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A counseling 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.

How is Distance Counseling different than face to face counseling?

There are many differences. 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. On the other hand, telecounseling and various forms of email or synchronous chat techniques demand special counseling and communication skills from the counselor, and in certain ways, from the client as well. In its own way, 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 free to open up and self-disclose than they would be in a traditional counseling setting. We are also finding that the power of the written word in Distance Counseling provides a profound impact on both the counselor and the client.

How am I going to use this in my work?

Distance Counseling methods can be used as part of your counseling practice. They can help you reach a greater number of clients who need help. There will be times when your clients cannot see you face to face, and therefore you will need to help them using Distance Counseling methods. We now know that certain clients actually seek Distance Counseling services for both practical/logistical and personal preference reasons.

How can I keep up to date about Distance Counseling issues and best practices?

Subscribe to the free Distance Counseling Newsletter, RMDCnewsletter@readyminds.com

Why should I pay $595 for the training?

The cost includes:

1. two days of intensive training
2. all training materials
3. breakfast and lunch both days
4. 15 NBCC approved continuing education hours

This training can be an important professional enhancement for you in staying current on new and important advancements in counseling practice as well as helping you perform your current work responsibilities. Distance Counseling skills may also be a unique advantage when seeking new employment opportunities or seeking to develop new programs related to your current work. Clients are beginning to show strong interest in this type of counseling relationship, and there are indications that demand is increasing for counselors with these skills.

If you register 30 days prior to the DCC training workshop you will receive $75 off the registration fee. If you register 60 days prior to the DCC Training workshop you will receive $100 off the registration fee.

Who is the credentialing organization?

The Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) is an affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors, the largest counselor certification organization in the world. The organization's mission is to establish and monitor a national counselor certification system and to help set standards for counselor practice.

Who is the training organization?

ReadyMinds has been authorized by CCE to deliver the Distance Counseling Credential Training. The organization is a leader in the field of Distance Counseling and has developed sophisticated and best practices Distance Counseling methods and software support in providing services to thousands of clients.

What are the requirements for ATTENDING the DCC Training Program?

An earned Masters degree in counseling or related field from a regionally accredited college or university. You do not have to possess advanced computer skills to participate in the training.

What are the requirements to ATTEND the DCC Training Program and OBTAIN the DCC Credential?

1. Have an earned Masters degree in counseling or related mental health field from a regionally accredited college or university.
   
2. Be licensed to practice counseling or a related field in the State or Country in which you reside or work OR be certified in good standing as a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
   
3. Successfully complete the two-day 15 hour DCC Training Program and the DCC written Training Accountability Requirement (TAR) document.
   

What if I have a degree from a school outside the United States?

Candidates who have completed their degrees from a school outside of the United States must have their degree evaluated by an international transcript evaluation service and submit the results to CCE with the application. CCE accepts evaluation of non-US transcripts completed by World Education Services, Inc, Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc, and American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers' Office of International Education Services.

How can I obtain the DCC Credential if I don't meet the requirements mentioned above?

An individual must successfully complete the DCC Training Program and TAR document. You will receive an official letter of recognition indicating successful completion of the DCC Training, and ReadyMinds will keep this information on file for a five-year period. You will have up to five years to obtain NCC certification or a professional license to practice counseling or a related field in the State or Country in which you reside or work. Once you have fulfilled this requirement, you will be eligible to apply for the DCC Credential.

What will be covered during the training?

The following are the major areas covered in this 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

As a result of the DCC Training you will acquire 28 specific Distance Counseling competencies. Here is a sampling of these counseling skills, relating to the above major areas, which will enable you to work with your clients in a special way:

• Counselors understand how to discuss with both colleagues and clients the various delivery models, opportunities, advantages, challenges and professional preparation involved in the delivery of Distance Counseling services within their own specialty area(s).
  
• Counselors understand how to use technology-assisted techniques to establish a meaningful counseling relationship with their clients when delivering Distance Counseling.
  
• Counselors understand how to use Distance Counseling techniques in a way that fosters an effective structuring of counseling sessions.
  
• Counselors understand how to relate techniques of Distance Counseling to their specific employment settings and roles.
  
• Counselors understand how to bring their clients to closure and help them deal with the termination of the Distance Counseling process while providing technology-assisted strategies for re-establishing contact, if and/or when necessary.
  
• Counselors know how to apply ethical guidelines and standards relevant to Distance Counseling in their respective fields of practice.
  
• Counselors know how to design and implement plans appropriate to Distance Counseling for difficult situations such as technical breakdowns, protecting client confidentiality or emergency/crisis situations.
  
• Counselors understand how to use appropriately selected Distance Counseling delivery methods suited to their work situations and roles (e.g., telecounseling, asynchronous email/message posting, synchronous digital chat and video-assisted counseling, etc.).
  
• Counselors know how to elicit responses from their clients regarding the effectiveness of Distance Counseling in order to provide continuously improving services.

Do I need to take a test to obtain the credential?

You will have to successfully complete a Training Accountability Requirement (TAR) based on the information you receive during the training before being awarded the DCC Credential. This requirement is a take-home written statement designed to reflect personal learning of the DCC Competencies. It will take a few hours to complete and will be mailed back to the ReadyMinds within a specified time period following the training date.

Can I obtain CEUs for this training?

Yes. Fifteen (15) NBCC CEU hours will be awarded upon completion of the training. Participants who wish to apply this training to other CEU professional/licensure/certification boards upon request will be given a statement which will include the agenda, competencies covered, training hours and a certificate of successful completion to submit their respective board.

Do I need experience in this area before I come to the training?

You do not need experience in Distance Counseling. To attend the training you must have your Masters degree in one of the helping professions. To qualify for the credential you must meet the requirements as stated in the question, "What are the requirements to obtain the DCC Credential?" The focus of this training is to provide you with the best technology-assisted practice techniques and methods to use within your discipline and scope of practice as a counselor.

Remember one can keep up to date about scheduled trainings and Distance Counseling methods and research by going to:

www.ReadyMinds.com/dcc for DCC trainings dates and locations, and

Email RMDCnewsletter@readyminds.com to subscribe to the free Distance Counseling Newsletter.