lyle, How to Help student

Learn what to say and do to help others

Someone you care about struggles with depression, anxiety or other mental illness. But if you're like most people, you may feel anxious and uncertain about how to help. This course will teach you the skills to feel confident in knowing what to say and do to help others who are struggling.

In this course, you'll learn to become an influential and positive source of support for your family, friends, and colleagues. I’m going to teach you the changes you can make to be a more effective helper.

What you will learn:

• How to build a relationship of influence
• How to set healthy boundaries
• How to practice self-care so you don't burn out
• How to develop empathic and reflective listening skills so your loved one will open up to you
• How to help even if they don't want to talk
• What to say and what NOT to say
• How to help them access resources
• How to find a good therapist
• How to ask good questions
• What to do if they won’t get help
• How to explore relationship dynamics that may be impeding the healing process

You'll learn skills from 15 videos dealing with advanced topics like suicide prevention, recognizing dysfunctional roles, managing attention-seeking behaviors and self-harm, and so much more. 

Your relationship with the person you care about is the most influential factor for change that exists. You can make a big difference in the lives of others. So let’s get started learning how to help.

What students are saying about the How to Help course:

I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist, and I love helping people change. I know that understanding mental health can be confusing and stressful. I also know that there’s hope! Your brain is wired to change, and deep healing is possible. My mission is to walk with people through that process. 

I make mental health skills more accessible through YouTube videos and online courses. Therapy in a Nutshell is built around the idea that small and simple steps can turn into massive change and growth. I don’t just help people get feeling better; I help people get better at feeling. 

I’ve been working in the field of change and growth since 2004. I got my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Utah State University, and I’m currently licensed in the state of Utah. I’ve worked in settings like juvenile corrections, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers, and outpatient therapy.

 Frequently Asked Questions: