PowerPoint presentation on computer technology use in counseling

1. Use of Computer Technology in Counseling Mark Oliver

3. Documentation & record keeping

4. Psychological assessments

5. Emails

6. Searches and resources for client education

7. To expand clients’ job searches

8. Web pages

10. Management of client records Software programs are now available to: Manage client records and documentation Assist in case conceptualization Treatment planning Third party billing Additional benefits include quick generation of case conceptualization and treatment plans Additional disadvantages include: “canned” client case summaries and treatment plans (Caspar, Berger, & Hautle, (2004); Patrick & Flanagan, 2008)

11. Resources to aid client Emails – which can aid in correspondence the main drawback possible breach in client’s confidentiality Web searches and internet sites – can provide client with additional information on a problem, main drawback – need to guide client to quality information Internet job searches – employment counselors can expand clients’ job searches by searching on the internet. Drawback may miss some job openings if the client relies solely on the internet (Green, Lawson, & Getz, 2005; Patrick & Flanagan, 2008)

12. Psychological Testing The benefits of computerized testing include: Less tedious for clients to complete Computer software does the analysis and feedback is almost instantaneous Results are compared with population norms quickly Counselors can Track changes in clients performance overtime (Abney & Maddux, 2004)

13. Psychological Testing The disadvantages include: May not be equivalent to older pencil & paper tests Computer novices may not feel comfortable with computerized testing which may effect their outcomes Counselors can rely too heavily on computerized assessments and dehumanize the assessment process Many psychological assessments which lack reliability and validity are available online (Abney & Maddux, 2004)

14. Online (internet) Counseling Definition Online (internet) counseling has been referred to as cybercounseling, e-counseling, email counseling, web counseling, e-psychotherapy, internet psychotherapy and online counseling/psychotherapy (Patrick, 2006). NBCC Definition “Internet counseling involves asynchronous & Synchronous distance interactions among counselors & clients using email, chat, & videoconferencing features of the internet to communicate” (NBCC, 2006)

16. Convenience – the clients do not have to leave home

18. Harder to “read” the emotions of clients online

19. Unethical internet counselors – Some who offer online counseling are unlicensed and unethical

20. Breech of confidentiality – there is the risk of unauthorized access to counseling sessions. (Patrick, 2006)

21. Online (Internet) Counseling My thoughts and feelings on internet or cybercounseling - in most cases the disadvantages of it outweigh the benefits because one of the most beneficial skill of a counselor (the ability to read the clients emotion) is greatly reduced. Likewise the risk of breach of clients’ confidentiality is much greater on the internet. However in some cases such as clients’ inability to physically get to the counseling office online counseling may be appropriate.

22. References Abney, P., & Maddux, C. (2004) Counseling and Technology: Some thoughts about the controversy. Journal of technology in Human Services. 22(3), 1-24. DOI: 10.1300/J017v22n03_01. Caspar, F., Berger, T., & Hautle, I. (2004). The Right View of Your Patient: A Computer-Assisted, Individualized Module for Psychotherapy Training. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 41(2), 125-135. DOI: 10.1037/0033-3204.41.2.125. Green, R., Lawson, G., & Getz, H. (2005). The impact of the internet: Implications for mental health counselors. Journal of Technology in Counseling. http://jtc.colstate.edu/Vol4_1/Lawson/Lawson.htm. National Board for Certified Counselors. (2006). The practice of internet counseling. Retrieved February 27, 2010 From http://www.nbcc.org/AssetManagerFiles/ethics/internetCounseling.pdf Patrick, P. (2006). Providing counseling online: Because we “can”, should we? Vistas 2006 Online. Retrieved 2/1/10 from http:// www.conselingoutfitters.com/Patrick2.htm. Patrick P., & Flanagan, A. (2008). ACA and division journal content analysis: Computer technology (1990-2005). Journal of Technology in Counseling. http://jtc.colstate.edu/Vol4_1/Lawson/Lawson.htm.