TILT – Therapeutic Innovations in Light of Technology
About the Author the client has a clear rational for using it. I tend to frame this as an “experiment” to gather more information for a few days. Clients, unless they are compulsive, usually wane in compliance after a few days anyway, so suggest they collect for a few days and save the information for the next meeting.
Resistance In my experience designing and making apps and programs for therapy, resistance has come more from the lack of comfort with something new and ambiguous, rather than the technology itself. Consider how many of us still fear programming TV recording devices, but drive computerized cars and use social media. Carving out a little time to go through the app with the client will help you assess the client’s ability and willingness to use the App and forecast and prevent any obstacles as well.
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Final Starting Tips
Jay Ostrowski is a Telemental health and marketing innovator with www. BehavioralHealthInnovation. com. BHI created www. telementalhealthcomparisons. com to help professionals choose technology. He lives in Charlotte, NC, USA.
Once you are ready to recommend an App, take a moment and walk through using the app in session. This will help the client clearly understand what is expected and help the therapist identify any client’s limitations. Be clear on the expectations for use and the worth of the material gathered. Focus on the material rather than the technology. Keep the time interval for the App use short. Make sure the client is comfortable with the user agreement for the App. Do not have them email the results or post them on social media sites that are not HIPAA compliant if based in the US. The App will not replace the therapist or coach, as many in the change-agent profession fear. We are not working towards the counselor saying “Take two Apps and
call me next week.” Apps, like assessments, self-help materials and worksheets, serve as enhancements to the therapy or coaching process. Uses of Apps in therapy and coaching are as individual as the sessions themselves. Experiment with some of the Apps and send me some feedback on your experiences. n
Disclosure: Jay Ostrowski receives no compensation, financial or otherwise for any of the Apps mentioned in this article.