Navigating Dating Sunday: Telehealth Therapy for Relationships

November 24, 2025

Dating Sunday, the first Sunday of January and year's busiest online dating day, presents an ideal opportunity to address relationship challenges through telehealth therapy with licensed clinical social workers who provide evidence-based support for dating anxiety, boundary setting, and healthy relationship development.

Ever feel anxious about putting yourself out there again? Dating Sunday might spark hope for new connections, but it can also bring up past relationship wounds and fears—here's how telehealth therapy can help you navigate dating with confidence and emotional clarity.

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Dating Sunday: Strategies To Navigate Telehealth Therapy

To some people, Dating Sunday can be an opportunity to reflect on relationship goals and mental wellbeing. As one of the busiest online dating days of the year, it’s also a time when many consider seeking support for relationship challenges. Below, learn the meaning of Dating Sunday and strategies to approach mental health support through telehealth therapy this year.

Dating Sunday on the first Sunday of January

Every year, the first Sunday in January is Dating Sunday. According to Newsweek, Dating Sunday is the busiest day of the year for online dating. A survey of 3,000 people conducted by the dating site Hinge found a 29% hike in messages and a 27% hike in “likes” on Dating Sunday in 2023, compared to the figures for an average Sunday.

The significance of the new year

The new year marks a fresh start for many people seeking to improve their relationships and mental health. The beginning of January often inspires reflection on personal growth and connection goals. The new year brings hope as one chapter ends and another begins, making it an ideal time to consider how telehealth therapy might support your relationship journey.

Strategies for connection: The new year ahead

Dating and relationships can create both anticipation and nervousness. Some people include in their New Year’s resolutions a desire to approach relationships in a way that is open yet protective of their mental health. The following are some strategies that ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers recommend for navigating relationships in the year ahead.

Moderating expectations

Relationships can be exciting, but entering dating situations with high expectations may lead to disappointment. Our licensed clinical social workers encourage clients to remain open to opportunities while setting realistic expectations. Many people experience challenges with this balance, so if you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone.

Being open to new therapeutic approaches

People often approach therapy with certain expectations about how it should work. However, being open to different therapeutic modalities can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. ReachLink’s telehealth platform allows you to connect with licensed clinical social workers who can help you explore new approaches to relationship challenges, even if they differ from your initial expectations.

Scheduling dedicated therapy sessions

In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to prioritize mental health. Setting a regular schedule for telehealth therapy sessions can help you maintain consistency in your mental health journey. ReachLink’s flexible scheduling allows you to book video sessions that fit your lifestyle, whether that’s once weekly or on a schedule that works best for you.

How to set boundaries

When navigating relationships, setting healthy boundaries is essential. Many people struggle with establishing appropriate limits, whether it’s with potential partners or within existing relationships. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers can help you identify your personal boundaries and develop effective communication strategies to express them. Through secure video sessions, you can work on building relationship skills that honor your needs while fostering meaningful connections.

Getting support with relationship challenges

While the above strategies may be useful for navigating relationships, sometimes professional support can make all the difference. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers provide an objective outside perspective on situations in a person’s dating and relationship life. Our therapists might use an approach like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people identify and replace negative and inaccurate thoughts they have about themselves or their relationships.

Telehealth therapy for finding connection: The new year ahead

Some people may be uncomfortable discussing their relationship situations in a conventional in-office therapy setting. With ReachLink’s telehealth platform, you can engage in therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Our secure video conferencing provides a comfortable environment to discuss sensitive relationship topics with a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in relationship issues, couples therapy, and family dynamics.

In recent years, numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. One study published in 2017 found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective for several mental disorders, including depression and social anxiety disorder, both of which may cause challenges with dating and relationships.

Takeaway

Dating Sunday, which occurs on the first Monday of January every year, is considered the busiest day of the year for dating apps. This day can serve as an opportunity to reflect on your relationship goals and consider how telehealth therapy might support your journey. Dating and relationships can bring out nervousness and memories of past hurtful experiences. If you’re experiencing emotional challenges related to dating or relationships, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink’s telehealth platform. Take the first step toward healthier relationships by reaching out for professional support today.


FAQ

  • When should someone consider therapy for dating or relationship concerns?

    Consider therapy when dating feels overwhelming, you notice recurring relationship patterns that cause distress, or when past experiences affect your ability to form healthy connections. Therapy can also help if you struggle with self-worth, communication skills, or setting boundaries in relationships.

  • How can therapy help with dating anxiety and confidence issues?

    Therapy uses evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns and social anxiety. Therapists help you build self-confidence, develop healthy coping strategies, and practice communication skills in a supportive environment.

  • What therapeutic approaches are effective for relationship challenges?

    Common approaches include CBT for changing unhelpful thought patterns, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation, and attachment-based therapy to understand relationship styles. Talk therapy also helps explore past experiences that influence current relationship behaviors.

  • How does telehealth therapy work for relationship counseling?

    Telehealth therapy provides the same quality care as in-person sessions through secure video platforms. It offers convenience, privacy, and consistent access to licensed therapists, making it easier to maintain regular sessions while working on relationship goals and emotional well-being.

  • Can therapy help me understand my relationship patterns better?

    Yes, therapy helps identify recurring patterns in your relationships by exploring your attachment style, communication habits, and emotional responses. Understanding these patterns allows you to make conscious changes and develop healthier relationship dynamics moving forward.

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