Virtual World We Live In

The internet has become a party of many our everyday lives. Today, counselors are integrating technology in numerous ways for various reasons. The internet has become a central part in every day life. When we think of the uses for technology, we think about communication, shopping, business, leisure, face book, Myspace, promotions and well being. Today, technology is reaching out to not only people’s computers for their own personal use, but to also integrating into the counseling field. The internet has been introduced into the counseling field for the client as well as counselors and counselor trainees. The use of technology has impacted the Mental health field and will continue to do so in the future.

The internet can be a force for good. The internet is a means to distribute information to people on health issues and reaching out to group who may be unable to connect to anyone similar to them. Individuals may feel connected having a way to communicate with others about a particular problem. Message boards have become extremely common for many different types of groups. Chat rooms are another way individuals can discuss their feelings with other people. According to Hackerman(2000), persons in cyberspace communities “exchange pleasantries and engage in intellectual discourse, conduct commerce, exchange knowledge ad share emotional support”

In addition to technology is a good form of communication, one study did a comparison between online self help groups and face to face self help groups. The study investigated some pros and cons to both delivery methods. The study concluded the advantages to online groups were the availability and the fact the groups can reach many people who would not otherwise have access. The participants reported a greater sense of confidentiality and level of comfort. The list of advantages goes on and on. This study clearly stated that the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. The disadvantages that were reported were the following: lack of warmth, relationship, and lack of face to face contact. Overall, both methods have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages; however it just depends on the individual needs of the client (Liebert, Adcock& Munson, 2000).

By no means is the research leaning towards 100% online counseling, but it does conclude for some clients the online counseling may be suited for them. Some researchers examined the effects of using the internet sites. The participants in the research were given needs based approach best suited to meet their individual needs. This needs based approach is a lot like the face to face process. They found the clients were more likely to navigate through the sites and found the resources they needed quickly without all the other extra information like some web designs out there ( Hackerman& Greer).

So many counselors are asking and wondering how to implement and integrate technology into their practices. Jones & Harper (2000) attempt to provide some insight on how to become more technologically advanced. The article addresses educator’s questions about how to reach counselor trainees through the means of an online course. These online courses will allow counselors in training to become more comfortable with technology so that when they are out of college they will utilize technology within their practices.

In summary, technology is something we cannot ever escape. It is now in every ares of our lives including education and counseling. We as professionals must not resist this and become educated in order to meet the needs of our students and or clients.

http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/

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