tzippy@dasys1.UUCP (Tzipporah BenAvraham) (03/19/89)
Telepsych(tm)
a service of Blythe Systems
235 East 87 Street, #12J
New York, NY 10128
Humans: Computers:
Kathleen Kelly (212) 348-2875 (718) 448-2358
Bob Richards (718) 447-7663 (718) 448-2683
WHAT IS TELEPSYCH(tm)?
Telepsych is a new way to use the personal computer for counseling and
psychotherapy. It was developed by Kathleen Kelly and Bob Richards of
Blythe Systems, and is available by subscription to social service
providers and mental health professionals.
TYPES OF SERVICE AVAILABLE ON TELEPSYCH
A. Online Individual Counseling (1-on-1 sessions)
If a therapist and client both have access to a keyboard and a modem,
they can dial up the Telepsych system. With Telepsych, a client and
therapist can talk in person to each other, even if they are physically
unable to meet in person. It is useful for scheduling late-night or
early-morning hours, and for home-bound clients (the disabled, AIDs
patients, therapists who are traveling or recuperating from illness, etc.).
Telepsych records the session as it is typed, and files a transcript in the
therapists' confidential files. The transcripts are garbled (scrambled)
for security before they are stored in archives. No one except the
subscriber (not even the system operators) can read the transcripts.
Questionnaires and informational files are also available to
therapists and, selectively, to clients. There is a public domain software
section as well, with a variety of programs geared to the needs of
psychotherapists.
In addition, clients and therapists can use the system in between
online "visits," to leave notes about items for discussion at the next
meeting, reactions to the last meeting, to record a dream for the therapist
to read, etc. This use of the system can reduce some of the client's need
for telephone contact between visits.
B. Online Group Counseling: (from 2 to 30 participants)
Telepsych is also a way for people to participate in a therapeutic
support group, even if members of the group are all homebound, or in
distant locations. Ordinarily, this could only be done with conference
calls, which are difficult and expensive to set up. Telepsych provides a
good alternative that is affordable and easy to use. Once it is installed,
gaining access to a group meeting is automatic and simple. In an Online
Group session, each group member simultaneously sees what every other
person "says" (types) and can respond to it. A transcript of the group is
created automatically by Telepsych. Other uses for Group Online Counseling
include an electronic classroom for homebound students, or professional
staff meetings and case conferences.
C. Group Conferencing: (any number of participants)
Telepsych also provides a group conferencing facility that allows
group members to take part in discussions that are time-delayed. The
Conference is like a series of open letters typed in by members of the
group. Every person in the group can read what everyone else has written
and respond to it, at their own pace, and when it is convenient. The group
conference is not "live" or happening in "real-time," so people can call
the system and participate any day or time they wish. The group conference
is ideal for discussion groups that want to focus on specific topics, such
as recovering alcoholics, Vietnam veterans' PTSD support groups, cancer
patients, outpatient psychiatric patients, etc. Only authorized group
members can take part in these conferences, so they provide privacy and a
sense of acceptance that encourages free expression and exploration.
D. Administrative Communications: (any number of participants)
Anyone who subscribes to Telepsych can communicate with other
subscribers, using messages that one subscriber writes online to another.
Whenever subscribers call the system, they can collect their mail, read it
and respond to it online. Messages can be individual notes or semi-public
memos that provide rapid and reliable administrative communications. For
example, suppose a multi-service network of social agencies exists with
many affiliated agencies in 5 boroughs of New York City. If the
administrators and staff of all those agencies could communicate through
one central electronic mailbox, they simplify office routines and reduce
costs. With Group Conferencing, administrative and professional staff can
easily consult colleagues in other facilities on specific problems or
questions.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
What Equipment Do I Need?
To use Telepsych, you will need a keyboard, a monitor or TV receiver,
and a modem (you can use any baud rate from 300 to 19,500 bps). A personal
computer is NOT needed, although with a PC you can keep copies of messages
and sessions for your own records.
The system is available for use 21 hours a day. The only times you
can't access Telespych system are during the 3 hours when the lines are
shut down for maintenance.
Setting up a private Group Conferencing system on your own PC requires
that you own an IBM-compatible computer with a hard disk, 640K of memory, a
Hayes modem, a dedicated phone line, and a package of custom software. The
system software is maintained by Blythe Systems via remote access.
How Much Does It Cost?
The following are tentative subscriber rates for Telepsych's different
services, after an initial fee for installation and orientation to the
system. There is a 3-month minimum trial subscription for new subscribers,
with installation charges and one month's service deposit due on purchase
of a subscription. Rates do not include sales tax.
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3 TENTATIVE RATE SCHEDULE FOR TELEPSYCH 3
3 3
3 Basic Telco Install'n 3
3 TYPE OF SERVICE Hourly Subscription Install. +1 Month 3
3 (@1200 baud) Use * per Month Charge Deposit 3
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3 A. Online Individ. Counseling $ 16.69 $ 200.24 $ 263.84 $ 464.08 3
3 B. Online Group Counseling ** 8.34 100.12 140.69 240.81 3
3 C. Group Conferences 1.25 15.02 0.00 15.02 3
3 D. Message Service 0.63 7.51 0.00 7.51 3
3 3
3 * Rates include 12 free hours of use per month. Excess time billed at 3
3 hourly rates shown above. Telepsych is available 21 hours a day. 3
3 3
3 ** Group Counseling charges to subscriber are per participant. 3
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One Basic subscription provides an online office available 21 hours a
day for individual counseling or conferencing with another person, 12 hours
of online time, transcripts of online sessions, confidential notepad faci-
lity and files access. (Additional hours online are billed at $16.69/hr.)
Security and Confidentiality
The system is as secure as your telephone. If you would not discuss
something over the phone, don't discuss it on a computer over a phone line.
Otherwise, subscribers can be confident of Telepsych's confidentiality and
built-in security measures. Only the authorized subscriber has access to
client transcripts. For extra security, transcripts of sessions are stored
as archives in a "garbled" format that requires a password to unscramble.
Electronic messages that are delivered to your computer are encrypted for
complete confidentiality. Each therapist also has a confidential
"notebook" for private notations and reminders.
LOG ON FOR A DEMONSTRATION OF TELEPSYCH
CALL: 718-448-2358 Modem Parameters: N,8,1 Baud Rates: 300
OR: 718-448-2683 1200
2400
If you have a modem and a keyboard, you can see a demonstration of a
working Telepsych area by calling one of the two numbers listed above. Be
sure your communications software is set to the specifications listed
above. When you are first connected to Telepsych, you will see Blythe
System's opening screen and you'll be asked to sign in by typing your name
and password.
A therapist's area is available if you log on as DEMO DOCTOR. To see
what the system would look like to Demo Doctor's client, log on again and
use the name DEMO CLIENT. The password for both demonstrations is: demo
(Type demo just as it appears here, using lower-case letters). Once you
are logged onto the system, you'll see a list of choices called a "menu."
Just choose the option you want by pressing the <K>ey indicated in the
menu, and then press "Return."
On the next screens you will see a sample of what the Telepsych
demonstration will show you:
A SAMPLE THERAPIST LOGON
(set your modem parameters to N, 8, 1; then dial one of the numbers above)
- ---==WELCOME TO==--- -
- -
------- ///////// // // // /////////// // // //////// -
------ // // // // // // // // // --
----- // // // // // // // // // ---
---- ///////// // // // // ////////// /////// ----
--- // // // // // // // // -----
-- // // // // // // // // ------
- ///////// ///////// // // // // //////// -------
-------- --------
------- // // //////// //////////// ---------
------ //// // // // ----------
----- // // // // // -----------
---- // // // /////// // ------------
--- // // // // // -------------
-- // //// // // /// --------------
- // // ///////// // /// ---------------
- -
- ---==People Reaching People==--- -
You See: <==YOU TYPE:
First name: DEMO (HIT RETURN) <==
Last name: DOCTOR (HIT RETURN) <==
DEMO DOCTOR calling from NY, NY, is that correct? Y (HIT RETURN) <==
Password: demo (HIT RETURN) <== type "demo" in lower case
Now you will see a welcome statement and be notified of any mail waiting
for you. You can read it now, or later, as you like.
Next you will reach Demo Doctor's "online office." Here is Demo Doctor's
main menu:
THERAPIST'S MAIN MENU:
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3 Welcome to Telepsych 3
3 Doctor's Office Online 3 <-- THERAPIST'S NAME GOES HERE.
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3 <M>ailbox - Enter/Read Messages 3
3 3
3 <K>eyboard Therapy Session 3
3 <N>otepad 3 <-- invisible to clients
3 3
3 <R>ead Today's Transcript 3 <-- only therapist can read this
3 <D>ownload Previous Transcripts 3 <-- only therapist can do this
3 3
3 <S>oftware 3 <-- optional on client menus
3 <C>onferences 3 <-- optional on client menus
3 3
3 <A>nnouncements 3
3 <!>Change your announcements 3
3 <H>elp & System Information 3
3 <-> Return to Previous Menu 3
3 <G>oodbye for now 3
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Each of the choices listed will take you to another service area of
Telepsych. Each choice in order reveals these menus:
CHOOSE <M> FOR MAILBOX:
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3 3
3 Telepsych Messages 3
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3 3
3 <Q>uick Scan messages 3
3 <R>ead Messages 3
3 <E>nter a message 3
3 3
3 <H>elp & System Information 3
3 <-> Return to Previous Menu 3
3 <G>oodbye for now 3
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CHOOSE <A> FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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3 Telepsych Announcements 3
3 Doctor's Office Online 3 <--therapist's name here
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3 3
3 <1> Welcome to Telepsych 3
3 <2> General Information 3
3 <3> Suicide: Questions & Answers 3
3 <4> Post-Traumatic Stress 3 <--YOUR CHOICE OF WHAT ANNOUNCEMENTS
3 Disorder: PTSD 3 APPEAR.
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CHOOSE <N> FOR NOTEPAD:
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3 3
3 Confidential Notepad 3 <-- therapist only can see this
CDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD4 section.
3 <E>nter a note 3
3 3
3 <Q>uickscan your notes 3
3 <R>ead your notes 3
3 <#>Delete a note 3
3 3
3 <H>elp & System Information 3
3 <-> Return to Previous Menu 3
3 <G>oodbye for now 3
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CHOOSE <C> FOR CONFERENCES:
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3 Welcome to Telepsych 3
3 Group Conference Selection 3
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3 3
3 <R>ecovering Alcoholics 3
3 3
3 <A>IDS/ARC 3
3 3
3 <V>ietnam Veterans' Rap Group 3
3 3
3 <P>sychiatric OPD Group 3
3 3
3 <C>omputers in Social Service 3
3 3
3 <H>elp & System Information 3
3 3
3 <-> Return to Previous Menu 3
3 <G>oodbye for now 3
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CHOOSE <S> FOR SOFTWARE:
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3 3
3 Software & Files 3
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3 3
3 <1> Quiz: General Psychology 3 <-- Therapist decides what goes
3 <2> PTSD Symptom Checklist 3 here, and whether clients have
3 3 access.
3 <L>ist Files for Downloading 3
3 3
3 <H>elp & System Information 3
3 <-> Return to Previous Menu 3
3 <G>oodbye for now 3
3 3
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If you choose "<L>ist Files for Downloading," a list like this
appears:
Telepsych Files
Text Files (use ASCII download protocol to read online)
-------------------------------------------------------
PTSD_1.TXT 27648 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Part I
STRESSMA.LD 12416 Stress:Effect on learning disabilities
ESTEEM.SLF 18560 Info Resources: learning disabilities
SETECH.LU 30848 Large list of Special Educ Resources
JRNLS.LD 4864 Learning Disability: publications
Programs and questionnaires (Use XModem or YModem to download)
--------------------------------------------------------------
PTSD.QAF 5120 TBBS questionnaire: PTSD symptoms
MYERBRIG.EXE 48128 Meyer-Briggs type Inventory program
DSM3R.ARC 121395 Assists diagnosis per DSM III-R
STRESS.ARC 4096 Stressful Life Events rating scale pgm
STRESSDX.ARC 14336 Simpler version, Life Events pgm
BMOD1.ARC 209920 Behavior Mod Interactive Teaching Pgm
Archived Files (use ARC.EXE or ARCE.COM to extract)
-------------------------------------------------------
LEARNDIS.ARC 34905 Resources for learning disabled
A SAMPLE CLIENT LOGON
Here are the same menus, showing what the client will see:
CLIENT'S MAIN MENU:
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3 Welcome to Telepsych 3
3 Doctor's Office on Line 3 <-- Therapist's Name here
CDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD4
3 <A>nnouncements 3 <-- Gives Client a choice of reading
3 3 (announcements, articles, etc.)
3 <K>eyboard Therapy Session 3
3 3
3 <M>ailbox - Enter/Read Messages 3 <-- private mail, public notes
3 <S>oftware 3 <-- access can be restricted or open
3 3
3 <H>elp & System Information 3
3 <-> Return to Previous Menu 3
3 <G>oodbye for now 3
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CHOOSE <A> FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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3 Telepsych Announcements 3
3 Doctor's Office Online 3
CDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD4
3 3
3 <1> Welcome to Telepsych 3
3 <2> General Information 3
3 <3> Suicide: Questions & Answers 3
3 <4> Post-Traumatic 3
3 Stress Disorder 3
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CHOOSE <M> FOR MESSAGES:
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3 3
3 Telepsych Messages 3
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3 3
3 <Q>uick Scan messages 3
3 <R>ead Messages 3
3 <E>nter a message 3
3 3
3 <H>elp & System Information 3
3 <-> Return to Previous Menu 3
3 <G>oodbye for now 3
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CHOOSE <S> FOR SOFTWARE:
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3 3
3 Software & Files 3
CDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD4
3 3
3 <1> Quiz: General Psychology 3
3 <2> PTSD Symptom Checklist 3
3 3
3 <L>ist Files for Downloading 3
3 3
3 <H>elp & System Information 3
3 <-> Return to Previous Menu 3
3 <G>oodbye for now 3
3 3
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<L> will present a list of files to read or download.
Telepsych(tm)
a service of Blythe Systems
235 East 87 Street, #12J
New York, NY 10128
Modem: (718) 448-2358 & (718) 448-2683
** PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A DEMONSTRATION ONLY. **
The transcript excerpts you will read here are taken from actual
sessions, and have been disguised to preserve confidentiality.
However, if this were a real therapist's section, downloading and
reading files would not be possible without the therapist's password.
As with this Demonstration, all therapists' Online Offices
contain files that can be read *only* by the subscriber therapist. In
a real working area, there is more security than in this
demonstration. The transcript files are "garbled" to make them
unreadable to anyone, even if someone did obtain them. Breeches of
Telepsych's security are nearly impossible, but if it did happen, the
files would be meaningless, since only the subscriber's secret
password will unscramble the garbled transcripts.
** PLEASE NOTE: **
** THESE TRANSCRIPTS MAY CONTAIN FRANK LANGUAGE. **
If you feel you may be offended by frank language, please do NOT
read any further!
EXCERPT #1 FROM AN ONLINE KEYBOARD SESSION:
<THERAPIST> hello S.; ready to begin?
<PT.> Hello! Yes -- all set. Did you get my message?
<THERAPIST> good. Yes I did -- interesting! Is that what you'd
like to talk about today?
<PT.> Yeah; i also remembered a dream while driving home too,
weird.
THERAPIST> yeah? tell
PT.> well, it was a dream from last night. i was there at your
office, ready to leave, you say to me 'it's cold outside' and
hand me a pair of earmuffs, we go down the elevator together,
and i walk outside without the earmuffs on, i start to freeze,
and feel very cold all over. i put on the muffs and instantly i
was warm all over again. i marvel at how the muffs warm all of
me, not just my ears.
THERAPIST> end of dream?
PT.> yes.
THERAPIST> ok. tell me how you felt in the dream, go thru it
with feelings. what were earmuffs like? I stayed inside?
PT.> the earmuffs were round, grey, very furry, and very warm.
they felt very good. but i felt that they would do little good
against the bitter cold. i didn't believe they would do much
good, but the cold was so painful and cutting, that i wanted
even the little relief they would afford. when i put the muffs
on, i feel instant warmth all over, and feel very very good
about what you gave me, at first i see the muffs as inadequate
for the task, when i use them however, they perform better than
they are expecetd to.... warm the entire body, all is
warm....furry, comfy. i feel surprised at the power of the
muffs.
THERAPIST> any thoughts?
PT.> sort of, i don't really. you have given me new ways of
coping and understand, but i don't feel they are weak or
inadaquate, and i don't feel they are not up to the task... ????
as usual, it's not clear.
THERAPIST> as usual?
...
THERAPIST> ok; well, i agree, it is about therapy, partly. Since
it is about the power of something you thought inadequate, not
up to the task, it may be that you felt some doubt about the
efficacy of therapy. It would not be unusual. surely you must
have felt moments of doubt that what we were doing was truly
going to be successful.
PT.> i didn't realy think in those terms at all. i had found a
friend, one to talk to, one to listen, one who i could trust to
do right, and one i felt i could call at any time and you would
help, or send help if needed. i never thought of this as a
long-term thing. i just felt i found a friend, and all was
getting better.
THERAPIST> ah. Well, let's look at the paragraph about the
feelings in the dream again:
...
(BEGIN QUOTE)
PT.> the earmuffs were round, grey, very furry, and very warm.
they felt very good. but i felt that they would do little good
against the bitter cold. i didn't believe they would do much
good, but the cold was so painful and cutting, that i wanted
even the little reliefe they would afford. when i put the muffs
on, i feel instant warmth all over, and feel very very good
about what you gave me, at first i see the muffs as inadaquate
for the task, when i use them however, they perform better than
they are expecetd to.... warm the entire body, all is
warm....furry, comfy. i feel surprised at the power of the
muffs.
(END OF QUOTE)
THERAPIST> you read it fast, what do you get -- what images?
PT.> going outside into the cold, freezing, feel bad, wear your
muffs, and all is well. --- funny i remembered it as i turned
right onto highway, just popped into memory.
THERAPIST> how come? do you think?
PT.> no idea. i remembered 'dreaming' and that dream in
particular. there were others, but i just remembered the details
of that one. i was thinking about you, about today, about
therapy, ..... and then i remembered dreaming, and that dream.
are you sleepy too?
THERAPIST> no; just thinking; what were you thinking about
specifically about today re therapy?
PT.> was just thinking how good things are on all fronts, how
things in general are all in perspective, and all is under
control, or at least understood well enough that it's not a
problem. i feel safe and cared for... it is a good time! was
thinking along those lines.
THERAPIST> and the dream is consistent with that thought.
...
EXCERPT #2 FROM AN ONLINE KEYBOARD SESSION:
<PT.> ... awaiting arrival of shrink
... awaiting arrival of shrink
<THERAPIST> hi L --,; sorry i am late.
<PT.> Hello Not late.... I had time to collect thoughts.
<THERAPIST> good. so ... job offer?
<PT.> Yeah; seems they are at least interested. Even though no
budget yet I do have to temper enthuiasm... they will think I
am overdoing it
<THERAPIST> why don't any of these people have budgets yet? are
THEY working for nothing?? (consultants) -- How come they have
money for consultants but not for salaries?
<PT.> Oh; well, no problem, Just another interview, been on
hundreds, I think I am an expert. They are in need of exactly
what I am. But have no budget till june. This would be good to
sew up, and have it in the bag so to speak for summer.
<THERAPIST> what happens when you go on an interview -- not
necessarily one like this, but a job interview -- like N Co.,
etc? what is going on in your head? you out to dazzle them?
<PT.> Hmmmm I am out to show them that I am the best they could
possibly find, I interrview the interviewer too, both to learn
about the company and also to let her know that I am deciding as
well whether or not to grace them with my presence.
<THERAPIST> people may be intimidated by you on the one hand,
and convinced that you must be crazy on the other. sometimes
both, i think. you come on very strong, people may resent it,
or think it is inappropriate.
<PT.> I have had almost 100% success with it in corporations. I
learned that if you bargain from a position of strength it wins.
<THERAPIST> these people are not corporations. they may think
-- if you aren't sort of nuts, maybe you are an industrial spy
-- yes, they might well think so. Because of your willingness
to help them. see? the response i had above -- "how come the X
Co. has a budget for the consultant? " -- is more appropriate
to someone who isn't about to work for nothing. But you need to
seduce each job interviewer, wanting to be wanted each time --
lots of emotional energy in it & people may pick that up. you
want to show them you are the best they could POSSIBLY EVER GET?
hmmm -- who you proving yourself to?
<PT.> It just started that way. I got the job at M, Inc., and I
was totally unqualified for it; had to go to night school and
cram just to do my work, I projected an image of
super-competence to compensate for my own feelings of
inadaquacy, but it worked... Each time I used it, it worked, and
I was able go from one kind of publishing to another, totally
different areas... Each move, was a move into a different field,
one I was totally unfamilliar with. So that sense of "oh shit!
I don't know anything about this stuff" wasn't apparent to the
interviewer.
THERAPIST> right. we are getting to something important now.
Each time, it was an area that was totally unfamiliar -- your
phrase. Why? How come you ended up with the same same sort of
"challenge"-- or struggle -- each time you switched jobs? Ever
wonder about that?
<PT.> No; I never wondered, or even connected it that way before.
I understand that I am dealing with healthy, or at least
healthier, people now, people who don't want a crazed worker
running around doing everything.
THERAPIST> ... that's true, healthy folks are not going to be
impressed with a neurotic manic number. In corporations, you
can do a neurotic tango with the next level of authority, cause
they are into it too. It happens in small co's, but less.
<THERAPIST> anyway -- you have a wonderful pattern of self-
fulfilling prophecy -- you end up a fraud in your own eyes no
matter what you do. then a pattern of resentment begins that
ends in a blow-up with a radical switch to a new sub-specialty,
because you don't like having to put up a supernova image -- but
you have to, and because you feel guilty at the "fraud" and you
have to work so hard (you think) to cover over the "fraud," you
start getting very angry at the people you feel you must pretend
in front of. any of this make sense?
<PT.> Thinking... Yes and no... It's true, I supernova into a
joint, then supernova around, dazzle all.... once all dazzled I
want to slow down to normal speed, that's when the trouble
begins; the slowdown is opposed, and I fight back, citing the
supernova.
<THERAPIST> why do you do a supernova to begin with?
...
... if it is hard, try imagining what would happen if you went
to an interview and did NOT do a supernova. what would happen?
<PT.> To be honest, I don't feel "confident"... Or more
accurately I think I am being perceived as incompetent, so the
supernova to dispell the perception, which is realy a belief
(thought?) and not an external reality at all.
<THERAPIST> right you got it. now, where does THAT come from?
<PT.> thinking ... it comes from the feelings I had of never
being able to do anything right as a child as far as my mother
was concerned
<THERAPIST> Does it feel similar?
<PT.> similar... pretty much same. it feels the same now that
I think about the feelings then and on certain interviews
<THERAPIST> did you do the same thing with your mother in
response? razzle-dazzle?
<PT.> yes... you know? i did.
<THERAPIST> can you think of an example?
<PT.> yes.... thinking ... YMCA camp. dazzled her with info
about camp.... about me.
<THERAPIST> super-enthusiasm? like, look how much i know & i
have learned?
<PT.> yes... and look, i swam the 5 mile swim, went the 50 mile
cannoe trip.. et.
<THERAPIST> so you never stopped trying, struggling to get her
approval. what would happen? Did you ever get her approval?
<PT.> no.... as good as i did, i 'could have done better'
FUCK!!!!!!!
THERAPIST> so, you had to keep it up all the time, and in the
end you had to do even more. Then you got understandably
angry--furious, because here you had been knocking yourself out
-- and you get conditional love. Do more or no more love. Does
this sound right?
<PT.> yes indeed... i live in a world of always having to do it
better, never is realy good enough.
<THERAPIST> yeah, and that's very frustrating. Yet you are
locked into it -- the environment demands it of you because you
set it up that way. Now, you know intellectually that you are
not incompetent but you are afraid of being perceived as -- god
forbid -- ordinarily good?
<PT.> yes..... you see 'ordinarily good' was bad to my mom. hell
man i got beat up for poor grades, or for a comment like 'is not
performing up to ability' PUNISHMENT is prescribed to those who
fuck off.
<THERAPIST> yes, i can understand it. Better than the rest of
the neighborhood, but also somehow worse. That feeling of being
a superior being, but a fraudulent one. Well, Mom can't beat
you up any more, and the world is not Mother.
<PT.> Thank nature!
<THERAPIST> you can free yourself from those things that detract
from enjoyment of your work -- things that have a driven quality
are not much fun. the world is full of razzle-dazzle ripoffs.
The real experts tend to be quiet about it, assured and
knowledgeable, but not "selling". you are a real expert, but
your effort to be THE BEST EVER POSSIBLE may be doing some harm
in these interviews.
<PT.> right! things with driven qualities to them are exciting
for a short time, then it's tiring. I have always been attracted
to situations which are 'driven'
<THERAPIST> yeah, mental health via moderation sometimes seems
very dull, perhaps?
<PT.> not dull, different, requiring different life habits. old
habits are always with us... this one i never saw at all.
<THERAPIST> until today
<PT.> right.. It's not going to be easy being "real" on an
interview.
<THERAPIST> do you think you can relax a little about being so
fucking wonderful?? you don't have to add anything -- just relax
a little.
<PT.> this life habit is involved in all of me. Not just my
job/interview history.
<THERAPIST> i know that -- wherever you find yourself doing a
super sell, you might think about whether you have that same
sort of driven need to be perfect all the time -- you know? If
you are in a struggle, it isn't much fun and eventually you are
going to get pretty damn pissed at whomever you have put out all
this energy for. ...
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Telepsych(tm)
please address your enquiries to...
Blythe Systems
235 East 87 Street, #12J
New York, NY 10128
or call:
Bob Richards (718) 447-7663
Bob Richards is an electrical engineer, designer and microcomputer
specialist. In addition to his private consulting and running Telepsych,
he is the Sysop of the NY Transfer, a free bulletin board system in New
York City.
Kathleen Kelly (212) 348-2875
Kathleen Kelly earned her doctorate in social psychology at the City
University of New York and is currently a psychotherapist in private
practice. She bought her first microcomputer in 1982.
Tzipporah BenAvraham
Big Electric Cat Public UNIX
..!cmcl2!phri!dasys1!tzippy
--
Tzipporah BenAvraham
Big Electric Cat Public UNIX
..!cmcl2!phri!dasys1!tzippymark@intek01.UUCP (Mark McWiggins) (03/22/89)
From article <9045@dasys1.UUCP>, by tzippy@dasys1.UUCP (Tzipporah BenAvraham): > > > Telepsych(tm) > a service of Blythe Systems > 235 East 87 Street, #12J > New York, NY 10128 Looks like they're not kidding about this ... How do we know it's not just ELIZA on the other end? :) But seriously ... typed text carries so much less information than an in-person interview (body language) or even a phone call (hesitations, tone of voice) that it seems of very limited value for therapy. You can say "I love you" in such a way that it means "Beat it, I'm working and I don't want to talk with you right now", but that doesn't come across on the tube at 1200 bps. Maybe when real-time holography comes along this would be more an option, for those who can do without a hug anyhow ...
eliot@phoenix.Princeton.EDU (Eliot Handelman) (03/22/89)
In article <9045@dasys1.UUCP> tzippy@dasys1.UUCP (Tzipporah BenAvraham) writes: > If a therapist and client both have access to a keyboard and a modem, >they can dial up the Telepsych system. Wow, this sounds great! >With Telepsych, a client and >therapist can talk in person to each other, even if they are physically >unable to meet in person. Great! Now I don't have to listen to my therapist's rotten voice! It is useful for scheduling late-night or >early-morning hours, and for home-bound clients (the disabled, AIDs >patients, therapists who are traveling or recuperating from illness, etc.). Gee, that does sound pretty useful! >Telepsych records the session as it is typed, and files a transcript in the >therapists' confidential files. Wow! I guess the therapist will study the transcript later on and tell me what's wrong with me! They must work pretty hard! >The transcripts are garbled (scrambled) >for security before they are stored in archives. Boy, that'll prevent malfeasants from getting into the twisted details of my therapy! >No one except the >subscriber (not even the system operators) can read the transcripts. I'll bet he needs a special password, huh? > Questionnaires and informational files are also available to >therapists and, selectively, to clients. Can I read them over my modem too? There is a public domain software >section as well, with a variety of programs geared to the needs of >psychotherapists. This is great! For sure they're better than the doctor that comes with GNU emacs! > In addition, clients and therapists can use the system in between >online "visits," to leave notes about items for discussion at the next >meeting, reactions to the last meeting, to record a dream for the therapist >to read, etc. Holy cow! You mean, I can actually send mail by computer? That's just so incredibly rad! What'll they think of next! > Telepsych is also a way for people to participate in a therapeutic >support group, even if members of the group are all homebound, or in >distant locations. You mean, people just like me? I've made a lot of friends on 972-FUCK! Ordinarily, this could only be done with conference >calls, which are difficult and expensive to set up. Really! 972-FUCK costs a buck for the first minute! >Telepsych provides a >good alternative that is affordable and easy to use. I'm sold! When do we start? Once it is installed, >gaining access to a group meeting is automatic and simple. I knew it was too good to be true! This thing hasn't even been installed? The >Conference is like a series of open letters typed in by members of the >group. Great! Great! This is going to be better than usenet, which is a series of letters typed in by memebers of the group! Every person in the group can read what everyone else has written >and respond to it, at their own pace, and when it is convenient. Great, because the big problem with usenet is that I always find myself responding when it's most inconvenient! The group conference >is ideal for discussion groups that want to focus on specific topics, such >as recovering alcoholics, Vietnam veterans' PTSD support groups, cancer >patients, outpatient psychiatric patients, etc. Whoa! These people sound like the same ones who contribute to usenet! Only authorized group >members can take part in these conferences, so they provide privacy and a >sense of acceptance that encourages free expression and exploration. Oh I get it! So it's like a hand-picked usenet! Gee, I wonder if they'll accept me! > Anyone who subscribes to Telepsych can communicate with other >subscribers, using messages that one subscriber writes online to another. Great! Great! I want to communicate with other outpatient psychiatric patients! >Whenever subscribers call the system, they can collect their mail, read it >and respond to it online. Great! Great!! I'll look forward to getting mail from those outpatient pschiatric patients! I'll bet they have a lot of interesting things to say! > The system is available for use 21 hours a day. The only times you >can't access Telespych system are during the 3 hours when the lines are >shut down for maintenance. Great! That way I can get 3 hours sleep! >ZDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD? >3 TENTATIVE RATE SCHEDULE FOR TELEPSYCH 3 After looking at these rates, it may be cheaper to stick to 972-FUCK!