One minute Ill be typing away feeling neutral, and then the feelings start trickling in.
But what about having regular therapy appointments via text or chat?
Is that effective, or even a good idea?
We spoke with several mental health experts to find out.
What is text- and chat-based therapy?
First of all, the term therapy can mean many different things for people.
What are the potential benefits?
Text-based therapy may reach more patients because of reduced constraints on time, money, and location,Dr.
Sabrina Romanoff, a clinical psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, tells Lifehacker.
Apps and chats are fairly inexpensive with low monthly fees or unlimited messaging,Dr.
Scott Guerin, a developmental psychologist and adjunct professor in psychology at Kean University, tells Lifehacker.
Even with copays, live sessions can be costly.
In fact, for some people,phone calls themselves are sources of anxiety.
Those in that category might prefer to do therapy in the same way.
What are the potential risks or limitations?
This may very well be a chat-based service, but for many others, it might not be enough.
This is especially true for high-risk populations, like individuals struggling with suicide, abuse, or substances.
Similarly, in psychiatry, we learn a lot about someone through body language and facial expressions.
It can also make a difference to the person on the receiving end of therapy.
Authenticity
For Romanoff, theres also the issue of authenticity.
Texting brings those walls right up.
It takes a lot of vulnerability and effort to begin the process of therapy, Romanoff says.
It is not easy to inhabit the patient role.
This is another case of people needing and wanting different things out of therapy.
But for others, human connectioneven just over text or chatis a crucial part of the process.
There is a great loss when considering the conduct of therapy among humans and robots.
Robots cannot take in our experiences the way we need them to.
Part of what makes therapy so effective is the emotional intensity that corresponds with the words.
This is missing through text, she explains.
Is text- and chat-based therapy effective?
But Guerin says that doesnt mean that text- and chat-based therapy is a good option for everyone.
That means individuals with no preexisting conditions, premorbid or co-existing disorders, and relatively straightforward clinical cases.
The reality is that no one is that simple, and there lies the beauty of the work.
This is the main drawback of CBT, and is only further exacerbated online.
confirm they are affiliated with an established and reputable company.
Check out their academic background to verify their degree is from an accredited college or university.
Beware of any long-term contracts or financial commitments.
confirm providers and services have a clearly stated confidentiality agreement and statement (i.e.
This is a must, to protect your privacy.
Look for how they support people who have serious problems.
Do they offer emergency phone consultations or services?
What does someone do if they have feelings about harming themselves or others?
More on mental health and online therapy from G/O Medias partner.
