Counseling and Technology: Some Thoughts About the Controversy

ABSTRACT

Counselors, like many other professionals, are being forced to decide whether or not to make use of technology in their work. A review of the counseling and technology literature revealed existing controversies, and practical vs. philosophical concerns associated with incorporating technology into counseling. The underlying assumptions held by advocates and opponents of technology in counseling are reviewed and discussed. The premise of this article is that the controversy concerning computers in counseling may be misunderstood if taken merely at face value, and may be symptomatic of a much deeper disagreement. These differences can be further explored by recognizing the varying worldviews which can be characterized as modernist and postmodernist perspectives. In conclusion, tolerance of dual approaches to applying technology in counseling will best permit the counseling field to progress.

KEYWORDS:

• Counseling
• technology
• computer uses
• Internet counseling
• online therapies