Semantics and Cybertherapy

• Semantics and Cybertherapy by Peter Chechele, 7/18/98
  
  

Peter,

As we exchanged thoughts previously on a list discussion, I commend you for the effort you have taken to inform and point out the differences of your services on your webpage (it is unfortunate that not all online therapists make such effort at information). But as I indicated before the use of the word "therapy" may be more than we can handle presently. I see no need to create a new term either--a rose by any other name? If one can offer any services online do we need to always add "cyber..." as prefix? The question for "therapy" is can we? And the investigation to this does not have to create a new term to do the research. I do sense and believe right now that our goal is to learn the internet interaction enough to be able to integrate the "tools of our trade". NOt necessary create a new trade. Most complex and challenging task, yes! I think once we can say we are able to establish and safely contain a therapeutic realtionship online as we do in our offices then people will seek therapy for therapy whether online or inperson. So let us continue to talk about how to do that and the issues to consider. Until then is it not more prudent to suggest we continue to offer information, support and/ or well defined and limited counseling versus "therapy". The right words are already there.

I also read the newsweek article that Leonard Holmes referenced. I found it useful...but again I don't know we should be lead by media terminology. I particularly thought it more confusing...if you noticed in the article that "advice" was the one of the many repeated words under this "cybertherapy" article title, even though the therapist quoted seemed to try to explain the difference. I know I spend sometimes an inordinate amount of time explaining the difference between "psychotherapy" and "advice giving". Hate to see further intentional or unintentional perception of psychotherapy in general as "advice giving".

Enjoy your posts and thoughts, brings up valuable areas to be discussed I think.

• Cyber-Psychoanalysis? by Ruth Brown, 12/9/98