Etherapy: A Training Program for Development of Clinical Skills in Distance Psychotherapy

A Preliminary Comparison of Online and Face-to-Face Process Groups

“…In the coming years, it is imperative that more research is done regarding the training models used to prepare students and practitioners to work with technology. More research should be completed on the effects of intentional training of online counseling skills (Cardenas et al, 2008;Gilkey et al, 2009) and knowledge and how this may impact the overall online group counseling process.…”

“…As recent literature has noted the need for counselors to be trained in providing videoconferencing and other online types of counseling (Cardenas, Serrano, Flores, & De la Rosa, 2008;Gilkey, Carey, & Wade, 2009), it is postulated that online group leadership training would be an effective way of improving the group Process Groups Comparison 257 process for participants. In fact, social presence is known as a skill set that can be taught and fostered through learning (Tu, 2000).…”

Influencing College Students' Perceptions of Videocounseling

“…As such, counselor training programs will need to consider including courses (or components of courses) in their curricula focusing on technological applications of counseling. Indeed, there are already efforts to train students in the use of technology-based applications in mental health (e.g., Cardenas, Serrano, Flores, & De la Rosa, 2008). Such training could take place in counseling techniques classes as well as practica and internships, but would require supervision by faculty members or supervisors who have been trained in distance counseling.…”

Teaching Online Group Counseling Skills in an On-Campus Group Counseling Course

“…Finally training course should focus on asynchronous (chat-based) and synchronous (videoconference) training designed to support the formation of online clinical skills, interventions within a supervised practice (Cardenas et al 2008).…”