Online psychotherapy dates from 1995 and is still in its infancy. This research focuses on the therapeutic qualities of online psychotherapy and the role of ground rules in creating a secure frame for the therapeutic relationship in this new medium. Chapter 1 presents the history of online psychotherapy and a description of the main modalities for therapeutic interaction, namely, e-mail therapy and chat room therapy. Chapter 2 reviews the literature dealing with the psychotherapeutic relationship, with regard to the definition of ground rules. In this chapter I identify seven categories of ground rules that are common to all approaches to psychotherapy. These categories will serve as a prism in evaluating the options for creating ground rules in online psychotherapy. Chapter 3 explores the therapeutic qualities of e-mail and chat room therapy according to the seven categories of ground rules. It also presents a survey of 236 therapeutic web sites. According to the findings of this survey, online psychotherapy is not a substitute for face-to-face psychotherapy, although there is. a potential for creating a secure frame in a virtual clinic, which does not yet exist. In Chapter 4I present my limited experience with online psychotherapy and the virtual clinic which I have developed according to the guidelines of the seven categories of ground rules. It is too early to draw conclusions based on this limited experience, but it opens several options for further research.

This study explores the possible use of digital media as an effective psychotherapeutic aid in art psychotherapy, specifically in addressing the effects of trauma experienced by adolescents. A literature review provides evidence on what exactly can be understood under the concepts 'art psychotherapy' and 'digital media'. The literature study further investigates trauma, its treatment and how art psychotherapy can be used as a psychotherapeutic tool with adolescents who have been exposed to trauma. An empirical study including six participants, chosen through a specific sampling process, and whose background information regulates the appropriate methods of intervention demonstrates the practicality of digital media in art psychotherapy. Data gathered from pre-assessment activities, art psychotherapy sessions and post-assessment activities are analysed, interpreted, and reduced through a systematic process. The empirical findings are then presented in a detailed, concise manner From the empirical investigation, it is determined that digital media can be used as a successful tool in art psychotherapy, specifically with adolescents who have experienced trauma. The researcher gained experience in the implementation of digital media in art psychotherapy and was able to provide valuable information about this practice, specifically for professionals interested in the field of art psychotherapy. The researcher was also able to identify limitations and further areas for research in this field. / Psychology of Education / M. A. (Guidance and Counselling)--University of South Africa --2013

This study explores the possible use of digital media as an effective psychotherapeutic aid in art psychotherapy, specifically in addressing the effects of trauma experienced by adolescents. A literature review provides evidence on what exactly can be understood under the concepts 'art psychotherapy' and 'digital media'. The literature study further investigates trauma, its treatment and how art psychotherapy can be used as a psychotherapeutic tool with adolescents who have been exposed to trauma. An empirical study including six participants, chosen through a specific sampling process, and whose background information regulates the appropriate methods of intervention demonstrates the practicality of digital media in art psychotherapy. Data gathered from pre-assessment activities, art psychotherapy sessions and post-assessment activities are analysed, interpreted, and reduced through a systematic process. The empirical findings are then presented in a detailed, concise manner From the empirical investigation, it is determined that digital media can be used as a successful tool in art psychotherapy, specifically with adolescents who have experienced trauma. The researcher gained experience in the implementation of digital media in art psychotherapy and was able to provide valuable information about this practice, specifically for professionals interested in the field of art psychotherapy. The researcher was also able to identify limitations and further areas for research in this field. / Psychology of Education / M. A. (Guidance and Counselling)