Bloom: CBT Therapy & Journal Reviews

by Slice Twice

I downloaded this on a whim and realized quickly the format isn’t a good fit for me. I cannot believe no where on Bloom or website is a place to edit your subscription information. How can you promote a free trial and explicit rules to cancel before it is up to not be charged but then not offer a way to cancel it? I had wrongly assumed this would be the case. The website has a contact us button that links the a privacy policy and is not functioning. There is no where else that an email or phone number is offered to get in touch. My only choice was to respond back to the automated welcome email and ask for help but I doubt that will get a response. I feel like Bloom is trying to be too minimalist and design focused that it lacks basic functionality like contact or account information. Do not download this if you aren’t sure about it or don’t have the money for the yearly subscription because chances are I’m going to need to dispute this with my credit card.

by AliB67

UPDATE: I received a response, however nothing has changed. I still don’t see any entries besides check-ins. Also, I’m stuck on repeat for the second time since I started. The Morning Show part has been the exact same one for days now. It’s supposed to be a different one daily. I keep saying this in feedback after the session, which apparently, no on actually reads. Once, it was the same one for a week. So instead of calming me or motivating me for the day, I’m aggravated and don’t want to bother with this. Neither of these issues are hard to fix, so you must not care.

Other than check-ins, you’re asked to do a daily intention and answer other self-reflecting questions. All of that is great but no way to go back and reflect on any of it. I want to see what I’ve written. I have to screenshot any answers or intentions and since I didn’t know I had to do this at first, I’ve lost the first few days. I want to see if I’ve done my intentions and how far I’ve come. I’ve reached out to support and on the second attempt, I was told it’s being “worked on”. Now eta of when resolved given. I’ve now asked twice for a timeframe because if this is not fixed soon, I would like a refund. Too bad, because there is potential here. I can’t keep taking screenshots of every answer. Disappointed.

by Cibocinese

I’ve been using this app off and on for a few months and it’s been a good introduction to CBT. I think I’m going to soon look for another resource though, for two reasons: one, Bloom is very glitchy; two, the categories are inflexible and hard to adapt. Unfortunately, reason number one has just gotten worse. Just today I’ve had to reinstall Bloom because it wouldn’t open. Even after reinstalling Bloom crashed once and also had a glitch where I couldn’t scroll down to see all the categories. I’m not even through with the session so I imagine the session will also be interrupted by the usual choppy audio and skipping of sections (when the video section goes into a writing section it often just skips forward not allowing you to write anything). It’s interesting that they would test out such underdeveloped and unreliable software on people seeking emotional help. I try to enjoy the irony of this in order to get through, but the joke is wearing thin.

And... it just froze several more times and skipped another writing section. I’m gonna look for another resource.

by VictoriaSilvis

I’m new to Bloom and want to use for self care, and take control of my mental health. Unlike people who can’t take care of themselves it may be tough doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for them, and as for myself I want to take control of my mental health, depression, and take care of my self, especially during these hard times in the middle of the pandemic.

I want to get access to using Bloom and I have to pay unfortunately. What’s up with developers making people pay monthly or yearly? No offense, could you make Bloom one time payment instead of different payment options? No one is going to buy $399 app when it’s purpose to use for mental health, self care, and taking control of your mental illness in healthy ways. The price is ridiculous. At least make the in app purchase for Bloom a one time payment than monthly, yearly payment. Make it $25 or $30. Wouldn’t it be fair if it’s not overpriced and something people can afford? People wants to use mental health apps for self care, their mental health, and their overall well being not pay a lot of money.

I want to get lifetime access and don’t want to pay yearly or monthly. Seriously…think of the real purpose for people using Bloom . Don’t make it overly expensive and make it affordable as I mention $25 or $30. You can do better than having to pay $399.

by Pngwnlvr

I sent an email about this also. Bloom is definitely heading a good direction. I am
a CBT-focused therapist and constantly looking for tools to offer my
clients. The one thing that I feel requires an immediate fix is the lack of transparency around pricing IN Bloom SETTINGS. I can dig around and find it, but people shouldn't have to do that. I'm noticing a few comments in the same vein here. When I'm using an app-based service of any kind that in some way or some version requires payment, I should be able to go into the settings for payment and billing info to see what, when, how I am being charged. Any company that stands behind it's product should feel comfortable with this. I actually really believe in Bloom and can't understand why this app wouldn't do that. Please don't add a stressor to users that may already be dealing with financial anxiety. Part of accessibility is affordability and being able to access that information in a timely, transparent way.

by Secretknurd

My therapist was on an almost three-month leave and, with no true friends to talk to, I was severely isolated. I decided that I would use the time to work on the things I would normally have worked on with her. CBT was a big one and, thankfully, I found this app. I tried it and loved it almost immediately. I didn't even think twice when I started getting charged monthly for it.

My only issue with it is that sometimes when doing a smaller video session, the journal prompt won't come up, or it'll randomly pop up in the middle of a sentence and completely throw off my rhythm. This can be rather stress-inducing because you may want to just dump all your thoughts out before you “meditate” on them, but suddenly you're forced to try and hold onto them while also listening to what the CBT guide is saying and hoping that the prompt shows up all at once.

One thing I also would like to see is some incorporation of MBTI, as demonstrated in some of their Instagram ads. That's what drew me in, in the first place, and it was sort of disappointing not to explore more personalized sessions based on personality and preferences.

by Sporkism

I have been in therapy for several months now and she has been nudging me to keep track of my thoughts and how I’m feeling. I randomly stumbled across this in an ad, and I’m so glad I tried it. I love that the sessions and prompts guide you through everything so you don’t have to think too hard — just answer the prompts and let your brain dump it all out. I like being able to type as little or as much as I want. I also love the other types of prompts for goals, affirmations, and the breathing exercises.

The sessions are so soothing and they keep me engaged with writing prompts interspersed throughout. While I don’t think this is a substitute for therapy, it’s a great and relatively affordable companion to it and I could see this helping me through times I couldn’t get to a therapist.

I’m deducting a star because I wish the stats were more robust. I want to be able to track how I’m feeling over a longer period of time than just the current week so I can identify any correlations or patterns in my mood. I hope that can be implemented in the future.

Also, ignore the boomers in the other reviews crying about getting scammed. There’s literally a section in the settings called “Manage Subscription” that tells you how to cancel through Bloom Store. 🙄

by Kss.stricker

The Good: The videos definitely help calm me and create mental space for me. Love the simple science shared about the techniques used. Definitely helps to understand what’s happening with my body and what the actionable steps are I can take to help myself.

Needs Improvement:
1. The recent update (Sept 2020) has Bloom crashing every time I get to the part in the video where it asks me what I want to work on today. I literally can’t use the daily this app video session... 2. Prior to update Bloom had glitched during a few videos skipping past the ability to make entries even though it asks you to. Can’t go back to it without doing whole video session again.
3. It doesn’t save all my entries, only some and they’re not all consistent of what ones it saves. I took good notes on what actions I could take for one video and they’re nowhere to be found. Bummer.
4. It says I’ve unlocked new exercises but there is nowhere to access them. While o did contact their help team, they said this feature to access these is not something that is available yet. Interesting to offer an inaccessible feature. Plus side is Elizabeth was super friendly and prompt to help.
4. You cannot drag the video player forward or back if you want to skip past something (app crashes and you have to start video session all over again), or want to repeat something.

by Dudeddr

I’ve been in therapy for a year now. I’ll say this is one of the best supplements to improving my mental health. In a way this app can be better than therapy. The very extensive library of quick ~8-12 min modules covers a wide range of topics that includes even the most niche circumstances in life. Just pick one that suits what’s happening and it’ll provide techniques and framings to calm the negative emotions. Everything is on my phone, so I’ve even done some modules while at work during the exact moment when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I especially like the interactive component in most modules where I have to write a quick sentence or two to describing what I’m feeling. This is honestly the best use of money I’ve spent toward my mental health.

by Cocospears

I absolutely love this app!!!! I’ve tried several other CBT/meditation apps and this one is my favorite and has been the most helpful for me. If you need more therapy than meditation then this is Bloom for you. The sessions are not heavy in meditation, which I like. I need to hear the right words, advice, encouragement, and solutions than lots of breathing. I love the guide, Mike. I find him very kind and soothing. It’s like having a therapist or good friend talking to you. The advice given is priceless and easy to understand and follow. My happiness, gratitude, and awareness and handling of my negative thoughts have improved so much in just a couple weeks. I’m seriously thankful for Bloom and highly recommend it if you’re dealing with negative thoughts, anxiety/stress, sadness, and negative self-talk. Bravo and thank you to the creators.

by Flv517

Best app on earth. After having a Masters in engineering, then studying UX Design this is one of the cleanest, simple, and nicest looking apps I've ever encounter. And take it from a guy who is now 35 and been paying through therapy sessions since age 27. Also being part of the LGBT community, being formerly bullied and tessed in middle, high school, and even a bit in college - life has been stressful. Never mind childhood distress where I also tried to no longer loce past the age of 14. I wanted a peaceful life but the conditions that surrounded me in America were anything but (I was born on a peaceful island an Portugal that was like paradise). The less than 10 sessions have meant more to me than the 8 years of therapy and 3 hospitalizations I've had (include one at McLean which is "best in the country")

by Crazy Dancing Monster

I can’t say enough good things about this app CBT. I’ve been struggling with intense panic attacks/ panic disorder for several years as well as depression to the point where I have not been able to drive my own car. Like many, 2020 brought out more of these symptoms and it was difficult to cope. I did not have immediate access to a good psychologist and so I started drowning in work, family, marriage and health problems.

That said. I started using this app and it has greatly helped in all aspects of my life. I’ve been able to start my day with CBT and I also write my takeaways from this app in a journal. I use this time in the mornings to set my intentions for the day and start on a positive note. The writing exercises have helped me realize my thought patterns and how I can make small adjustments in many areas. Also, the breathing exercises have helped me to re-learn how to breath properly and remind myself to breath when experiencing any anxious thoughts/feelings. After I finish my this app session, I exercise via bike riding or something else. A combination of cardio and strength training.

If you are drowning in depression, anxiety and daily pressure, use this app each day to stay positive and work on yourself. Put in the work and watch how much progress you can make in a short time.

by AlyRainey

Today is only my first day, but the content, empowering words, calm voices, and lack of personal bias towards my inability to always clearly articulate my words and thoughts is OVERWHELMING HELPFUL! I can respond, think as long as I need to, get my words aligned, and channel my response without worry or fear of judgement or that the seconds are ticking by and the dollar signs for my session are adding up. That type of suffocating pressure doesn’t allow me to focus on what is being asked and to be in the moment. But this was a beautifully relaxing CBT intro and I am so excited for tomorrow - I want to do more now! Thank you, this app, from a 37-year old millennial who has struggled with childhood traumas, “gifted student” perception, ADHD delayed diagnoses, generalized anxiety disorder, and someone who can no longer pretend that my coping mechanisms are healthy or sustainable!

by Dr. Grumpinstein

I absolutely love Bloom. When I feel sad and want a motherly voice to tell me it’s okay, I go to this app for a quick session of crying and getting out stress I’m holding in. Absolutely love the current modern topics you have covered and even mention during the videos. HOWEVER as much as I appreciate both these coaches and the option to choose who to talk to me, I absolutely love Shernita. Her gentle and soft motherly voice really adds a soothing comforting touch when I need comfort. But I am sad and disappointed so many topics that I need do not have Shernita. Mike is sweet but I can not connect to much or get much comfort that I need that I get from Shernita. And I know others may relate. Do Please make more sessions with Shernita and for ones that are missing in some very crucial sessions including anxiety and depression. I started slowing down on coming to Bloom as Id just get sad every time I’d check in but the sessions I need wouldn’t have her.

by T Het

I usually never take the time to review an app, even if I like it. I don’t just like Bloom, I LOVE it. this app is probably my favorite app on my phone, and here’s why:

I’m a college student, and when I return to school, I find that my time is extremely limited to take care of myself the way I should. Between course work, my new job, and managing my relationships and friendships, there’s often no time for me. That can get isolating and overwhelming.

I love that this app is designed for those who don’t have a ton of time to spend on managing their emotions. When I click on Bloom each morning, there’s a series of activities to complete. They take me a maximum of 30 minutes each day, and the best part is that I don’t have to complete them consecutively or all at once. This, to me, is what makes this app less underwhelming than other systems. For example, I used to journal my thoughts about a certain subject for an hour, and was required to do this everyday. Doing the same thing over and over got tiring, and wasn’t sustainable. I even fell asleep during these journals. And sometimes, I just couldn’t find the time to do them all at once. this app’s videos are always new and different each day, so I never find myself complacent. They’re very engaging and often change my perspective about myself.

Bloom really WORKS, and it ALWAYS makes me feel better when I’m down. Highly recommend to anyone.

by RAMster80

I love using Bloom for therapy. I wish they had more sessions that deal with more specific issues particularly for those suffering from chronic mental illness. I enjoy interacting with the video sessions. They’ve helped me through some extremely tough situations. Moments when I was very hopeless and lost. Bloom should incorporate DBT as well. I would love to see the design change. The user experience leaves something to be desired. I wish Bloom would recommend sessions for me to watch based on what I write in the check in and sessions. I wish there were more options to choose from for how I’m feeling and the reasons why I feel that way. It would be really nice if I could see a graph of my moods over a month and go back to watch out for trends. Being able to make random Journal entries and export data would be really nice too. But overall, I absolutely love self-therapy thanks to this app. This is an amazing app with so much potential!

by Mcbeal1125

I went into therapy after passing out only behind the wheel 4 years ago. Brain scans showed nothing wrong so our final solution was to see if it was stress related. After going I felt I could fly after only a couple weeks and since leaving therapy about 3 1/2 years ago I haven’t felt quite like it since and I didn’t have the money to go back. After a move across seas during COVID I was due to start passing out again but then after a blow out with my husband I found Bloom and after a while things got easier and easier. I introduced this app into my daily routine and I regained that flying feeling again one winters day and it kind of snuck up on me; but I’ve been waiting for Bloom for a long time. It brings the help to my fingertips whenever I need it and you can’t put a price on that kind of assurance! ❤️ thank you this app. You’ve given me my wings again to conquer anything life throws my way.

by MedTech93

I came across Bloom 30min ago while scrolling on a depressive wall full of the achievements on my Instagram feed. I took a leap of faith and accepted the free trail. All I can say from a VERY skeptical person millennial, is that this was by far the most relief I had felt in any therapy app that I’ve downloaded (and no, I don’t work or have any association with this company). Being able to write down how I feel, get the questions that my mind is scared to ask itself and have this interactive session with my own brain was both relaxing and enlightening. Sorry for sounding cheesy all of a sudden, but feeling very grateful for being alive right now, so sharing the goodness with anyone who’s curious if this would work at all. We’re all different, so my advise is to give it a go, and if not for you then you have 7 days to leave before they bill you- so you won’t lose anything and instead gain at least some wisdom about yourself to help you get through a bad day... Anyways, thank you Mike for sharing your calm voice and pleasant face with the world!

by Amj_1208

I have suffered anxiety my entire life. I have always felt controlled by it. I have leaned on bad habits. I have gone to in person therapy before. Over time, I realized how journaling has helped me work on these awful habits and overcoming my anxiety. And while I have touched on CBT in past therapy, there wasn’t something I could find that helped bring the two together that didn’t cost an arm and a leg with in person therapy! And then I found Bloom... wow has this been a game changer. I LOVE the CBT sessions and combination of journaling and learning and actively working on your specific situations. Bloom takes therapy to a whole new level. As someone who embraces mindfulness and meditation, it’s not solely focused on that (even though it helps and is part of it!). It helps you to embrace your own situations and emotions. It truly is a wonderful app. I would highly recommend to anyone who is willing to embrace a new way of therapy. Also love that you can set gentle nudges or reminders to check in. That has honestly helped me to remind myself to keep at it! Thanks this app for making me feel like I can tackle anything!

by A Hurt And Healing Human Being

Around 6 years ago, I tried working with several CBT therapists. I grew up in an invalidating environment, so I’m particularly sensitive to subtle invalidation. I felt like each of the CBT therapists I saw subtly invalidated what I felt by dismissing those feelings and focusing on my problematic behaviors. I couldn’t do the work when I felt overwhelmed with shame from feeling like a problem. I eventually settled into working with a bodywork therapist because they listened to what I felt and never judged me for the irrational behaviors I sometimes take.

With this app, I finally get the value of CBT. I still have the bodywork techniques to settle my nervous system once I get worked up. And this app helps me to settle my thoughts so I don’t get worked up in the first place. I can do the work with this app because it treats me with compassion and validation. It never made me feel like a problem, and yet it still challenges me to be a better person.

by MatthiasIam

Bloom is pretty great when it works, but there is this odd feeling of repetition if you come back every day and press “Continue” as if it’s replaying the same stuff from yesterday. It might be and it’s a glitch, or it’s not and Bloom doesn’t do a good job of explaining what’s happening.
Should I be pressing continue, or the button under it that it suggest based on my last session? Should I do the suggestion the same day or is that the next days work? Just a bit confusing.
Also the analysis and analytics are wrong. I’ve done it three days in a row but it says I skipped 4 days. It’s misattributing dates with days, odd.
All in all even with these issues it’s still a great journey, but I expect them to be fixed if paying.

by You Crossed The Line

This is one of my favorite apps but after being charged almost $75 for an annual subscription, it will not provide premium service, even though I shave off and reloaded several times and unfortunately, they leave no means in which to contact them therefore I am forced to give a less than favorable review and will have to file a formal dispute of charges with my Credit Card as it only worked right for one month and $75 for one month is a bit too much. Great app when it works but there should be a reliable means of contact fir when it doesn’t.

by Meyou884

There are so many options on Bloom. It provides activities that are morning or evening specific and color codes them to differentiate. It covers ideas like anxiety but also gaining confidence. My only issue is that although there are a lot of options for topics, there are not that many different exercises to do. However, I imagine it is helpful to do the exercises multiple times.

by Jenellecat

Instantly made me feel calm and good using it. Relieved stress and love the little meditation exercises. Better than some meditation apps. I feel like I'm learning and feel a sense of accomplishment using Bloom it makes me happy. Love the mood tracker. I think this can be worked on a lil more. Check out Daylio as a reference when updating Bloom . It's a little more in depth but I think Bloom is on the right track. Beautiful app, great vibes. Also one last thing I notice if I pause a video too long. It glitches out Bloom . And the voice still thinks I can write but it closes out and I have nowhere I can write my diary entry.

by ABangeleno

I love Bloom because it allows you take 10 minutes when ever you want to slow down and reconnect with yourself. It’s based off behavioral cognitive therapy. You can rate your mood, journal within each exercise and you can choose what you want to focus on that day. There also other mini exercises you can choose to work on for example, confidence, anger management, negative self talk, etc.
It’s great in a time like this (during the pandemic) to be able to work on myself daily. Most days I feel fine but it’s really helpful when I’m feeling down. I also feel good knowing I have put sometime aside for me.

by Dag The Viking

this app has a great platform to better understand and deal with all the emotions we deal with in our day to day. I love starting my day off with it and then it feels good to wrap my day up and process all what happened with it and sleep better.
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone no matter if you are secure or you have anxiety and stress all the time, there’s something for everyone.

by Zenlander47

Bloom makes mental health approachable. As someone who works with children with a variety of mental health issues I can speak directly to how this product creates a feeling of safety with the user (me). I personally love the interactions that really make me think about my usage. It’s like having a pocket therapist at anytime for a really low cost, AND, it’s design is super user friendly. 5 out 5. Will be using for years.

by Natalie Pfund

I’m very fast paced... I love the way Bloom makes me have to slow down to receive a positive and healing message. I’m a life coach myself... and love to give this gift to others, — and I really appreciate the gift of receiving. The topics and lessons are really thoughtful and in point. Bloom is modern, sleek, and user friendly. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to bring more mindfulness and presence into their daily life.

by CatRobu

At a time when I feel like I’m on an emotional roller coaster, this app has been incredibly helpful! I’m more centered and have been able to keep my anxiety under control. CBT helps solidify my thoughts. The mix of daily programs and being able to explore topics in my own really works well for me! I would recommend this app to everyone....we all have areas that need improving!

by Bells.15

Bloom is purely amazing. It takes away all the stigma surrounding mental wellness. The pace of this app is just right, not overwhelming and not so slow that you feel you’ve accomplished nothing. It offers a connection with yourself and growth that I have only ever found in two therapists I used to see. It is by far the least expensive method for real results.

by DBosgra

As a physician, I know that CBT is one of the proven techniques to treat all sorts of mental illness including depression, anxiety which are super common in today’s society. Bloom is a great way to take control of your life and re-connect with yourself. The instructors voice is super calming, it only takes 10 mins per day and can do it from the comfort of my own home. Recommended!

by Yhis Is Yummy!

I typically don’t do reviews BUT this one right here! Bloom, makes me feel so at peace. On a physical and mental level. I feel like I’m understanding myself and getting to the root cause of why I am where I am today. Getting more in tune with my true self! Thank you for Bloom! I love the video guide and how questions are asked and I can answer them in such an eloquent way💕

by VeronicaHarwoodFitness

Have you ever went to A yoga session or meditation, had an amazing experience. You want to continue the self love journey but doing it alone isn’t for you. Well that’s me. And every since I found this app I’m
Able to have my own personal meditation session. I love Bloom. Great for beginner and those wanting to really dig deeper into themselves but to busy to remember.

by Tintnt

I really like the brief but very relevant, focused sessions. The presenter also has a great way of presenting high yield material in a very non- confrontational, neutral manner that I find calming. Would definitely recommend Bloom for those who don’t have a lot of time, but are looking to incorporate more time for themselves and work on self-care and growth.

by Tmacs Hair Studio

Bloom is super! The man in the videos gives me instant comfort and I usually do not feel at all like listening to a man speak about my feelings. Bloom is well thought out and has actually made me want to continue through my trial each day.