Cybertherapogy: A Conceptual Architecting of Presence for Counselling via Technology

Year 2019, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 30 - 45, 01.01.2019

Ebrahim Oshni Alvandi

https://doi.org/10.17220/ijpes.2019.01.004

Abstract

The growing urge for mental health via telecommunication systems argues for such services to be discussed at the field of human‐computer interaction. However, in spite of the research and evidence that express effectivity of telecounselling, details about the transition to computer‐mediated environment are still uncharted. “Cybertherapogy” was coined in this regard to build a schema for engaging and creating meaningful therapy experiences during remote sessions. The model labels strategies that mental health providers should include in their services. Cognitive, counselling, and emotional modules were intersected and overlapped to construct the domains of therapeutic presence in cyberspace. This architecture of emotional agency has been synthesised for psychotherapy by the ongoing concepts and theoretical foundations of present study and electronic learning engagement. It is believed that the model will enable therapists to facilitate their remote, professional engagement with clients and help design administrative tactics for adequate therapy services.

Keywords

Telepresence, Therapeutic Presence, Cyberpsychology, Telecounselling, Emotional Agency, Virtual Reality

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