January, 2004

A NEW PROFESIONAL CREDENTIAL SPECIALIZATION - DISTANCE COUNSELING.

By Harvey Schmelter-Davis, M.A., NCC, DCC

Distance Counseling (DC) is an approach that takes the best practices of traditional counseling as well as some of its own unique advantages and adapts them for delivery to clients via electronic means in order to maximize the use of technology-assisted counseling techniques. The technology-assisted methods may include telecounseling (telephone), secure email communication, chat, videoconferencing or computerized stand-alone software programs.

Distance Counseling differs from face to face counseling and can be incorporated into current counseling practice enabling one to assist greater numbers of individuals who are seeking help. Some clients actually seek Distance Counseling services for both practical/logistical and personal preference reasons. In certain instances Distance Counseling may be more convenient for clients. While telecounseling takes place in real time and does depend on “making an appointment”, traveling and related formalities do not present obstacles. Asynchronous counseling communications via secure email adds even greater flexibility. Distance Counseling may also present its own special advantages beyond the replication of best practices from face-to-face counseling. For example, some clients prefer the anonymity of a Distance Counseling relationship and are more likely to open up and self-disclose than they would be in a traditional counseling setting. In addition the power of the written word in Distance Counseling provides a profound impact on both the counselor and the client.

There is recognition that telecounseling and various forms of email or synchronous chat techniques demand special training in counseling and communication skills from the counselor. Professional associations and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) have started to develop Distance Counseling standards. One outcome has been the establishment of the Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC) in January 2004 by the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE), an affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). In obtaining the Distance Counseling Credential counselors are agreeing to adhere to professionally accepted Distance Counseling standards. Individuals who:

• have an earned Masters degree in counseling or an appropriately related field from a regionally accredited college or university,
• and are licensed to practice counseling or a related field in the State or Country in which they reside or work OR are certified in good standing as a National Certified Counselor (NCC)
• and successfully complete the two day DCC training,

• Understanding and explaining the rationale for Distance Counseling services
• Building a strong working relationship using Distance Counseling methods
• Planning and stages within Distance Counseling relationships
• How to incorporate Distance Counseling methods within your current work setting
• Conducting Distance Counseling case management
• Ethical and legal issues involved in Distance Counseling
• Approaches to difficult situations
• Technology methods and support for effective Distance Counseling
• Assessing outcomes and client satisfaction