This document discusses the use of technology in counseling. It outlines various technologies like phones, video conferencing, and social media that counselors can use. Technology allows counselors to reach more clients, especially those in rural areas or with disabilities. It also lets counselors share resources online and connect with other professionals. However, some counselors fear using technology or lack knowledge on privacy and confidentiality. The document provides ways to overcome these fears and notes legal implications like ensuring privacy and informed consent. It emphasizes that not learning technology does a disservice to clients by limiting communication options.

1. Counseling
and
Technology

2. Types of Technology
 CellPhones (texting & calling)
 Video Conferencing
 E-mailing
 Blogging
 Microsoft Office (PP, Excel, Word,
OneNote, etc.)
 Social Media (Twitter & Facebook)

3. Why We Use Technology In
Counseling
 As a bridge to reach a larger client base,
including clients who live in rural
environments, those who have disabilities,
those who are afraid of potentially
bumping into other community members
at a counselor’s office and those with
social phobias who might not leave
home.
 To connect with members of the
community who aren’t already clients

4. Why We Use Technology In
Counseling cont.
 Allows current clients access to additional
helpful information outside of session
 Counselors could also post book reviews, top
10 lists related to certain topics, links to
community resources and links to videos
 Because an estimated 25 percent of people
search for health information online
 effective networking tool that allows
counselors to connect with other professionals
in their communities

5. Why We Don’t Use Technology
 Fear of how to use types of technology
 Set in our ways and not wanting to
change
 We lack the knowledge of how to keep
our client’s information confidential
 We don’t have support from
administration

6. Ways To Overcome Fear
 Attend community workshops that explain
how to use technology
 Take a technological course at a local
college
 Ask the student to assist (they may be the
expert)
 Practice, Practice, Practice

7. Pros of Using Technology
 reduced the stigma for some clients
 counselors can post resources and
information online
 Can break down some of the barriers that
typically prevent potential clients from
showing up at the office door
 allows for more flexibility, both for the
counselor and the client

8. Cons of Using Technology
 boundary issues
 very easy to set unknown expectations
 lack of understanding of the hidden messages
we might send when using the technology
 concern over whether the client really is who
he says he is
 the task of setting up an emergency plan
 easy to get sucked into being connected to
your work at all times

9. Legal Implications
 Encryption and secure servers and virus
protection are essential
 counselors must take time to understand
privacy settings and to stay on top of if and
when those settings change
 Informed consent needs to be inclusive of all
the threats to confidentiality
 have a social media policy regarding
whether you are going to friend or follow a
client and vice versa

10. What We Need To Always
Remember
 Bychoosing NOT to learn about
technology we are doing a DISSERVICE to
our clients/students and shut the door on
the different opportunities to
communicate outside of face-to-face