A psychotherapeutic computer application: Modification of technological competence

The increasing sophistication of computer technology, combined with increased specification of therapeutic interventions, has facilitated development of computer programs that have achieved marked success in the psychotherapeutic treatment of circumscribed populations. This paper briefly reviews the history of computerized psychotherapy and examines several successful therapeutic computer applications in depth. These applications have attempted to replace the therapist with a computer. Another possible, as yet unexplored, application is the use of the computer as a vehicle for modification of an individual’s perceived competence to effectively operate on his or her environment. Using a computer to successfully manipulate one’s environment can provide a personal mastery experience that has the potential to contribute significantly to an increase in perceived self-competence, an essential component of positive therapeutic change. A study that would provide empirical support for this type of computer application is proposed.