professionals bring you the science of psychology, complete with a worldwide support community. C'mon in - and help yourself!
How Might You Check Out An Online Therapist?
You finally found a counselor or therapist who might just be able to help you online. The price is right, she is available, but you stop for a minute and want to check out her credentials (smart). You want to be sure she is legitimate, and not just some woman working out of a corner of her fancy laundry room. How do you figure out if she is the real thing? It's easy. Check out their...
Read MoreIs Your Therapist Using Skype and Billing Your Insurance Illegally?
Many therapists are already using technology to extend their reach online, but aren't being honest with the insurance companies about the location of the services they bill. Telehealth services, that is, online therapy, online counseling, Internet therapy, etherapy, webtherapy, Skype therapy – all these terms mean the same thing, and they typically require a special...
Read MoreOnline Therapy, Online Counseling and Web Therapy — 5 Ways to Make Sure You Are Safe
Good News Help comes in all shapes and sizes, as do people and their challenges. Similarly, online therapy, online counseling and web therapy are being practiced in many research-based and viable forms by responsible practitioners. The scientific literature supporting "telemental health" and "behavioral telehealth" is over 50 years old, and shows that benefits often parallel...
Read MoreOnline Avatar-based Therapy for War Veterans?
Many military personnel spend hours on the battle field playing virtual games, and are already quite comfortable using these virtual interfaces as ways to relax and de-stress. At a military-sponsored conference in Seattle last October, I spoke about legal and ethical issues for therapists working in virtual environments with military personnel and veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress...
Read MoreAnonymity in Online Therapy or Online Counseling?
Should you work with a therapists who doesn't collect identifying information from you about who you really are or where you live? In many professional circles, working with anonymous clients and patients is akin to illegal or unethical practice. Why? Therapists (like teachers, other health care practitioners, and public servants) are "mandated reporters," that is, they have to...
Read MoreExperiencing Depression? Thinking About Hurting Yourself?
In the SHM community forums Dini responded to a member talking about her harming herself. He said: I have heard depression described as pain and anger and trauma turned inward (against yourself) and in my own experience, I've found that often to be true. It sounds like you are physically acting that out and YOU DO NOT DESERVE TO BE TREATED THAT WAY BY ANYONE, INCLUDING...
Read MoreCan My Therapist Work with Me Even When I Move to Another State or Country?
Using today's technology, yes, online counseling and online therapy are possible, legal and ethical. Here's how: 1. Your therapist needs to get secure technology. SKYPE is not yet secure, but if they pay a little money, they can get what's known as "HIPAA-compliant technology." If they have any questions about doing that, ask them to get the audio recording available at...
Read MoreWhy Won't My Therapist Skype Me?
As Skype is so convenient, popular and free, some therapy clients have been asking their therapists and counselors to use it for their therapy. While a few companies and providers have recently begun using Skype, most professionals avoid it because of the repeated hacker problems that have been reported, the lack of reliability (dropped or degraded calls are very common) and most professionals...
Read MoreOnline Therapy Anyone?
Today I'm starting a new series of blog posts about online therapy. You can look forward to seeing me discuss a number of issues that many therapists, counselors, patients & clients ask themselves: 1. Is it ok for me to ask my therapist to text me rather than call and leave messages? or have a Skype session with me online? or let me send them an email describing how I feel about a...
Read MoreFeeling So Anxious and Procrastinating
In the SHM Community Forums, Joanne responded to one forum member who is worried about a job application rather than enjoying her day off with her boyfriend. She said: I think what you're describing is too much pressure – I know the feeling all too well. I've learned to do 1 thing at a time, and if my mind starts wandering over to another, to call it back and say, "No! I...
Read More
Recent Comments