TECHNOLOGICALLY ALTERED REALITY INSIDE THE THERAPIST'S OFFICE

Psychoanalysis has begun discussing the powerful meanings that computers and related technology have for some patients, but little has been said about making patients' technology a part of treatment. Fundamental qualities of technologically altered reality that make it compelling for some patients include integrating the internal and external worlds; disembodiment; and divestment of speech. Allowing patients' technology into the office can make these qualities come alive in the therapeutic process. To illustrate, I discuss an adolescent girl who frequently texted during sessions, and an adolescent boy who was so centered on the World of Warcraft computer game that I let him play during sessions and also let him know about my playing World of Warcraft in order to engage with his experience meaningfully. These two different technologically altered realities shared the aforementioned fundamental qualities, but also allowed expression and exploration of very different personal meanings.