And drawing back from my own (relatively subtle) issues for a moment. Micheal Phekpz Betterhelp…could e-counselling be the answer to the mental health issues intensifying among under-30s? With cuts to psychological health services truly beginning to bite, digitised therapy could be simply the ticket for young adults who already filter almost every aspect of their lives– pals, work, sex, entertainment– through a screen.
Not everyone is entirely convinced that moving mental health care online is the method forward. “For me, what works in therapy is when you meet somebody in person, in the very same space,” states London-based psychotherapist Sandra Tapie. “You learn more about not only what it’s like to talk to the individual, however how it feels to be in a space with them. Using Skype is the next best thing: it’s ‘good enough’, but it doesn’t create the closeness, the intimacy, that truly gets individuals to open and explore things.”
” I have actually performed some research study into Skype counselling,” says London-based psychotherapist Dr Aaron Balick, “and it’s not the ‘functional equivalent’ of conventional counselling; it’s simply not quite the very same thing. It’s really essential that individuals who take part in it are aware that it’s a different experience from remaining in the room with someone, speaking in person.”
Bbc
” In terms of availability, it’s an excellent start and absolutely better than nothing. It’ll ideally lead them to ultimately appearing in the room. If you’re struggling with relationship issues, attachment problems, or deeper issues, it’s much better to be in the room with somebody. Skype and the internet provides a distance from your counsellor that might not be practical.”
In cases of mild depression, the NHS is now directing some patients towards online programmes instead of face-to-face counselling, a phenomenon that worries Dr Balick.