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Generation X and Distance Counseling... Inevitable Union ;-)
I recently attended the DCC credentialing training in Maryland. It was my first, of what I know will become many encounters with DeeAnna Merz Nagel. She is an amazingly authentic person and I appreciate her generosity in sharing so much of her professional journey. Although I have been immersed in the “online experience” for many years. It was not until I encountered OTI that I fully gained appreciation for the benefit of bridging the gap between my personal and professional experiences. Once exposed to the advancements of our European counterparts, I immediately began the process of incorporating the two worlds: real and virtual.
Despite the wealth of research and data on the benefits of distance counseling, I am perplexed by the resistance of mental health organizations and third party payors in the US to embrace what has become the inevitable direction of the medical community. For clinicians, evolution of the medical model is critical for the growth of the field. The popularity of “coaching” clearly demonstrates that clients have a need for a revision to our methods of providing quality therapeutic care.
Yes, I understand that there are some clients for whom distance counseling would not be appropriate. This speaks volumes to the need to regulate this modality and to establish guidelines for standards of practice. I also appreciate that Generation Xer’s like myself tend to be generally more receptive to technology based “anything” than our predecessors and are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to move the field (along with all our other personal, professional and social networking) into the digital age.
Kudos to DeeAnna (and Kate) for setting the stage for this movement in the United States… I am right behind you!
Despite the wealth of research and data on the benefits of distance counseling, I am perplexed by the resistance of mental health organizations and third party payors in the US to embrace what has become the inevitable direction of the medical community. For clinicians, evolution of the medical model is critical for the growth of the field. The popularity of “coaching” clearly demonstrates that clients have a need for a revision to our methods of providing quality therapeutic care.
Yes, I understand that there are some clients for whom distance counseling would not be appropriate. This speaks volumes to the need to regulate this modality and to establish guidelines for standards of practice. I also appreciate that Generation Xer’s like myself tend to be generally more receptive to technology based “anything” than our predecessors and are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to move the field (along with all our other personal, professional and social networking) into the digital age.
Kudos to DeeAnna (and Kate) for setting the stage for this movement in the United States… I am right behind you!
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Comment by Shawn Ware-Avant on July 7, 2009 at 10:11pm - Thanks for the link Trinka. I am not surprised that the article references a program in Canada. Seems as though our neighbors to the north are way ahead of the game! With the help of clinicians like ourselves willing to explore the power of online communication, we'll be gaining on them soon! (grin)
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Comment by Trinka Polite on July 6, 2009 at 12:07am -
Shawn
I totally agree with your post. One would think that such an inevitable union would not face this much resistance. Isn't it always the case with a new idea? :-) I'm very interested in the research addressing usage of online counseling. I found this article and thought it may be of interest to you.
http://www.google.com/gwt/n?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.news.utoronto.ca%2Fbin6%2F051011-1731.asp
Trinka
http://www.politecounseling.com
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Comment by DeeAnna Merz Nagel on June 26, 2009 at 1:41pm - Kind words Shawn! You are already leading the x pack!
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