inclined to venture out to the local counselorÆs office?
Advocates for Online Therapy. With the use of email, real time chat rooms, and eventual video conferencing, new opportunities for therapy are springing up daily for individuals in remote locales, for the disabled, as well as for those hindered by the potential stigma of seeking mental health services. In addition, some professionals argue that clients divulge more much personal information through internet counseling than they typically do during face-to-face counseling sessions, which can increase effective communication between client and counselor. Also, for those who are currently involved in therapy but may be forced to discontinue for practical circumstances, including imprisonment, technological advances like videoconferencing can be a blessing.
Proponents of online therapy also emphasize that for those who are only contemplating the help of a mental health professional, the world wide web provides unlimited opportunities for educating the public about therapy, and can also provide screening tools. This capability is invaluable, given that many individuals may be struggling with a condition but do not seek treatment often because they are unaware of the symptoms. Bringing the results of the screening tool to a professional is the first step in the right direction for many, and this may ease oneÆs anxiety over the first phone call or appointment. In addition, the art
...