Online therapy, email therapy, virtual therapy, cyber-counseling, e-therapy: they all refer to therapy or counseling using the internet, most often by email. Online counseling is a powerful tool for helping people to gain insight and resolve the problems that interfere with the quality of their lives. Therapists typically use email exchanges in online counseling work, and may supplement them with phone sessions (if necessary or requested) at appropriate points in the process.
Pros: Online counseling has a liberating effect. People feel safer, and can write about their thoughts, feelings and issues freely. This often allows them to get to the root of problems more quickly than in traditional face-to-face therapy.
There is a natural time delay during e-mail exchanges, allowing space for reflection on all that has been written. Counter-intuitively, the time delay can speed up the therapeutic process by assisting clients in sorting out feelings, beliefs and thoughts.
The convenience of virtual therapy is no match for traditional face-to-face therapy. It is the first therapy that actually encourages clients to send messages to their counselors at any time of the day or night while writing as much or as little as they wish.
E-therapy makes counseling accessible. Whether somebody has an emotional or physical handicap that interferes with travelling or someone can't find day care for their baby, online counseling provides a therapeutic framework right from home.
Unlike traditional therapy, online counseling provides a useful record of the counseling sessions. The e-mail exchanges allow the client and therapist to look back on their work together and evaluate it.
Online counseling is less expensive than traditional alternatives. There is no need for gas or travel, and people only pay for the time it takes their therapist to read their communications and write replies.
Cons: In online therapy or phone sessions, therapists cannot watch facial expressions and other behaviors to better understand what a client is feeling. It is possible to have misunderstandings. Because of this, online counseling is NOT easy for the therapist, despite the fact that it costs the client far less than traditional therapy.
Clients need to be able to put their thoughts and feelings into writing, and write about themselves in a fairly articulate way.
E-counseling isn't for everyone. People with severe emotional difficulties, who are currently in crisis, those who are under the age of 18 or who are suicidal should seek a more traditional counseling environment.
Online therapists cannot yet provide their clients with a formal diagnosis.
Cyber-counseling is relatively new, and naturally experimental.
Online counseling should not be embraced because of its pioneering nature any more than it should be avoided because it strays from the traditional path. Today's technological leaps can empower people with access to therapy that is cost-effective, convenient and competent. It is well worth exploring to discover if this therapy may be a good choice for you or someone you love.
Pros: Online counseling has a liberating effect. People feel safer, and can write about their thoughts, feelings and issues freely. This often allows them to get to the root of problems more quickly than in traditional face-to-face therapy.
There is a natural time delay during e-mail exchanges, allowing space for reflection on all that has been written. Counter-intuitively, the time delay can speed up the therapeutic process by assisting clients in sorting out feelings, beliefs and thoughts.
The convenience of virtual therapy is no match for traditional face-to-face therapy. It is the first therapy that actually encourages clients to send messages to their counselors at any time of the day or night while writing as much or as little as they wish.
E-therapy makes counseling accessible. Whether somebody has an emotional or physical handicap that interferes with travelling or someone can't find day care for their baby, online counseling provides a therapeutic framework right from home.
Unlike traditional therapy, online counseling provides a useful record of the counseling sessions. The e-mail exchanges allow the client and therapist to look back on their work together and evaluate it.
Online counseling is less expensive than traditional alternatives. There is no need for gas or travel, and people only pay for the time it takes their therapist to read their communications and write replies.
Cons: In online therapy or phone sessions, therapists cannot watch facial expressions and other behaviors to better understand what a client is feeling. It is possible to have misunderstandings. Because of this, online counseling is NOT easy for the therapist, despite the fact that it costs the client far less than traditional therapy.
Clients need to be able to put their thoughts and feelings into writing, and write about themselves in a fairly articulate way.
E-counseling isn't for everyone. People with severe emotional difficulties, who are currently in crisis, those who are under the age of 18 or who are suicidal should seek a more traditional counseling environment.
Online therapists cannot yet provide their clients with a formal diagnosis.
Cyber-counseling is relatively new, and naturally experimental.
Online counseling should not be embraced because of its pioneering nature any more than it should be avoided because it strays from the traditional path. Today's technological leaps can empower people with access to therapy that is cost-effective, convenient and competent. It is well worth exploring to discover if this therapy may be a good choice for you or someone you love.
About the Author:
Christy Cuellar-Wentz, M.A. is a radio host and a mental health professional dedicated to providing support for the profound transition to new motherhood. She offers free weekly MP3 downloads filled with empowering ideas for new parents as well as up-to-date information on postnatal depression, postpartum stress and baby blues.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment