Can New Technologies Be Therapeutic Tools?
New technologies have changed our way of life, our habits and our customs. Today we are no longer able to leave our homes without our smartphone and we are constantly checking our emails and social networks. New technologies are here to stay, partly because we are already building some aspects of our lives around these tools.
We meet many nostalgic people who reject this new form of communication and what it involves. However, there is something undeniable: our quality of life, can – not necessarily is – thanks to new technologies, be much better. They are used more and more in the field of psychology as a therapeutic tool because the advantages resulting from their use are many and varied.
They are sometimes used because they reduce costs, because they allow therapy to be reconciled with the life of very busy or constantly moving patients, or because they allow us to simulate different scenarios for the patient. exhibition accompanied by a great mastery of the characteristics of the latter. Along these lines, technological tools within psychology are beginning to be used in the treatment of various disorders, such as phobias, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
New technologies applied to the treatment of phobias
From the point of view of the cognitive-behavioral psychological stream, one of the strategies for “treating” phobias is exposure to the phobic element. But in the case of some phobias, actual exposure can be too dangerous or difficult, so new technologies are used. With regard to the phobia of flying, for example, flight simulators very similar to those used by pilots for their training are used.
Virtual reality can be a useful means of making successive approximations of the object or the feared situation. This can be applied in cases of phobias of animals, heights or public speaking. This type of strategy is used more and more as technology allows us to immerse ourselves more and more realistically in the virtual world.
Another advantage of its use is the possibility of continuing the treatment at home, although it is indisputable that the technology cannot replace a therapist, it can nevertheless transmit “exercises” which can be done from home. This is a resource that can be economical in terms of time and sometimes money, as is the case with flight simulation. It is not the only tool used to treat phobias, but it can be a good addition.
Cognitive computer stimulation
Cognitive stimulation is a type of intervention aimed at exercising cognitive functions. It can be used to strengthen or improve functions that may be affected by certain pathologies. It is generally used in cases of dementia, where memory, language are the cognitive functions most often used.
Many cognitive stimulation programs have been developed with the use of tablets and computers. In the beginning, dementia was the main focus, but today it is used in other conditions such as attention disorders and hyperactivity, strokes or brain trauma. These programs are very versatile and allow for customization of exercises at a lower cost.
In populations such as those formed by our elders, the use of new technologies is a form of stimulation in itself insofar as they must become familiar with their use. There are many scientific studies that support the use of cognitive stimulation with new technologies, which are being used in many day centers with positive results.
Future prospects
As in everything that surrounds us, the te chnology promises to be increasingly present in the field of psychological therapies. For example, today there are already psychologists who offer therapy sessions via Skype, just as there are specific apps designed to follow the evolution of our state of mind. We can find many applications on the market that promise to improve our mental health; therefore, it is important, in the face of the growing supply, to identify those that can be of use to us.
Not all apps fulfill the original promise of improving our mental health. It is important when considering using these types of tools to verify the existence of studies supporting what we are offered to purchase. In any event, has u CUNE application can never replace a professional it : they can be useful as tools or resources, facilitators or intensifying the effects of therapy, but will never psychologists.
Finally, we must emphasize the role of technology in the administration of psychometric tests. Indeed, the latter can considerably speed up the evaluation phase: the advantage of these computerized tests is that they give results immediately. In this way, the psychologist no longer has to correct the test, he / she simply has to interpret the results and integrate them with those of other tests or assessment instruments. The professional can thus dedicate this time to carrying out a more precise assessment.
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