Technology plays an important role in counseling education programs and the counseling field. It is used as a tool in the classroom through distance education courses, video recordings of counseling sessions, and online class organization. For practicing counselors, technology allows recording and securely storing of client sessions and information. It also enhances counselor competence and connectivity through web resources, discussion boards, and connectivity with other counselors. The future of counseling will likely see technology playing an even greater role, with some programs becoming fully online. Overall, technology provides significant benefits and its integration is important to keep counseling practices effective and to keep up with changes in the field.
2. Technology is Everywhere Technology is prominent in nearly every counseling education program. Because of this, it is important for counselors-in-training, counseling professors, and current counselors to understand the importance and existence of technology as a tool in counseling. Technology is not only a supplement to education, it is also helpful when practicing as a counselor.
3. Examples in the Classroom Counseling has many uses for technology in the classroom: Distance Education/Web Enhanced Courses – Some classes offer an online option, so students can participate in the course from any computer, anywhere, or at anytime. Video/Audio Recording Aide – Observing counseling sessions is much easier with the help of video and audio recording. Class Organization/Communication – Technology enables classmates and professors to keep in touch and answer questions on the dot.
4. Advantages in the Classroom Online courses and discussion boards are allowing classes to become extremely cohesive and up to date with the changes and scheduling of the classes. Students now have the upper hand regarding studying counseling sessions. They are able to watch counseling sessions and learn important lessons without putting a client in jeopardy. Students and professors are not limited to “scheduled” class times because they can participate from anywhere at anytime with online classes.
5. Examples in the Counseling Field Technology is used with practicing counselors: Counselors are able to record their sessions with clients for easy reviewing access. Private and privileged client information can now be stored safely and securely in personal computers and flash drives. Counselors now have a plethora of information about various therapy methods and techniques due to web resources, journals, and discussion boards.
6. Advantages in the Counseling Field Counselors have more opportunities to connect and interact with other practicing counseling peers. Counselors are able to increase their competence, which in turn creates a better atmosphere for clients. Patients can find solace in the fact that their private information is stored safely with less eyes able to view the information.
7. Future Implications Counseling is a changing field, and it is necessary to keep up in order to offer the most effective care for patients. Most counseling programs (if not all) now offer or require technology enhanced courses. In the future, some programs may be completely technology based.
8. Conclusion Overall, counseling is constantly being re-shaped and re-focused. Technology has amazing benefits for professors, students, practicing counselors, and counseling patients. Technology: embrace it or lag behind.
10. Counselors, counseling professors, and counselors-in-training now have numerous advantageous opportunities that have opened up to them. It is important to soak up as much knowledge as possible and become the most competent counselor possible.
