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| Updated February 7, 2007 Why don't you answer my email for advice? I wish I could answer each and every email I get. Unfortunately, time and energy does not permit. I do read each and every email I get, if that helps. What if I really, really want your advice? You can purchase email advice, a phone consult, and an Interactive Board. Or, you can ask your question on an existing Board. More info on that here. Why can't you refer me to an abuse therapist? I'm not a database. Best bet: Call your police or domestic violence center for a referral. Why don't you answer my email asking for specific reading? All the reading I recommend is posted throughout the site, including on the Book Shelf. I am constantly adding to and updating that page. Why don't you answer my email asking for help writing a paper or project? I did my work. Your turn to do yours...unless you want to pay consultations fees @ $150 per hour. Do you do telephone therapy? I do phone (and email!) therapy with existing clients who are unable to come in or who are in need. State licensing laws prohibit psychological practice outside of the state a provider is licensed in. I am licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey. I do telephone consultations. with individuals throughout the world. A consultation is different from "therapy" in that it is feedback, an option as opposed to an ongoing therapeutic process. What about e-counseling? I am exploring the legal and ethical considerations of such. I want to go there. Dr. John Grohol of www.psychcentral.com has written some informative pieces. Read what he has to say the difference between therapy and e-therapy here. Also, see his articles on legal & ethical considerations and confidentiality. The internet is rapidly forcing changes in medical and behavioral care. As soon as accepted practices develop, I will follow suit. More and more, internet therapy is offered by reputable, licensed providers, and is accepted by professional organizations. State licensing laws apply; psychologists may engage in internet therapy only with individuals who live in States in which they are licensed. What is the difference between the email advice you give and therapy? The advice is the same; the context is different. Therapy is an ongoing process. I take responsibility to act as your consultant in a forum I am most comfortable with: knowing you over time. How many personalized emails will you do? Usually 1 or 2; more over a period of time. Sometimes none. It depends on the individual. I discourage too much back and forth for the reasons set forth above and I always encourage the individual find a local therapist. What about my privacy concerns regarding email, support lists, boards, etc.? All information is posted on the privacy page. But, the site is so BIG? How can I find what I'm looking for if you won't help? There is plenty of help! Look here, or go to the search page. You can search the site - or the internet! Also, your peers can probably answer most of your questions. Join The CatBox board. The posters on this site are a wonderfully kind, knowledgeable, and helpful bunch. Throughout the site, I invite readers to suggests topic areas, forums, whatever. This is your site; you make it what it is. And, I thank you. -Dr. Irene
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