E-mail: a new technique for forming a therapeutic alliance with high-risk young people failing to engage with mental health services? A case study.

This article describes e-mail therapy with a teenager whom professionals found difficult to communicate with and understand. Anne had a 4-year history of low mood and unpredictable self-harming behaviour that in the past had led to admission to a secure unit. Therapy involved weekly e-mails over a 3-month period and ended when she was transferred to adult services. The article focuses on how e-mail enabled engagement to occur. The therapeutic relationship allowed Anne to explore and understand past experiences, and start resolving present problems. Diagnosis also became clearer.