#369 Personalised Therapy: How Technology is Changing Mental Health Care with Charlie Wells, CEO of HelloSelf
Oct 11, 2024
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Charlie Wells, Founder and CEO of HelloSelf, transformed a near-fatal brain hemorrhage into a mission for personalized mental health care. He discusses how his experiences led him to create a platform that matches individuals with therapists based on their unique needs. The conversation dives into the importance of trust in therapy, the role of technology in self-discovery, and how personal journeys can inspire impactful innovations in mental health. Charlie reflects on the delicate balance between purpose and the pressures faced by founders in this vital sector.
Charlie Wells' life-altering experiences led him to prioritize mental health, establishing HelloSelf to address increasing demands for personalized care.
HelloSelf’s unique clinical matching process ensures therapy is tailored to individual needs, enhancing user experience and efficacy of treatment.
The platform emphasizes tracking progress and outcomes in therapy, encouraging users to engage proactively in their mental health journey.
HelloSelf promotes a holistic view of mental health, integrating personal wellbeing with skills for users to manage their mental health independently.
Deep dives
Charlie's Journey and Transformation
Charlie Wells' journey is marked by a significant life event that reshaped his perspective on health and wellness. After surviving a life-threatening brain hemorrhage in 2011, he emerged from a coma determined to make a positive impact in the realm of personal wellbeing. This pivotal moment prompted a shift in focus from a successful career in marketing and tech to prioritizing mental health and helping others. His experiences not only fueled his resolve to help individuals but also inspired him to create solutions that address the growing demand for mental health services.
The Concept of Hello Self
Hello Self was founded in response to the increasing need for personalized mental health support. The platform aims to pair individuals with therapists through a clinical matching team, ensuring that treatment is tailored to meet unique needs. It also leverages technology to extend therapeutic progress by integrating features that allow users to connect between sessions, enhancing the overall experience. By focusing on efficiency and outcomes, Hello Self seeks to guide users toward better mental health more quickly and effectively.
Emphasis on Measurement and Data
An essential aspect of Hello Self’s approach is the emphasis on measuring outcomes and progress in therapy. By utilizing technology for tracking emotional states and therapeutic progress, the platform encourages users to actively engage in their mental health journey. This allows members to visualize their improvements and stay motivated, as they can see tangible results from their efforts. By transforming psychological insights into quantifiable data, Hello Self is bridging the gap between mental health and measurable outcomes.
Graduation from Therapy
A unique feature of Hello Self is its focus on the concept of 'graduating' from therapy. Instead of fostering dependency on ongoing therapy sessions, the platform aims to empower users to develop the skills to manage their mental health independently. This paradigm shift challenges traditional mental health services that often inadvertently encourage prolonged therapy usage. By equipping users with tools and strategies to maintain their wellbeing, Hello Self promotes an ideal where individuals can thrive without constant support.
Integrating Technology in Mental Health
The integration of technology into mental health support is a cornerstone of Hello Self’s strategy. The platform combines synchronous therapy sessions with asynchronous tools that aid in continuous personal improvement. Features like session summaries and self-assessments allow users to reflect on their experiences and apply learned coping strategies in real life. By facilitating ongoing engagement with mental health practices outside of therapy hours, the platform enhances knowledge retention and behavioral change.
Importance of Language and Framing
Language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of mental health, and Hello Self thoughtfully considers the terminology it uses. For instance, referring to users as 'members' rather than 'patients' fosters a sense of community and empowerment. This choice of language seeks to reduce stigma associated with seeking help and promotes a more inclusive understanding of mental health. By reframing the narrative around therapy and support, Hello Self aims to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking assistance.
Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
Hello Self adopts a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the interplay between psychological wellness and overall life satisfaction. The platform encourages users to prioritize self-care in conjunction with therapeutic efforts, recognizing that maintaining good mental health is a multifaceted endeavor. This focus on comprehensive wellbeing also extends to relationships and personal growth, reinforcing the notion that mental health is not just about managing symptoms but about fostering a fulfilling life. By encouraging a proactive stance on mental wellness, Hello Self aims to inspire lasting change.
This week, James is joined by Charlie Wells, Founder and CEO of HelloSelf. In what he calls his ‘before life’ Charlie studied neurobiology at Oxford before moving to London to work in healthcare marketing, then in 2011 a life-threatening brain haemorrhage changed everything. After surviving a coma and pioneering surgery, Charlie decided to make the most of his second chance, focusing on personal well-being, relationships and making a positive impact. HelloSelf was founded off the back of this, responding to the growing demand for mental health services. HelloSelf helps people feel better, faster, and stay better, longer, by pairing individuals with therapists through their clinical matching team, designing therapy to fit an individuals' unique needs.
