Product Description

In an easy-to-read and concise format, the author walks consumers through the steps to decide if online therapy is a good choice for them, and if so, what to look for in an online therapist. His easy-to-use charts will help readers organize their research and be on their way to a successful online therapy experience in no time!

Read this book to find out:

• what online therapy is all about

• when this mode of therapy is appropriate and when it’s not

• credentials and characteristics that consumers should look for when choosing an online therapist

• what to expect when online therapy begins

• how to end therapy when the time is right

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1657206 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-29
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 108 pages

Review
...does an excellent job of clarifying what may seem to be an unfamiliar idea—the possibility of counseling and psychotherapy via the Internet.... -- John Suler, Ph.D., author of the online book, THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CYBERSPACE

...provides clear simple guidance for people who want to explore this form of treatment or perhaps enter into therapy. -- Martin Briscoe, Computers in Mental Health

About the Author
Gary S. Stofle, LISW, CCDCIIIE, is a social worker and chemical dependency counselor. He graduated with his Master of Social Work from Columbia University in 1987 and has worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups since 1984. He has specialized in the treatment of alcoholics/addicts and their family members, couples, people with dual diagnoses, DWI offenders, and people with general mental health issues. Gary has written articles on various topics and has completed a chapter on Chat Room Therapy for a book to be published in the near future. He has worked online utilizing chat rooms and e-mail off and on since 1996. Gary is currently the Secretary of the International Society of Mental Health Online (ISMHO). He lives with his wife and two daughters in Westerville, OH.

Customer Reviews

A Very Useful Little Book
With our economy still in recovery, people who would benefit from counseling may not get the help they need due to cost. There are other reasons why people may not be able to access in-person therapy -- geographical isolation, disabilities that prevent travel, concern for community status, feelings ashamed or guilty for seeking help, or having social phobia and panic attacks. Online therapy can be a fruitful method of getting assistance for some types of problems. This book is a primer on how to go about doing just that.

The author begins by exploring the ways in which online therapy is different, such as missing non-verbal cues, distance preventing crisis intervention, questions of effectiveness, potential for fraud, and risks to confidentiality. Stolfe then clarifies the types of problems that respond best to online counseling and those that do not. Issues not to be handled online are suicidality, disordered thinking, medical issues related to mental health (such as anorexia nervosa), and borderline personality disorder. The types of problems he suggests for online therapy are related to personal growth and fulfillment, adult children of alcoholics, agoraphobia/anxiety disorders/social phobia, body image issues/problems, and shame/guilt. The chapter includes a table that identifies major areas of trouble and the level of care which best serves them (inpatient, outpatient, online, etc.).

Characteristics of a good therapist are discussed: empathy, compassion, knowledge, credentials, trustworthiness. For online therapy, however, Stolfe suggests additional qualities to consider: experience; an appropriate website with all necessary information; good typing, spelling, and grammar; online savvy and comfort; if the therapist receives supervision; and membership in the ISMHO (International Society of Mental Health Online).

Chapter 4 covers the basic mechanics of online counseling, i.e., the venues (email, chat) and the types of security issues related to them. Guidance for finding a therapist online and the type of fee you can expect to pay are also provided. Following that, Stolfe describes the protocol for the first contact and first appointment. He also explains how to terminate therapy, whether it's due to financial problems, ethical concerns, or is planned (goals have been met).

The last chapters provide information on computer and Internet basics, a computer-buying checklist, online therapy ethics, types of therapy, and online therapy sites and companies.

In all, this small book is densely packed with useful information. Online therapy is likely to grow. If used ethically, it provides another resource for people wanting to improve their lives. This guide will help the potential client in his or her search to find caring and competent service.

A new type of mental health help unique to this modern age
Choosing An Online Therapist: A Step-By-Step Guide To Finding Professional Help On The Web by social worker and chemical dependency counselor Gary S. Stofle is a simple but effective guide to online therapy. Stofle covers what online therapy is about, who it's best for, how to use credentials and other resources to select the best online therapist for one's needs, and how to end therapy when the time is right. Sample online therapy sessions are presented, along with several sample forms and websites. Highly recommended for anyone considering online therapy for themselves or a loved one will find Choosing An Online Therapist to be a fascinating, invaluable guide to a new type of mental health help unique to this modern age.

Good Information for Clients AND Therapists
First, I have to commend the Author on writing a book with such a niche audience. This book is directed toward persons interested in seeking out an online counseling, but who desire some more information on how to choose one (as the title suggests).

I was on the other side on the fence, but purchased the book because I wanted to know what Gary (the author) had to say. And I am pleased to say this book delivers. The information within will indeed help a prospective client choose re reputable therapist. The information can also serve as a guide to online therapists, a benchmark of sorts they can use to see if they are up to par :-)

I highly recommend this work.

Final Note: If you're interested in providing telephone and online counseling, this very well done clinical guide will teach you everything you need to know to get started, and be effective: The Therapist's Clinical Guide to Online Counseling and Telephone Counseling: The Definitive Training Guide for Clinical Practice