Webotherapy: reading web resources for problem solving

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to indicate that when webotherapy is applied, it can be of benefit to clients in giving them insight into their problems, resulting in a change of behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Webotherapy, which can be conducted with individuals or groups, refers to the use of web resources or other online reading material (e.g. e‐books, e‐journals) to assist clients (especially children and young adults) in their healing process. It may be defined as the use of web resources to help others gain additional insight and to help them cope with everyday life. Most people have probably read web resources to determine how others have approached a delicate issue.

Findings

This paper suggests that webotherapy is a potentially powerful method for psychologists, librarians, schoolteachers and counselors to use on many levels. It begins with a brief review of the history of webotherapy, continues with a discussion of some approaches to webotherapy (developmental, clinical, and interactive), then addresses the four basic stages of webotherapy (identification, selection, presentation, and follow‐up), and finally discusses the benefits and limitations of webotherapy.

Originality/value

The paper discusses webotherapy and offers a review of literature on related fields.

Citation

Noruzi, A. (2007), "Webotherapy: reading web resources for problem solving", The Electronic Library, Vol. 25 No. 6, pp. 741-756. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470710837164