INTRODUCTION

When the topic of cyber-therapy was first discussed in class, the reaction from classmates seemed doubtful. Many felt that the face-to-face interaction between client and therapist was a crucial ingredient. Others questioned client confidentiality. After examining this concept further myself, I felt that this could turn out to be not as bad as I thought. The following pages are a review of different types of therapy on the Internet. My assignment was to examine a few sites and give my opinion as an undergraduate student in psychology.

CYBER-THERAPY: Analyzing Cyber-Therapy

Part 1 of the assignment was to analyze two sites that offer cyber-therapy as an alternative to the traditional, face-to-face therapy. The first one, TLC Group in Dallas, Texas, by Joanne Overbeck. This site deals with the shared emotional difficulties other people experience. In this particular article, Overbeck discusses, "handling grief through the holidays" which gives a detailed guideline on steps to recovery.

"Contrary to popular belief and advertisers, the holidays are not a time everyone looks forward to. If you have lost someone through death or divorce, or lost your home, this holiday season may be dreaded. Even though no one can take away your pain or struggle, there are things to do that will make holidays less stressful and more enjoyable. By implementing the following, you can begin to regain control and take some very positive steps towards recovery."

Overbeck does not claim to be a therapist, but instead a TLC support group. This I find quite similar to late afternoon talk show hosts, having the same concepts of listening to other people's unfortunate experiences and then having the talk show host, as well as the audience, lend their ideas and advice. The difference in Overbeck's cyber-therapy is not being able to view the participants. Personally, I find this particular site a therapy of confirmation, using cyberspace as the medium in displaying commonalties in people's problems. Again, the use of a television as a medium would accomplish the same goal.

The second site examined was On-line Emotional Fitness, by Tom Raymond, M.S.W. Raymond's cyber-therapy is based on Participation Theory. A pragmatic, common-sense approach to daily problems that plague couples, families, and individuals. Raymond's Participation Theory involves five areas: (1) Sanity, (2) Love VS. Intimacy, (3) Getting Along, (4) Competence VS. Pretending, and (5) Reality. Basically, I found his articles to be just as he explains it -- common sense. I found nothing really new or interesting in his views. Although the theory is common sense, Raymond sometimes fails to display parsimony.

"Every relationship must answer the same two questions -- what are we going to do and how are we going to do it? Consensuality and coordination. Agreement and adjustments. Whatever you choose to call them they are the pillars of every successful relationship."

I think the best summation for this would be better communication. How to communicate what, when, why, and how.

In conclusion, the majority of the class was in agreement that when weighing the values of cyber-therapy versus face-to-face therapy, it would really depend upon the individual to what form of therapy works best for the individual seeking help. The class had some mixed feelings, however, about having to pay for cyber-therapy services. I think an important factor of this was the credibility of the person offering cyber-therapy. Some viewed it as people's ideas being displayed. Others felt the information was nothing new, so why pay for it. In all honesty, the money does not bother me as much as the credibility and its uses. I am partial to think that eventually, if we believe in something so strong, we may fall prey to the many con-artists that breath the same air. The best advice is to always question the validity, credibility, and usefulness of the anticipated therapy.

DRIVING THERAPY: Relaxation VS. Realization -- The R & R

Two different approaches to cyber-therapy in overcoming the emotional difficulties one experiences when driving. Dr. Sy Cohn, a.k.a. The Driving Therapist, and Dr. Leon James, a.k.a. Dr. Driving. I am pleased to say that after reading both approaches, I would favor Dr. Driving's views and suggestions over The Driving Therapists. On reason is due to the fact that Dr. Driving's views are logical and rational in that they involve focusing on one's behavior through self-observation (introspection). Dr. Driving also emphasizes the need to continue to be involved in driving self-improvement through his Nine Zones of Driving Personality. On the other hand, The Driving Therapist suggests a change in lifestyle which includes a change in diet as well. Having taken a course on transpersonal psychology, this approach to driving would be similar in that it requires meditation within your car -- a form of relaxation then realization.

In conclusion, although I do agree that a change in diet is good, I am leery of The Driving Therapist's approach while driving. The method could be too distracting and too relaxing, impairing the alertness of the driver. On the other hand, Dr. Driving gives a more realistic and logical approach in becoming aware of one's actions while driving. Logical in a sense that the individual is focusing on the activity and less distractions in thought about imagination.

"Imagine a white light of energy inside of you, it feels warm and nurturing, now it's expanding around you and the car for protection."

hummmm...

CYBERSPACE COUNTER-CULTURE: Breaking the Boundaries

I think Steve Mizrach sounded best when he said, "these subcultures show that technology is more than just a hegemonic force; it's also a schismatic one, a primatic one, constantly opening up possibilities the powers-that-be might never have wanted." Although I agree that the acquisition of knowledge should be free, I also agree to an extent in paying for overhead costs. Realistically, nothing is free, and people pay for what they get. I don't agree, however, as to the mode of expressing one's anger and fear, such as scanner-freaks and hackers. The hackers' ethics is for total open access to technology. By creating viruses for malicious or unknown reasons is ethically not right because it effects a lot of people.

Nonetheless, cyberspace counter-culture can be seen as a form of therapy, allowing others to share thoughts and ideas.