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Technology Debate Notes

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Technology Debate Notes

Uploaded by

francodiana170
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TECHNOLOGY DEBATE NOTES 1

Technology Debate Notes

Side: Against

● Limited Access to Technology for Clients- There are many clients who may not have
equal access to technology or have internet access. There are also technology
malfunctions that may affect the sessions. This can make it difficult for clients and they
may not have time to reschedule another session/
○ Counter arguments to Pro Tech: Some may argue that there are available
sources and with technology that is growing faster in today’s society. According
to recent data, around 20% of US households do not have internet access, which
means they likely lack computer access as well; this translates to roughly "one in
five" households being unconnected to the internet at home.

● Miscommunication Potential-Some may find it challenging to engage as effectively


through a screen as in person. There may be some facial or verbal expressions that will be
difficult to read through a computer screen. It can be difficult to see any signs that may be
miscommunicated by clients. There is limited access to nonverbal cues like body
language, eye contact, or posture.
○ Counter arguments to Pro Tech: Proponents may argue that communication
may be equally effective and easier to contact those who are not able to meet in
person. Although, it may be difficult to read cues and there may be technical
issues that could potentially interrupt services where the counselor may not be
able to see the client through the screen.

● Cultural Sensitivity: The online medium can sometimes lead to misunderstandings


about cultural nuances, particularly when counselors and clients come from different
backgrounds, or when the technology removes some of the contextual cues that would
otherwise inform the therapeutic process.

● Incompatibility with Certain Therapeutic Techniques- It may be difficult to provide


certain therapy techniques that require body movements or role play techniques. For
instance, role modeling with the empty chair technique in Gestalt or body-based
therapies. It can be hard to give certain techniques that clients or counselors may prefer
using.
○ Counter arguments to Pro Tech: Some may argue that it is still possible to use
body based techniques or role modeling in online sessions. Although, it is proven
to be more difficult to provide services that some therapists or clients may prefer
or find more effective.

● Working with suicidal clients- It may be more difficult when working with clients who
are suicidal because it can be difficult to see signs such as physical cut marks. It may
TECHNOLOGY DEBATE NOTES 2

require more direct questioning with online counseling sessions. Some clients may not
answer questions accurately so it can be difficult to see the signs.
○ Counter arguments to Pro Tech: Some may argue that there are other family
members who may report if they see any visible signs or other signs of suicidal
ideation, but it is would still be more difficult to see the signs as a trained
counselor who is taught how to see question and look for signs of suicidal
ideation. Therefore, it would be more difficult to see the signs over an online
session.

● Children and Adolescents: Young clients may struggle with online formats, lacking the
attention span or ability to engage fully in virtual counseling. Additionally, they may not
have a private or safe space at home to talk freely.

References

https://www.dailyhuman.com/post/technology-in-counseling#:~:text=Some%20may%20find%2
0it%20challenging,the%20human%20element%20in%20therapy.

https://counsellingtutor.com/managing-risk-in-online-therapy/#:~:text=Severe%20mental%2Dhe
alth%20conditions%20%E2%80%93%20it,the%20victim%20speaking%20with%20you.

https://www.ntia.gov/blog/2022/switched-why-are-one-five-us-households-not-online

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