Benefits
of E-Therapy
Increased
Accessibility for Clients
On-line counselling will increase the availability of therapeutic support
to individuals who may not otherwise attend counselling due to geographic
location, physical handicap, scheduling problems, or workload. CJB E-Therapy
Services may be particularly attractive to those who live in communities
where mental health resources may be limited.
Writing
as Therapy
The therapeutic benefits of writing letters or keeping a journal are widely
accepted and certainly not new.
No
Restrictions Regarding Time/Place
Because on-line counselling does not rely on a scheduled appointment time
or place, clients have the freedom to communicate with their therapist
at a time and place convenient to them.
Increased
Comfort over Face-to-Face Encounters
For individuals who feel they need to speak with a therapist but may be
hesitant or uncomfortable, on-line counselling provides the opportunity
to correspond with their therapist prior to proceeding with a face-to-face
encounter. In particular, for clients who are suffering from excessive
shyness or social anxiety, this option may mean the difference between
whether or not an individual gets support.
Documentation
from Sessions
On-line counselling allows the client the opportunity to reflect on their
previous communications with the therapist prior to sending their email
responses. This often provides the client with a different perspective
regarding an issue or problem and can enhance the process of solution-focused
counselling. Many clients report that they benefit from having their therapist
provide them with a written transcript of session notes (i.e. email exchanges),
to review on an ongoing basis.
E-Therapy services will be most advantageous for those who:
• are uncomfortable or hesitant to see a counsellor in an office setting
• whose schedule keeps them from making regular counselling appointments
• enjoy writing and are familiar with the internet
• who feel that they have the ability to write openly and expressively to the counsellor (i.e. can divulge thoughts, reactions, and feelings)
• are prepared to act upon suggestions provided by the counsellor and take an active role towards the process of growth and change
• who are prepared to be honest with the counsellor and themselves
E-Therapy services are not recommended for individuals who:
• are in immediate crisis
• who are presently seeing another counsellor
• require couples or family counselling
• are not comfortable with writing and/or cannot write expressively
• who are not prepared to work with the counsellor towards meeting specific goals
• whose issues are complex and may require more intensive intervention (i.e. medical support)
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