As a psychotherapist assisting other healing professionals with their marketing efforts, one of the most common fears I encounter is the fear of, or discomfort with, computer technology, also known as “technophobia." Why is technophobia so common in our profession (as well as in the general public)? What does it mean to us to fear engaging with technology, and how does that fear impact our practices?

I am often struck by the depth and intensity of the fears and beliefs many of us hold around computers in general, and the internet in particular. Having had to work through my own anxieties in order to create a professional website for my practice, I know that for a variety of reasons, technology often invokes in us deep seated fears and insecurities, often dating back to our childhoods. How many of us have found ourselves at times thinking along the lines of:

• Computers “don’t like” me.
• When I just get near a computer, I “jinx” it and it starts acting up.
• Using a computer/ building a website/ advertising online is just “not for me.”
• I could never learn what it takes to build a website.

You may chuckle or shake your head reading this, but many, many of us share these beliefs. The world of computers and the internet is mysterious, ambiguous and threatening for many of us. This simple fact makes it ripe for some of our most vulnerable, and at times self-defeating, projections and fears.

So, how do we overcome or reframe those profound fears? Obviously, becoming aware of whatever “magical thinking” we have about technology is helpful. It is also not enough. I have found the next five steps to ease the clutch of those fears for myself and many others I have worked with:

1. Find an area of technology that is fun and creative for you; working with technology is no different than any other aspect of your practice. Whatever your strengths and talents are, they can be put to good use when you work on your online advertising. If, for example, you enjoy writing, start working on a profile for online directories. If you are detail-oriented and enjoy organizing information, start looking into Google AdWords or Analytics. If you start your process in an enjoyable and satisfying area for you, you will gradually build confidence and ease in other areas as well.
2. Give yourself plenty of time to learn. Learning to use, understand, and work with technology is a process. Be gentle and patient with yourself, and set some realistic goals for your process. Whenever you get overwhelmed, you are moving too fast! Slow down and re-adjust your expectations of yourself.
3. Schedule in protected time to work on your online presence. We all have busy work lives, and it is easy to procrastinate and avoid areas of difficulty or discomfort. Make your “technology” time as protected and intentional as your time with clients. Don’t do anything else during those scheduled times but work on manageable, specific tasks.
4. Get appropriate professional help. It is okay to depend on others for help with areas that are beyond your knowledge level. Look for professional helpers who will support your growing knowledge and ease with technology, so over time you will become less, rather than more, dependent on them. Look for help that matches, but does not exceed, the level of help that you need.
5. Treat yourself with compassion and humor. One of the hardest aspects of this process, especially for those of us who feel quite competent in our clinical work, is that we have to face ourselves as new learners, at times awkward, challenged or insecure. If we can laugh, be patient with ourselves and let ourselves grow in this process, we are a lot less likely to contract in fear or helplessness, and a lot more likely to grow in our proficiency and confidence.

To learn more about our services, email naomi@therapy-marketing.com, call 510-658-3783, or visit us at www.Therapy-Marketing.com

Sign up for our Email Newsletter