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. Read the rest of this entry »