Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) | Counseling Center | BYU-Idaho

# Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)

## What is TAO and What are the Benefits

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) is an interactive, web-based program that provides well-researched and highly effective strategies to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. TAO is a free resource for BYU-Idaho students and employees.

Think of TAO as an online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and bounce back from life's disappointments or stumbling blocks. As you watch the videos and engage with interactive modules, you'll gain knowledge, self-awareness, and skills you need to achieve your goals.

How to Connect

TAO modules and tools are available as self-help tools or may be assigned by counselors from the BYU-Idaho Counseling Center as a therapy tool in conjunction with regular sessions. 
 
****How to Register for TAO?**** 
 
1. In your browser window, navigate to TAO Connect. 
 
2. Enter First Name, Last Name, and your school email address 
 
3. Leave the 'Enrollment Key' field blank. 
 
4. Click Sign Me Up 
 
5. Check your email. You will be sent a Welcome to TAO email with a confirmation link which you must click on to sign in. 
 
Log In

## TAO Resources

TAO offers very powerful evidenced-based, learner-focused content that aims to increase positive and adaptive behavior through:

****Educational Modules:**** High quality, entertaining, and interactive learning modules, using evidence-based theories.

****Assessments:**** Provide progress and outcome measures, along with screening for behavioral health problems, if desired.

****Practice Tools & Logs:**** Tools to reinforce skills learned in the educational modules, including daily logs and journals.

****Mindfulness Library:**** Valuable resources to learn and practice mindfulness and meditation.

## Go at Your Own Pace

You can complete TAO at your own pace, whether that's just one session a day, or perhaps two whole modules. It's entirely up to you. Some of the modules available include:

You may select from two versions of this pathway: one focuses on broad life experiences, while the other is tailored to the challenges of the college student. In either version, you will learn to recognize and understand how your thoughts influence your feelings and behaviors. By learning to catch negative thoughts and consider them in a more positive light, you will find that you begin to act with greater confidence. As you realize you have control over your thoughts, you'll worry less about the challenges ahead, knowing that you have the ability to persist through difficulties.

Resilience is the psychological concept of successfully processing and adapting to change and stress; this pathway guides you to a place where you can begin to accept and embrace your life fully- even its challenges. Improving your abilities to accept and adapt to unexpected events in your life can lead to marked improvement in both functioning and mood. In addition to learning mindfulness techniques that allow you to practice being in the present moment, you will also begin to clarify and understand your own personal values. By committing to living a life that follows those priorities, you will likely find greater peace and well-being.

Relationships can be challenging sometimes. This pathway will help you understand how to improve your relationships by building communication skills, learning to recognize unhealthy relationship behaviors, and finding ways to manage anger. You'll also learn how to respond more effectively to others.

When life feels low, it's easy to think negatively. This pathway will encourage you to find ways to think more positively; in doing so, you'll notice that you don't feel quite as blue anymore. As you learn to pay attention to your thoughts and find ways to view situations in a more constructive light, you'll find that your behaviors become more positive as well. This pathway also includes a section on mindfulness techniques, which will help you learn to be present in your life and find peace in the moment.

This pathway will teach you that there is some truth behind the phrase "fake it till you make it." When we feel down, it's easy to begin to withdraw from others, which leads to a cycle of continuing to feel blue. By learning to challenge yourself to engage with your life, even when you don't initially feel like it, you'll actually begin to feel better and think more positively.

This pathway is for people seeking more knowledge and information about the role substances play in their lives. In these lessons, you will reflect on your own choices regarding alcohol and drug use, and make a plan for any changes you'd like to make in these behaviors.

## Further Instructions

Once you've logged in, you will find a variety of easy-to-use resources to explore--assessments, videos, mindfulness guides, and activity logs. Many of these resources can also be accessed through the TAO Mobile app, available from the Apple Store and Google Play.

Download on the App Store

App Store

Get it on Google Play

Google Play

TAO Self-Screening Tool

If you need help in determining which modules will be beneficial for you, this screening will ask you a few questions in each area and provide some feedback along with some ideas about next steps you can take.

TAO Self-Screening