And pulling back from my own (reasonably subtle) issues for a moment. Is Betterhelp Deductible…could e-counselling be the answer to the psychological health concerns escalating amongst under-30s? With cuts to mental health services actually starting to bite, digitised treatment could be simply the ticket for young people who currently filter almost every element of their lives– buddies, work, sex, entertainment– through a screen.
Not everyone is entirely persuaded that shifting mental healthcare online is the method forward. “For me, what works in treatment is when you fulfill someone face-to-face, in the same space,” says London-based psychotherapist Sandra Tapie. “You get to know not just what it resembles to speak to the individual, however how it feels to be in a space with them. Using Skype is the next best thing: it’s ‘sufficient’, however it doesn’t create the nearness, the intimacy, that truly gets people to open and explore things.”
” I’ve carried out some research into Skype counselling,” says London-based psychotherapist Dr Aaron Balick, “and it’s not the ‘practical equivalent’ of standard counselling; it’s just not quite the same thing. It’s actually essential that individuals who engage in it understand that it’s a different experience from remaining in the room with somebody, speaking face-to-face.”
Bbc
” In terms of accessibility, it’s an excellent start and definitely better than nothing. It’ll ideally lead them to eventually appearing in the space. However, if you’re dealing with relationship concerns, attachment issues, or deeper problems, it’s much better to be in the room with somebody. Skype and the web offers a range from your counsellor that may not be useful.”
In cases of mild depression, the NHS is now directing some patients towards online programs instead of face-to-face counselling, a phenomenon that worries Dr Balick.