The future of online therapy

• In this paper we suggest a model for comprehensive therapy online with a therapist at its center.
• We examine the principal criticisms leveled against online therapy and discuss how it can be responded to effectively.
• We suggest that in addition to one on one interactions, such therapy should exploit other resources available online.
• The paper goes on to examine ways in which the patient can increase his or her emotional abilities.
• The paper demonstrates how sophisticated applications may be used to give real time feedback to the patient.

The digital world, and the Internet in particular, have a significant impact on almost all aspects of our lives. The realm of psychotherapy is an area in which the influence of the Internet is growing rapidly. This paper suggests a model for comprehensive online therapy online with a therapist at its center. We start by explaining the main components of both traditional therapy and online therapy. We discuss the principal criticisms leveled against online therapy and assess the efficacy of various responses. The paper moves on to explain the advantages of online therapy, focusing on the unique aspects of this approach. The paper proposes that online therapy should exploit other online resources, including online techniques for information gathering. This is true both in the therapeutic session and outside of it. In addition, the paper suggests that therapists incorporate online role play, online CBT and intervention techniques using the smartphone. All of these tools are suggested as important components in a process of comprehensive therapy run by a therapist working online.