I too began to consider ways online methods of therapy may be a better fit than face to face meetings for individuals in real life situations. It turns out there are many examples of people in my life who would benefit from online therapy versus traditional face to face sessions. For instance, my husband is moderately to profoundly deaf and found counseling after the death of his first wife to be uncomfortable and a “communication nightmare.” Under normal circumstances, he is able to read lips and communicate effectively, however when he is stressed or upset he is unable to process what is being said. Another example is my son who has high functioning autism. Face to face conversations with him are difficult, but when he texts he is able to “talk” about his emotions in a way that is unimaginable in a typical conversation. The final example I have is a friend who is prominent in our community. He is deeply troubled and desperately needs the support of a counselor right now however he is uncomfortable getting help near home and is driving to another town almost an hour away for counseling and is still terrified someone locally will find out. …show more content…
However, I still think it is important to remember the method may not be for everyone. While researching the benefits and limitations of digital therapy, Haberstroh et al. (2007) found that “interacting online alleviated pressures to respond quickly and served as a less threatening outlet for sharing embarrassing topics. However, some participants found that the missing interpersonal cues limited their self-expression and level of trust” (p.276). While there is a great need for alternative methods of counseling, I still wonder if someone who is really desperate for a human connection engages in counseling online is it possible there is a fundamental human element missing that may in itself
Ever since the form of online counseling, there has been a controversy over the skills of online counseling and face to face counseling. A few experts are trying to limit online counseling while others appear to have boundless eagerness for this most recent advancement. In a research article by Shaw and Shaw (2006), they spoke about a study composed by Sampson, Kolodinsky, Greeno (1997) they created an ethical intent checklist to evaluate counselors who do online therapy. They used websites to identify and survey those professionals about their use of ethics related to this practice. Three ideas are hypothesized including (a) online counselors who were licensed in their given professions would score higher in ethical practice than would the
I believe in conclusion we could benefit from these services as long as we are really aware that they are legit and trustworthy. In my case I believe sometimes I could benefit from therapy but simply have no time. One of the reasons I choose online schooling. Definitely I would use these services and give it a try. There are programs offer here in California that can help you as a guide to search for help. The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) would like to make the following recommendations to California consumers who choose to seek therapy or counseling over the Internet. Individuals, who provide psychotherapy or counseling, either in person, by telephone, or over the Internet, are required by law to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state. Individuals who provide psychotherapy or counseling
The chapter presents a discussion about use of technology in counseling and its implications on people and the counseling process. Recent technology advances have contributed immensely to the counseling process. Many counsellors have increasingly adopted technology in their profession for communication. However, it is important they adhere to ethical standards set especially 2014 ACA code of ethics while using various forms
There are many difference between the therapeutic techniques for children or adolescents and the techniques used for adults; yet, there are also many similarities. These techniques have to be understood in order to better assist those individuals in need.
Recent studies have shown that text massages, internet boards and emailing therapy have been implemented
I like the idea of hearing peoples voices and seeing their emotional expressions. There is a sense of power and vulnerability when one can be open and pour out your heart to others. I also like to connect and make friends with others. I like physically talking to people and I feel personally connect to them in that way. To me online counseling takes away the experience of physically connecting with someone.
Integrating distance counseling in the future will probably be based on a case by case basis. I foresee distance/telecounseling having a big and positive impact in the way people engage in counseling. A few advantages Remley Jr & Herlihy state in distance counseling are “increase accessibility of services for those who would otherwise find it difficult to receive services, individuals who are chronically ill or severely physically disabled, and individuals with social phobia” (p. 160). These are just a few examples in which distance counseling would benefit those who may not normally seek counseling. I believe when it’s utilized in an appropriate way could be integrated
Therapy can be seen as a way for a client to work through an issue in their life. A client may find that they don't feel comfortable sitting in an office with a therapist discussing their issues or concerns but that they would rather obtain therapy by accessing the Internet and utilizing online therapy. With modern technology it makes it much easier to access different forms of online therapy. Online therapy has increased in recent years. Many individuals are looking for assistance from a therapist and have found that with online therapy they can do it from the convenience of their own home. A client takes into consideration the
Online therapy has emerged as a viable new option in the helping profession. Online therapy or e-therapy occurs when a therapist provides therapy and support over the Internet. E-mail, chat, video, or smart phone are all ways individuals can communicate through online therapy. Online therapy websites are abounding on the Internet, any individual seeking online therapy will surely find what they are looking for. This paper will evaluate and explain the content from
Now days, the internet and constant connection to other people shapes communication. Generally online, people are more open to posting personal feelings about the depression. However personally I feel there is a disconnect between the internet in the real world. What people discuss on there isn’t usually carried into real world conversations. This proves a problem, as I previously state that I don’t think depression can be treated by just one person helping, someone reaching out online will be a significant help, but is no excuse for actual conversations. These days, technology takes over so many of our lives, it forces us to prioritize who to talk to. When someone with me is excessively using their phone, it makes me feel like they think the person they are talking to is more important than me, and lack the common courtesy of not ignoring a person. I still think that people are generally just as friendly when not on their phone. I’ve recently been getting sick of all the electronic connects, and want to go on some weekends where I don’t bring my phone with me or even use a computer. However, the implications of doing that in a rapidly changing world makes it hard to leave a phone for more than a couple of hours at a time. This growing addiction is not only shaping the way people communicate, but why and how people develop mental disorders. This new culture is moving so fast that it cannot be questioned, yet no one can fully keep up with the implications and harm, as everyone is so quick to see the advantages and jump on the
With the limitations surrounding online counseling, the cousnselor may lack the ability to meet a client’s immediate or crisis needs in the same way that face-to-face therapy can. In particular, online services that have delayed communication may not respond to a client quickly enough to assist them in a meaningful way (Finn and Barak 2010). In addition, when a client does have immediate needs, communicating through text lacks the same type of empathy that can be conveyed in face-to-face interactions (Richards and Vigano 2013). Consequently, people utilizing online counseling may not feel supported to in the same way when it comes to urgent or crisis situations, as they would be if they were utilizing traditional services.
Over the last 30 years, the methods of human interactions have grown explosively, from face-to-face conversations, to video calling, instant messaging, texting, Facebook, Youtube, Snapchat, and Instagram. As the technology we surround ourselves with pervades an increasing number of aspects in our lives, it has begun to affect our mental health. A Carnegie Mellon study concluding that internet usage leads to significant increases in loneliness and depression received U.S. national media coverage (Kraut, Patterson, et al., 1998). However, others argue that the internet may just provide a place of refuge for those suffering from loneliness, anxiety, and depression. (McKenna and Bargh, 59)
Since at least 1982, the internet has provided a new venue for support group (John Schappi, 2012). Discussing online self-help support groups as the precursor to e-therapy, Martha Ainsworth notes that "the enduring success of these groups has firmly established the potential of computer-mediated communication to enable discussion of sensitive personal issues. For example Email, Usenet and internet bulletin boards have become popular methods of communication for peer-to-peer self-help groups and facilitated support groups. Support groups have long offered companionship and information for people coping with diseases or disabilities, and online situational oriented groups have expanded to offer support for people facing various life circumstances, especially those involving personal and cultural relationships (Van Brunt, 2008).
One type of social media used by social workers are “Cyber- therapy,” which is a three-dimensional virtual world making it possible for client and worker to work together by using digitally generated caricature- like images on their computer screens, and entering an online therapy community and participating in individual or group counseling. Self-guided, web-based interventions is another social media used in social work. Social workers use this as access to a wide variety of online interventions. The client goes online, answers a questionnaire and receives therapeutic
Therapists should offer online treatment and it has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are: i) Affordability - it is way cheaper compared to traditional therapists visits which on average cost $60 per hour. Some uninsured clients can afford to receive care because of the lower costs. ii) Therapists can support clients residing in remote areas; online sessions are the best option for the population who reside in isolated areas and might not keep up with traditional sessions due to transportation concerns, weather or work. iii) Convenience; most folks have busy schedules with work, family, school etc therefore online sessions enables them to have flexible planning time versus traditional sessions requires visits during specific hours.