2007-03-15 02:55:47 · 8 answers · asked by goodners69 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It depends on what you're dealing with. There is a growing literature on online therapy, which has it's benefits. It's easier for some people, cheaper, avoids dealing w/the stigma of seeing a therapist, let's you go at your own pace, etc. But this field is still in it's infancy.
I'd personally advise going to see a therapist initially, at least so you have someone following your progress, and who could potentially give you more insight into what program could help you best, and the pros and cons of online therapy. If you want to do more research on your own, you can go to pubmed and that'll give you and idea of what's out there. Also, if you just want to try it, contact your local hospital, and their research department may be able to direct you to some people who may be running studies w/online therapy.
Where I work, we're actually doing a couple of those. If you're in the NJ area, check out RWJUH.
Good luck!
2007-03-15 03:03:04 · answer #1 · answered by prplluva 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YAY - I finally learned what a "troll" was by skimming some of the answers to this question - woohoo.
Anyway, some people would recommend it - some people would not.
I would suggest having someone live and in your physical presence to speak to, but with some caution, online therapy will not hurt anymore than regular therapy.
The biggest KEY to therapy, be it online or in person, is ACTION. The person seeking help has to be willing to do the work and force themselves to function and step out of their 'depression' comfort zone!!
2007-03-15 10:12:10 · answer #2 · answered by disorder_ly_conduct 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Instead of paying for the price of online therapy to someone you don't know, the best way you can get therapy online is to go to message boards on the subject and talk to people there who are dealing with the same types of issues as you. It is better to have that kind of support group online, and to see a therapist in person.
Just google 'message board' and enter the category you are looking for.
2007-03-15 10:06:48 · answer #3 · answered by Plexed 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For those who don't have access to an office or transport, yes. For those who do, therapeutic effect has advantages face to face. It's better for the initial stages of therapy to be face to face. After a certain rapport has been established, to save on costs, online therapy is an option.
2007-03-15 10:01:31 · answer #4 · answered by thru a glass darkly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't hurt to talk to people online - as long as you make sure not to leave yourself open to stalkers, trolls (who pretend to be concerned, but only to get you to open up so they can make fun of you), etc.
An actual one on one, or group therapy with a qualified therapist over the internet could be effective as well. But you could probably just as easily find a chat room about whatever subject you want to discuss, and probably find out that far from being alone in your problems, that other people have managed to find different ways of coping, or eliminating their problems altogether.
The internet can be a tool for good, or it can be a complete and utter waste of time. The choice is up to the user.
2007-03-15 10:00:34 · answer #5 · answered by joemammysbigguns 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Too easy to lie online. First, you don't know that the person you are talking to is really a legitimate counselor and second...you can be very dishonest about your problems when you don't have to talk to someone face-to-face.
You have to get therapy in person.
2007-03-15 09:59:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Nothing replaces having a live Dr. to talk to.
2007-03-15 10:02:38 · answer #7 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if it helps. Something is better than nothing!
2007-03-15 09:59:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sure why not what harm could it be
2007-03-15 09:58:33 · answer #9 · answered by BGi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋