E-mail: a new technique for forming a therapeutic alliance with high-risk young people failing to engage with mental health services? A case study.
This article describes e-mail therapy with a teenager whom professionals found difficult to communicate with and understand. Anne had a 4-year history of low mood and unpredictable self-harming behaviour that in the past had led to admission to a secure unit. Therapy involved weekly e-mails over a 3-month period and ended when she was transferred to adult services. The article focuses on how e-mail enabled engagement to occur. The therapeutic relationship allowed Anne to explore and understand past experiences, and start resolving present problems. Diagnosis also became clearer.
Roy
Hermione
H
St George's Scheme, Sussex Centre for Children and Young People, Princess Royal Hospital, West Sussex RH16 4EX, UK. hermione.roy@sussexpartnership.nhs.uk
Gillett
Tim
T
D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003142:Communication; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D034742:Electronic Mail; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012650:Self Disclosure; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology*; D014956:Writing