(MMD Newswire) October 16, 2008 -- Many people
didn’t spot the potential that the Internet holds for providing mental health care. Now they do. However…
Therapists are setting up shop in virtual worlds like Second Life providing services of all kinds, just like they
did when texting and email came along. There was no regulation, and still isn’t, for websites that might claim to offer
anything, whether or not it is likely to do a person seeking help any good or is even ethical. The Online Therapy Institute
seeks to help professionals to know what should be done and to keep in touch with the latest developments, not to mention
the ethical requirements for this kind of work.
The Online Therapy Institute is an exciting, innovative new organisation. The Institute, founded by Kate Anthony and DeeAnna Merz
Nagel, both former Presidents of the International Society for Mental Health Online, is a think tank for all issues related
to e-therapy.
DeeAnna Merz Nagel and Kate Anthony are both recognised experts in the ways counsellors, psychotherapists
and other mental health professionals can use technology to extend their usual ways of working.
The Institute
offers a secure and encrypted forum with discussion boards including peer supervision and consultation. Qualified clinicians
who currently practice online or have an interest in practicing online join and make full use of the whole range of services
available.
Kate Anthony said, “It’s the one stop shop for information, services, advice and consultancy
– with a Forum that hosts several discussion boards and a directory, members can exchange information on the latest
developments and can keep up to date with new methods in the fast changing world of technology”.
The Institute
offers a niche directory with many categories related to mental health and technology, and a niche bookstore with listings
of publications related to mental health and technology, cyberpsychology, online counseling and Internet addiction.
With a presence in the 3D virtual world, Second Life, the Institute is committed to educating consumers and professionals
about the impact of technology on people's lives. MySpace, Facebook, avatars and social networking are all familiar tools
utilized and discussed at the Institute.
Kate and DeeAnna see virtual reality as one of the most exciting new
developments in the field. Phillip Hodson, fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, says:
“In one sense Second Life is Therapy Heaven. Second Lifers have a perfect opportunity to explore alternative
versions of their personalities while interacting with others (also role-playing theirs). You could also say Second Life is
the perfect escapist fantasy for those who don't want to grow up - nor interact with flesh and blood humanity - or real
therapists.”
Kate says, “We are doing this to protect clients, practitioners, parents, teachers and
organisations like Universities, schools, government departments, businesses, – everyone who has a reason to benefit
from using the Internet and technology to help them either receive or offer mental health care online.”
DeeAnna
adds, “Technology has created a new social fabric. Mixed reality is common for many young people who move with
ease between face-to-face relationships and online encounters. Social expression and business connections are shared
in virtual and actual lifeworlds. People expect to engage in many life events utilizing social media. The ability to
seek out mental health services in different ways is but one example.”
But the Institute is about much more
than any one way of providing therapy via technology and new ideas are always being explored and are now sufficiently sophisticated
and – importantly – understood by research and practice – to warrant high level support for anyone concerned
with the topic. The Institute encourages discussion of research, services, products and training offered by members in the
spirit of resource development. The Institute is global in scope and is committed to creating a space that people can “advertise”
and discuss their offerings so that all may learn and benefit from one another, while protecting the vulnerable client.
To contact Kate and DeeAnna:
EMAIL: info@onlinetherapyinstitute.com
PHONE: Within the USA call toll-free 877.773.5591
Outside the USA
call +44 (0) 1506 511539
DeeAnna Merz Nagel
www.DeeAnnaMerzNagel.com
EMAIL: Da@DeeAnnaMerzNagel.com
Kate Anthony
www.KateAnthony.co.uk
EMAIL: Kate@KateAnthony.co.uk
http://www.onlinetherapyinstitute.com
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