I am undertaking a trial of the ‘Buddy System’ methodology of enabling clients to work confidentially in therapy with me through e mail. This method has already been used within the NHS specifically in the Maudsley Clinic and has been noted to offer benefits to clients. This gives client’s a secure account so that they can write up a daily diary of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
The only correspondent is me and I can read the diary regularly or before our weekly phone session in which I can give support and advice or simply engage in reflection on your week. This means that clients who are unable to take time out to travel to sessions are able to engage from the comfort of their own home and that they can start to keep track of helpful behaviours. This could be very helpful to clients with disability, people who are ill, people who live in isolated areas or people who have hectic schedules and cannot allocate time for face to face therapy.
I am very enthusiastic about this way of working and as soon as the trial has finished I will evaluate its success for clients and then sign up on a permanent basis. If you are interested in working with me through e mail and diary keeping I would be pleased to hear from you. I will of course evaluate first with clients any risks for them in working in this way as it may not be suitable for everyone.