Online Therapy: is it For You?

Line therapy (also called Internet therapy, cyber-therapy, at a distance e-therapy or therapy) is used to describe the variety of ways a counselor or psychotherapist can communicate with you on the Internet or by telephone. What is the emotional support, mental health, or even clients receive professional services in the face to face therapy. It could be as short as a question, or conversation. It may be in the form of an e-mail, chat, video conferencing and Internet telephony (VoIP).

Online is not the same as the traditional face to face psychotherapy. Some people do not work for both. However, it shows that it is very effective for some. An Australian researcher, Gavin Andrews, has recently published a study in Australia and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry suggests that therapies based on the Internet are the traditional approaches of success in the treatment of depression.

Equally important is the fact that many more people need treatment than those who are already receiving. For many, the stigma associated with seeking treatment for mental health is still on the road, or issues of trust, it is difficult to be with someone in person, while revealing personal information. Online may also feel more safe or a good first step for those who feel overwhelmed with the idea to ask for help and trust of the risks. For example, many survivors of sexual abuse report that they too are afraid of seeing a therapist in person, at least in the early stages of healing. May be much less traumatic for them to receive therapy on-line, safety and familiarity of their home.

When considering online therapy, it is important to consider the potential benefits and areas of concern. The following lists are not all inclusive, but hopefully give you a starting point.

When perhaps the on-line therapy a good choice for you?

You are faced with an anxiety, agoraphobia or other problems that make it difficult to attend traditional therapy

* You live in a rural area

* It ‘hard to find therapists who are seeking their expertise in the field (LGBT therapists with credit or experience in trauma could be examples)

* We are committed to travel out of town for work, have a program that conflicts with the usual office hours are available: e-mail therapy comprising the message to send its own pace, anytime.

* Do you feel concerned about issues of trust, confidentiality, disclosure, as seen

* Do you have a physical disability or mobility that allows access to traditional therapies too difficult

* E ‘easier to write that to talk about certain subjects. This is often the case for the survivors of trauma

* Have you ever tried therapy and it would be an easier way to start

* Do you want a written (e-mail or IM forms of therapy), to consider, if necessary. This can be particularly useful if the memory problems are present, for example, the dissociative amnesia.

Should be considered before starting treatment on-line?

* The line is the best resource for people in immediate crisis. The crisis, an appointment at a clinic or emergency room can be the best options. If you or someone commits suicide, call 1-800-SUICIDE.

* The line is still a relatively new area. Be sure to find a doctor who is known in general, and aware of the risks and specific benefits.

* Corresponds to the form of on-line therapy for your strengths: if you want to work with a therapist by email or chat, you must be expressly written comfortable, informal and, in some detail. You can write, or if they tend to misinterpret the written, video phone or Internet would be more choices.

* As with any form of therapy, you should be ready to share their thoughts, feelings and self-determination for the treatment of work. This is the case, even when they do not therapiust to exploit non-verbal information.

* How comfortable / familiar with the technology? These new e-mail, chat or video conference in May to have more trouble adjusting.

* You must be a way to contact the therapist if the technology fails. For example, if your computer hangs in the middle of a session, you have the telephone number of your therapist?

* Think about privacy and confidentiality issues specific to these formats: other people have access to your computer or email account (with a team is never a good idea), sending e-mail by mistake the wrong direction storage and encoding.

* Make sure that the therapist clearly identified, in line with their credentials, areas of specialization. Ideally, you should be able to verify it, eg through a licensing board.

* Possibility of misunderstandings due to different media. It can be hard to read your e-mail or chat! Might be prepared to develop or to seek clarification, rather than assume the worst?

Do not hesitate to contact us for your questions about on-line therapy.