On line therapy (also referred to as Internet therapy, distance therapy, cyber
therapy or e-therapy) is used to describe the variety of ways a qualified
counselor or psychotherapist can communicate with you over the Internet and also
telephone. It may consist of emotional support, mental health help and advice or
the same professional services clients receive in face-to-face therapy. It could
be as brief as one question, or an ongoing conversation. It may take the form of
e-mail, chat, video or even Online world phone (voice-over-IP).
Online
therapy is not the same as traditional face-to-face hypnosis. There are some
people it will not work as well for. However , there does exist mounting
evidence that it is very effective for some. An Australian examiner, Gavin
Andrews, recently published a study in Australian in addition to New Zealand
Journal of Psychiatry that indicates the fact that Internet-based therapies are
as successful as traditional solutions in treating depression.
Also
significant is the fact that many more people need treatment method than those
who are already receiving it. For many the stigma associated with seeking mental
health treatment still gets in the way, or possibly trust issues make it
difficult to sit with someone one on one while revealing personal information.
Online therapy can also feel healthier or like a good first step for those who
feel overwhelmed along at the prospect of seeking help and the trust risks
anxious. For example , many sexual abuse survivors report that they come to feel
too frightened to see a therapist in person, at least in the basic stages of
their healing. It may be much less frightening for them to attain therapy online
from the safety and familiarity of their own home.
On considering the
possibility of online hypnosis it is important to consider the potential health
benefits and areas of concern. The following lists are not all inclusive however
, hopefully give you a starting point.
When might Online Therapy often be
a good choice for you?
You are struggling with an anxiety disorder,
agoraphobia or other issues that make it difficult to attend traditional
therapy
You reside in a rural area
It is hard to find therapists with the
know-how you seek in your area (LGBT affirming therapists or include those with
expertise in complex trauma might be examples)
You are fast paced, travel out
of town for work, have a schedule that combats with typical office hours
available: email therapy would probably let you compose your message at your own
pace plus send it at any time.
You feel concerned about issues of faith,
privacy, disclosure, being seen
You a physical disability or even mobility
issues which makes getting to traditional therapy too problematic
You have an
easier time writing rather than speaking certain complications. This is often
the case for trauma survivors
You have never used therapy and feel this would
be an easier way to start
You'd like a good written record (with email or
chat forms of therapy) to review as needed. This can be especially useful if
mind issues are present, for example with dissociative amnesia.
What you need
to consider before starting Online Therapy?
Online Therapy is not the ideal
resource for people in immediate crisis. Crisis lines, a local walk-in clinic or
emergency room may be better options. If you happen to or someone else is
actively suicidal, you can call 1-800-SUICIDE.
Online Therapy is still a
relatively new field. Make sure you make contact with a practitioner who is
experienced in general and aware of the exact risks as well as the
advantages.
Match the form of Online Therapy for a strengths: If you're going
to work with a therapist by e-mail or perhaps chat, you must be comfortable
writing expressively, informally, and in certain detail. If you don't like to
write, or if you tend to misinterpret written communication, videoconferencing
or Internet phone would be more beneficial options.
As in any form of
therapy, you must be ready share your thoughts, feelings and self for therapy to
very much work. This may be even more the case when your therapiust does not
have nonverbal information to draw from.
How comfortable/familiar are you
through technology? Those new to email, chat or video communications may have a
harder adjustment.
You should have a way to contact the very therapist in
case technology fails. For example , if your computer fails in the middle of a
session, do you have the therapist's phone number?
Think about even more
privacy/confidentiality issues specific to these formats: others' having access
to your hard drive or email accounts (using a work computer is never the best
idea), accidentally sending email to the wrong address, encryption and storage
issues.
Be sure that the online therapist clearly distinguishes their
credentials, areas of expertise. Ideally, you should be able to find out these,
for example through a licensing board.
