Can a computer replace a counsellor?

Beating the Blues is a computer based interactive programme for the treatment of anxiety and depression. It is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps patients to identify and change unhelpful ways of thinking and to learn more effective ways of solving problems.

Tim Lott writes in today’s Guardian about  this computer cognitive behaviour therapy progam prescribed by the NHS in an attempt to meet the growing demand for cost effective mental health treatment. Link to continue reading

Obviously, being schooled by a computer has its drawbacks – you can’t ask in the course of therapeutic conversation about anything you don’t understand, and you often end up dealing with territory that isn’t relevant to you.

Most people with depression need some kind of therapy but can a computer replace face to face counselling with a therapist? We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on this

Source: The Guardian