Psychosocial Media: An Argument for the Utlization of Online Social Networks as Clinical Adjuncts in Psychotherapy

Abstract

This paper argues for the utilization of online social networks (OSNs) as clinical adjuncts in psychotherapy with adolescents and young adults. While privacy and ethics are critical issues in psychotherapy, these concerns should not overshadow the various ways that an OSN adjunct may enhance the therapeutic alliance and advance psychotherapeutic practice. The argument asserts that a joint exploration of OSN profile pages – a mental health professional in conjunction with an approving client – may provide clinically relevant details, and a more comprehensive conceptualization of emotional and interpersonal functioning. The specific content of OSN disclosures are discussed, referencing current cyberpsychology and communications research. In addition, the procedural question of when, in a therapeutic relationship, it may be appropriate to initiate a psychosocial media approach, is also addressed. Comparisons are then made between OSN integration and previous incorporation of personal images and visual expression in psychotherapy. The penultimate section details how OSNs may be viewed from a narrative psychological standpoint, and the numerous ways these new social tools can be interpreted or understood within various other psychological frameworks. Lastly, this paper cites the general effectiveness of other technological adjuncts in psychotherapy, and offers final recommendations for the potential marriage of social media and psychotherapy.