Therapists in social media

Applying professional and ethical principles to the social media space

Abstract

In the context of digitalization, more and more private and public communication takes place in the space of so-called social media. The topic of mental health is also vividly moved there. In the context of this development, numerous accounts of therapeutically working people have emerged on various digital platforms (e. g. Instagram), which are dedicated to this topic. The professionalism in the implementation of the public appearance varies considerably. Licensed psychotherapists are also using social media more and more to draw attention to their work, to educate or to pursue professional politics. So far, this public space for therapists has hardly been regulated. It is therefore all the more important to be aware of the professional responsibility that also applies there. This includes, in particular, applying therapeutic principles of abstinence and neutrality to digital behavior and resisting the potential narcissistic pull of the platforms. The four medical ethical principles offer a helpful and obligatory orientation. In this article, the author reflects on this new development from a psychodynamic perspective and against the background of her several years of experience with her own practice profile on Instagram. In doing so, she invites a professional discourse aimed at a more professional design of the media space.