Technology: Using It as a Means to Creatively Connect With Adolescents

Abstract

This column is designed to underscore relationally-based creative interventions used by counselors and psychotherapists in their practices. Our intention is to provide examples of novel, innovative ways of working with clients in their efforts to deepen self-awareness and their connections with others. Although the interventions within this column will be presented in a linear “how to” manner, an essentional premise of this column is that interventions submitted for publication have a contextual and relational basis. Basic to this column is the therapeutic focus of working through latent hurts and impediments to our clients’ health and happiness. Client goals generally involve creating the requisite emotional space needed for genuine relational choice for connection to manifest. If you have created a useful therapy tool, or if you have adapted an existing creative tool that you would like to share with readers, please follow submission guidelines in the author information packet available at http://www.creativecounselor.org/Journal.html.

Adolescent communication has seen a shift since the emergence of the digital culture. Researchers debate the impact of said technology on adolescent well-being; however, the fact remains that adolescents communicate using a wide variety of technological venues. It seems important for counselors to explore and understand the digital culture, as well as find ways to creatively connect with adolescents using a communication means they value: technology. This article will discuss several ways to integrate technology into counseling sessions, as well as ethical and other considerations.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• communication
• technology
• digital culture
• creativity in counseling

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rebecca L. Koltz

Rebecca L. Koltz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Human Development at Montana State University–Bozeman, Bozeman, Montana.

Dawn S. Tarabochia

Dawn S. Tarabochia is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Human Development at Montana State University–Bozeman, Bozeman, Montana.