Cybertherapeutic Theory and Techniques

Defining Internet-Supported Therapeutic Interventions

“…Using textual communication solely, however, necessitates the use of more words and verbal expressions to clarify messages and have them understood accurately. One of the aids available online for this purpose is emoticons, which enrich messages by caricaturing a missing intonation or gesture [47,48].…”

The benign online disinhibition effect: Could situational factors induce self-disclosure and prosocial behaviors?

“…Typically, people engaged in online activities are prepared to ask and offer each other assistance and advice in various subjects. Noticeable examples of online prosocial behaviors include participation in online support groups, counseling, volunteerism, philanthropy, provision of helpful information, and e-mentoring (Morahan-Martin, & Schumacher, 2003;Panopoulos & Sarri, 2013;Shim, Cappella, & Han, 2011;Wright & Li, 2011).In cases involving the need for urgent emotional support (e.g., individuals contemplating suicide), the effect of online disinhibition has the advantage of establishing interpersonal relationships more quickly than in offline environments and thus the process that leads to self-disclosure is accelerated (Barak & Suler, 2008;Suler, 2008). The research regarding the factors affecting online prosocial behavior is scarce, and therefore there is a need for additional investigation.…”

Etherapy: Ethical and Clinical Considerations for Version 7 of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health'sStandards of Care

“…Many people worry that somehow cyberspace seems limited and mechanical given the nature of the intimacy of an f2f psychotherapeutic relationship. The evidence, both from the literature (Fenichel et al, 2004;Suler, 2007Suler, , 2008) and in the case described below, does not support these concerns.…”

“…Another perspective (Suler, 2008) suggests that cyberspace, defined as the notional environment in which communication over computer networks occurs ("Cyberspace," 2005), is a unique psychological space. Hence, cyberspace as a psychological realm might be quite different from f2f environments and traditional concepts and theories may need to be modified.…”