Abstract
Email as a tool to deliver therapy and provide psychological support is an increasing reality in the mental health environment. There is an intense debate among mental health professionals to determine whether the advantages and benefits of text-based online interventions outline their limitations. This study has explored how therapists experience and perceive the establishment and development of a therapeutic relationship in absence of non-verbal cues when therapy is delivered via email. A semi-structured interview was conducted with seasoned therapists. According to the results therapists perceived and experienced key elements of the therapeutic relationship like closeness and agreement on goals but experienced limitations on the conveying of empathy and acceptance.