About psychotherapy via telephone and e-mail contacts

Until recently, psychotherapy has been conducted only through face-to-face interactions between a psychotherapist and a client. Along with developments and improvements in computer and communication technology, styles of psychotherapy have also evolved. In the U.S., psychotherapy conducted through e-mails and chat room is called “cyber therapy” and/or “on-line therapy.” Because the communication and interactions are held through communication devices, there are several differences and disadvantages of using telephone, e-mail and chat room for psychotherapy in comparis on with face-to-face contacts with a therapist.

Advantages of using telephone, e-mail and chat room for psychotherapy

• For people who have never received psychotherapy and have some reluctance to receive therapy, this would be an easier way to start and experience psychotherapy.
• Since you can receive psychotherapy at home, it is more convenient and you can save time traveling to the therapist’s office.
• New communication systems (internet and telephone) overcome geological limitations. This means that you have access to qualified psychotherapists and high quality of mental health services, which may not be available in your local area otherwise.
• Psychotherapy can be more economically attainable. For example, e-mail services are much less expensive than office visit.

Disadvantages of using telephone, e-mail and chat room for psychotherapy

• Psychotherapists have limitations to obtain certain information about clients due to lack of visual observations.
• There are some limitations in the areas and issues that psychotherapy via telephone e-mail and chat room can serve.
• Due to geological and time difference, therapists cannot be available and responsible for crisis and emergency situations.
• Even with our maximum efforts and caution to protect clients’ personal information, there is always a risk for your information to be stolen or revealed when using Internet.

How to choose the best service for you:

You need to consider your issues, personality and expected results when deciding what kind of service (Psychotherapy or Personal coaching) and how (office visit, telephone or e-mail) you would like to use such service.

Psychotherapy is more appropriate for you when:

• You experience physical symptoms, such as sleep disturbance, appetite and weight changes, fatigue and so on.
• Your emotional and/or physical distresses interfere with your daily functioning. These problems include, but not limited to, lack of concentration, lower productivity, forgetfulness, irritability and interpersonal problems.
• You have a difficulty organizing your thoughts and feel confused.
• You need to have someone who listens to you with full attention.
• You cannot stop thinking negatively and/or worrying.

Personal coaching is more appropriate for you when:

• You are able to function and fulfill daily responsibilities without destructions, but you still look for ways to improve yourself and your life.
• You want to achieve your goals quickly and you are willing to work hard to get there.
• You welcome constructive criticism whenever it is necessary for you to improve yourself and your situation.

Using e-mail service is appropriate for you when:

• You have good understanding of what your issues are.
• You can organize your thoughts and ideas by writing.
• You are looking for solutions for your problems or issues, which do not require psychiatric treatment.
• You are highly motivated to improve yourself and achieve your goals.

Face-to-face contact (office visit) is more appropriate for you when:

• You have a history of psychiatric hospitalization and/or treatment in the past.
• You are taking psychiatric medications right now.
• You have been suffering from current symptoms and conditions for a long time.
• Your emotional distress interferes with your daily functions. You are not able to fulfill daily responsibilities like you usually do.
• You have a difficulty trusting people.
• Your current relationship and family problems have gotten worse or more intense lately.
• You feel hopeless and want to give up.
• You think of suicide.

Sayaka Kawase provides only psychotherapy, personal coaching and consultation services, but not psychiatric medications. Sayaka Kawase is NOT a psychiatrist and CANNOT provide medical advice and prescribe medications. If it is considered that you seek medical evaluations or psychiatric treatment during my assessment, you will be recommended to seek for these services. I will provide you with several referrals for psychiatrist and mental clinics in the Los Angeles areas only. Please be notified and understand that I will not be able to give you proper referrals if you live outside of the Los Angeles area.