And drawing back from my own (fairly subtle) problems for a moment. Betterhelp Clinical Case Study…could e-counselling be the answer to the mental health concerns intensifying amongst under-30s? With cuts to mental health services really starting to bite, digitised treatment could be simply the ticket for young people who currently filter almost every aspect of their lives– good friends, work, sex, entertainment– through a screen.
Not everyone is completely convinced that moving psychological health care online is the method forward. “For me, what works in therapy is when you meet somebody in person, in the exact same room,” says London-based psychotherapist Sandra Tapie. “You are familiar with not only what it’s like to talk to the person, but how it feels to be in a space with them. Using Skype is the next best thing: it’s ‘good enough’, however it doesn’t produce the closeness, the intimacy, that actually gets people to open up and explore things.”
” I’ve carried out some research study into Skype counselling,” states London-based psychotherapist Dr Aaron Balick, “and it’s not the ‘functional equivalent’ of traditional counselling; it’s simply not quite the very same thing. It’s actually essential that individuals who engage in it are aware that it’s a various experience from being in the space with someone, speaking in person.”
Bbc
” In terms of accessibility, it’s a good start and definitely better than nothing. It’ll ideally lead them to ultimately appearing in the space. If you’re having a hard time with relationship problems, attachment problems, or much deeper issues, it’s better to be in the room with someone. Skype and the web offers a range from your counsellor that might not be practical.”
In cases of mild depression, the NHS is now directing some clients towards online programmes instead of face-to-face counselling, a phenomenon that concerns Dr Balick.