E-therapy is a term that has been coined to describe the process of interacting with a therapist online in ongoing conversations over time when the client and counselor are in separate or remote locations and utilize electronic means to communicate with each other. It is a relatively new modality of assisting individuals resolve life and relationship issues. E-therapy utilizes the power and convenience of the internet to allow simultaneous (synchronous) and time-delayed (asynchronous) communication between an individual and a professional. For the purposes of this paper, e-therapy is defined as a licensed mental health care professional providing mental health services via e-mail, video conferencing, virtual reality technology, chat technology, or any combination of these. It does not include self-help methods such as public bulletin boards or private listservs. E-therapy is not psychotherapy or psychological counseling per se since it does to presume to diagnose or treat mental or medical disorders. However, e-therapy is flexible enough to also address many difficulties which clients present to the online therapist. As in other types of therapy, such as bibliotherapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation therapy), e-therapy does assist a person in addressing specific concerns with specific skills. This article examines the following issues of e-therapy. First, the types of e-therapy and related services are described to provide a background for the article. Second, the ethical codes which have been adopted by three major professional organizations (American Counseling Association, National Board for Certified Counselors, and the International Society for Mental Health Online) pertaining to e-therapy are summarized for professional and consumer use. Finally, the practical, ethical, and legal issues of e-therapy services are discussed fully.
This article discusses the self-in-relation theory as it applies to chemically dependent women. The theory provides an alternative way of understanding and viewing chemically dependent women. The self-in-relation model (or theory) states that relationships are extremely important in women's psychological development and functioning and that women's connection with others is fundamental to self-concept. Women for Sobriety, a mutual help group for chemically dependent women, offers an alternative way of supporting women in trying to achieve recovery, and this is also discussed in a relational context. lthough the "invisible" nature of female addiction began to diminish during the 1980s (Irwin & Stoner, 1991;Vannicelli, 1984b), alarge discrep-A ancy still exists regarding the attention given to male and female addicts (Irwin & Stoner, 1991;Vannicelli, 1984aVannicelli, . 1984b. Empirical support regarding the etiology, prevention, and treatment relating specifically to women is insufficient plume, 1994; Kelly, Kropp, & Manhal-Baugus, 1995; Kropp, Manhal-Baugus, & Kelly, 1996;Vannicelli, 1984aVannicelli, , 1984b. There is a relationship between chemical dependency and women's role in society. Hence, different theories to explain and alternative strategies to treat chemically dependent women are needed. The role of personal and relational factors must be acknowledged in the explanation of chemical dependency in women, and effective treatment must take a broad and gender-related perspective.To illustrate the need for new models and treatment options for chemically dependent women, the special issues faced by chemically dependent women are discussed in the first section. Next, the self-in-relation theory, a model of psychological development for women that provides an alternative way of understanding and viewing chemically dependent women, is discussed. Finally, Women for Sobriety, a mutual help group that offers an alternative way of supporting women in trying to achieve recovery, is the last topic of this article.
An increasing amount of litigation is occurring within the mental health field, including the chemical dependency profession. A malpractice lawsuit can have devastating effects on the practice of an unsuspecting professional. Even suits with absolutely no merit that are filed can have a catastrophic impact on a therapist's professional reputation, personal life, and financial stability.This article explores the issue of malpractice and the ethical codes that are relevant to chemical dependency counselors. In addition, we explain three ethical and legal areas that are important for chemical dependency counselors to fully understand and follow: (a) informed consent, (b) confidentiality, and (c) working within and improving one's level of competence and area of expertise.These issues are the most common sources of problems for addiction specialists. Chemical dependency counselors can reduce the risk of malpractice by understanding and following the ethical codes and legal laws to the best of their ability. MALPRACTICEMalpractice is the "failure to render professional services to the degree of skill and learning commonly applied by the average prudent reputable member of the profession; as a result, there is injury, loss, or damage to the recipient of those services or to those entitled to rely on them"
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