ON-LINE THERAPY NOT WHAT DOCTOR ORDERED

by | Nov 21, 2008 | Detroit Free Press | 0 comments

Since we now turn to computers for shopping, banking, planning vacations and building bombs, I suppose it was just a matter of time before this happened:

Therapy has gone on-line.

That’s right. For those of you who feel uncomfortable looking a therapist in the eye, you can simply log on and type in your problems. According to Time magazine, “the convenience and anonymity of the Internet beat $100 sessions on the couch hands down.”

Not to mention the parking.

Those who support on-line therapy say it gives people who are uncomfortable talking face-to-face a new way to get help. Of course, what they may need help with is talking face-to-face.

Now, personally, I’m a little skeptical of Comp-U-Shrink. With the traditional method of therapy — the kind you can’t do in your underwear — I always wondered why you had to lie on a couch with your back to the analyst. What was he doing back there anyhow? Sleeping? Eating?

Well, suspicion goes both ways on-line.

Can you imagine a typical session . . .

Deep thoughts

DOC: (Typing at computer.) Hello, Ms. Johnson. What seems to be the problem?

PATIENT: (Typing at computer, wearing old sweatshirt, eating Ding Dongs.) I feel depressed. I feel like nobody cares.

DOC: (Yawning.) I care. I truly do.

PATIENT: (Reaching for gallon of Haagen-Dazs.) You see, I’m an attractive woman, but I can’t find the right person.

DOC: (Leafing through mail.) Uh-huh.

PATIENT: (Scratching dandruff, belching.) The people at work are jealous of me. Which makes it hard to start a relationship.

DOC: (Flipping through golf magazine.) Yes, yes. Uh-huh.

PATIENT: (Putting on black lipstick and black nail polish.) They’re so snobby. They don’t give me a chance.

DOC: (Taking phone call, ordering 100 shares of IBM, still typing.) Well, people can be insensitive.

PATIENT: (Running to fridge, getting chocolate cake, resuming typing.) Tell me about it. The thing is, I’m finding myself more and more removed. I don’t know why.

DOC: (Getting message that another customer is coming on-line.) Well, that’s important. I want you to think for a moment on why you feel removed from people.

PATIENT: (Flipping on TV, seeing fight on “Jerry Springer.”) OK. Let me think

Life’s little problems

DOC: (Switching screen to new patient.) Welcome, Mr. Screwdup. How can I help?

PATIENT: (Wearing camouflage fatigues and helmet.) I’m having trouble trusting people.

DOC: (Smiling at wife, who can’t decide between two dresses for upcoming party.) Well, you can trust me.

PATIENT: (Playing with toy gun.) Can I?

DOC: (Pointing to dress he prefers.) Of course. I’m your therapist.

PATIENT: (Scratching tattoo of skull and crossbones.) Well, I feel disconnected from people. There are so many weirdos out there.

DOC: (Organizing wallet.) Uh-huh.

PATIENT: (Looking at Charles Manson poster.) There are so few people I relate to.

DOC: (Blowing nose.) Well, you only need a few good friends in life.

PATIENT: (Hugging “Star Wars” toy.) You’re right.

DOC: (Checking hair line in mirror.) How would you describe your social skills?

PATIENT: (Picking wart.) Outgoing. Friendly. I’d say I’m a people person.

DOC: (Moving keyboard over to StairMaster.) Hmm. But if you’re a people person, why are you having trouble trusting people?

PATIENT: (Scratching beer belly.) Well, this is a little embarrassing to write, but I think most women are only interested in me because of my looks.

DOC: (Starting StairMaster.) So you’re a handsome man.

PATIENT: (Picking at his pierced nose.) It’s my curse.

DOC: (Breathing heavily, still typing.) Well, Mr. Screwdup, I’d like you to think about that for a moment. Think of the masks we put on to hide our true selves. I want you to consider opening up, coming out from behind your good looks, letting people get to know who you really are.

PATIENT: (Playing handheld video game.) OK. I’ll think about that …

DOC: (Flipping back to first screen as he reaches Level 8 on StairMaster.) So, Ms. Johnson. How do you feel about what you just said?

PATIENT: (Eating Oreos, completely engrossed in “Jerry Springer.”) To be honest, Doc, there’s a lot of screwed up people out there …

DOC: (Hearing watch beeping.) Sorry, time’s up. We’ll continue next week. Until then, remember, there are a lot of good people in the world.

PATIENT: (Burping.) Really? What’s their chat room?

MITCH ALBOM can be reached at 1-313-223-4581 or albom@freepress.com.

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Mitch Albom writes about running an orphanage in impoverished Port-au-Prince, Haiti, his kids, their hardships, laughs and challenges, and the life lessons he’s learned there every day.

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