w w w . on l in e t h e r a p y instit u t e . c o m
I frequently start my day by logging in to our counseling grids to make sure things are flowing smoothly for clients to be able to access their services. I review my schedule to familiarize myself with individual sessions I have scheduled, orientation sessions for new clients, and group therapy. If materials or posters are needed for sessions or groups that day, I upload the content necessary and set those things up. One of the unique experiences as a therapist providing services in this context is that I get to create the things I need in the environment as I need them. For example, family communication might be an issue someone needs to work on that day so I could go in our virtual space and create a roundtable discussion setting where clients can practice healthier communication, or maybe we are having a group on anger management, so I set up the chairs around a volcano we have constructed as a visual aid. We are able to create multiple environments to meet immediate needs without worrying about expenses or construction time. Orientation to the program is a common duty as a therapist. Orientation for new clients happens in face-to-face individual sessions. We want to help them learn to use the program so they feel comfortable operating their own avatar to engage in services in a virtual world environment. I teach basic skills associated with virtual world environments including how to chat and interact with other avatars in the virtual world, how to edit appearance, how to navigate the virtual space and get from one location to another, as well as many other tasks necessary to engage in their treatment services. This is also a perfect opportunity to build the therapeutic alliance with the client and help
establish that sense of trust we know is vital to help them stay engaged, as we don’t often see them in a face-to-face context from this point on. Throughout the day, I conduct individual and group therapy sessions. These occur in the virtual world setting where I am logged in from a location and the client(s) are logged in typically from their homes or near their home communities. We engage in sessions as we would in the face-to-face settings - each person present is represented by an avatar, which is controlled by their human counterpart. Sessions occur as in the real world, only we are typing out in text chat our communications, or using voice if it is available to all participants. The online sessions provide for flexibility around activities and other things going on in their lives and mine. Since we are performing online services, it provides for the opportunity for them to engage in their regularly scheduled sessions and receive crisis support at any time. In addition to our virtual encounters, clients can also phone staff, or visit one of our offices if desired. The idea to utilize technology to aid clients from “tech-savvy” generations is one of the most innovative ideas I, as a therapist, have experienced and one I thoroughly enjoy. It is great to be able to let them experience services in a setting that utilizes technology that they experience on a regular basis including text chat and interaction in online settings through social media outlets and allow these experiences to become healthy and fruitful ones. A major benefit of online therapy is that it provides flexibility around other activities they are involved in. Treatment time is not extended by travel time. Other benefits of online therapy are the ability to receive services from home or anywhere that there is internet accessibility, clients don’t have to miss
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