Advancing Telecommunication Technology and its Impact on Psychotherapy in Private Practice

Abstract

This paper is a report on an informal study by a small group of psychotherapists interested in exploring the impact of recent technological innovations on their work as independent clinicians in private practice. The range of technologies studied included websites, email, mobile phones, and internet‐based banking services for payment and receipt of fees. Some of the group had experience of using internet‐based video software (or Voice Over Internet Protocol/VOIP software) for providing therapy and/or establishing supervisory and training links. The study found that these technologies have had both positive and negative impacts on professional practice and, in particular, records how practitioners have managed these changes within their clinical practice. The study notes the lack of professional training about these matters and highlights some of the issues that need to be addressed in redressing this situation.