Abstract
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.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Autistic Disorder / diagnosis
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Autistic Disorder / psychology
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Autistic Disorder / therapy
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Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
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Child Abuse, Sexual / therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
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Communication
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Defense Mechanisms
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Depressive Disorder / psychology
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Depressive Disorder / therapy*
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Electronic Mail*
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Emotions
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Female
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Humans
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Physician-Patient Relations*
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Self Disclosure
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Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology
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Self-Injurious Behavior / therapy*
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Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis
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Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
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Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy
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Treatment Refusal / psychology*
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Writing