Online Therapy

[mrsps]

I could never do online therapy. A huge part of therapy for me is the connection with my T. I don't feel the connection would happen if it wasn't face to face. And my T gives me a hug at the end of a session, a hug through the computer is just not the same :P

 

[Sideways]

Happily going against the grain here:rolleyes:

I know a lady who lives remotely and has a very successful relationship with her doc entirely by Skype.

I also personally get a lot out of the lengthy email exchanges that I have with my T by email between appointments.

So in my book, IT advances definitely have a lot to offer the therapy world.

That said, both those examples require interaction with a live person at the other end. Given over 80% of human communication is via body language, human T's will have a pretty secure future for a while to come. I'm not knocking that fancy little robot the Japanese created that can dance and play soccer etc, but I'm not quite ready to trust him with some of the therapy basics, like a compassionate ear:)

 

[barefoot]

Agree with everyone else. I can't see how a robot/computer could do the relational work that we get with a human and that's so crucial (even if someone uses Skype or those text/messaging services, there is still a human engaging with another human). I don't see how a computer does compassion, recognises emotional nuances, builds a relationship to create a level of trust and safety that a client can begin to "go there".

Any kind of interaction (not just in therapy) has so many layers and nuances....we all have abilities to read between the lines, to pick up on lots of non-verbal cues, to interpret the words we hear, the tone of voice, also to "hear" what's not being said and to find meaning in the pauses, the spaces between the words. Just for these things alone, I can't see how a computer could do that.

I can see how computers might be used for providing a fairly standard resource in the shape of online CBT courses etc. But not for most things. And definitely not trauma. I'm wondering what a computer would do if a trauma client got triggered and went into a flashback or started dissociating during a session...?!

So, no...can't see this happening :-)

 

[ladee]

There are days that I feel like a robot myself, going thru the motions.. so a robot talking with a robot? Hmm, might work on those days.

 

[LF1]

a robot talking with a robot? Hmm, might work on those days

LOL. I often wonder whether I'm being told something because they think it's what I need to hear, or whether they really do believe it. At least with a robot I'd know it's the former!

 

[oasis2003]

No I think you need people to do therapy lol congrats for your studying !!

 

[Ronin]

And here I was, thinking 'online therapy' is too clear to be redefined into utter nonsense.

(Edited to add: But congratulations on studying plans & thinking about futures.)

If it's helpful therapist, I don't care where the input's from. A smart and nonjudgmental AI would be more considerate and emoting therapist than quite a few I've seen in person. So that doesn't bother me.

 

[EveHarrington]

Weren't we all supposed to have had flying cars...

You didn't get yours?

I suppose it's all about who you know!



But seriously, people write articles making these assumptions but they have no basis in reality. Online therapy is taking off, but there is a saturation point. The rate of increase in online therapy is not constant nor will there be an increase in online therapy until we reach 100% online therapy.

I can probably name a dozen situations off the top of my head where online therapy wouldn't even be an option.

Ignore the future prognosticators. They're always wrong.



As an aside, I realize the fear is revolving around a career choice and it is helpful to examine the possible future of a potential career choice. No longer are we in the days of simply going to school and studying what we love with no regard for employability.

 

[Deleted member 29920]

We are not machines and we cannot gain compassion, love and nurturing from machines.

This - multi-like :)

 

[Clc122]

I did online therapy for a couple of months--it was after my therapist had moved across country and she agreed to see my while I found someone else. As a placeholder it was fine. It was pretty much just checking in--nothing too deep. It was okay for that limited purpose but overall I would not do it again. I felt like I was in a business meeting most of the time.

 

[cynicalangel]

Online therapy has its place, but NOT for trauma work! The apps out there now won't even "accept" you if you have "deep issues." There will always be a place for face-to-face work, imo, because a lot of us need that human connection with our Ts. Don't let projected stats steer you away from going into trauma work if that is your passion!

 

[Deleted member 29920]

I think there's nothing better than face to face with another human - if you can find the right one.