Response and Responsibility

2008-04-02T18:55:00.003+13:00

I have been thinking recently about how online group treatment works. Or in particular the type of treatment that I am involved in.
I'm lucky enough to be using video conferencing software which means that I can communicate with participants in real-time. This moderates for some of the effects of the online dishibition effect http://www-usr.rider.edu/~suler/psycyber/disinhibit.html
The disinhibtion effect refers to the tendency for some people to present differently to how they would in a face to face situation, due to the absence of obvious consequences and reactions.
Using video conferencing means that participants can see a visual response to the words that they say as well as hearing different intonation and rate of speech. This encourages people to me more authentic, or at least as authentic as they would be in a face to face group.

Response and responsibilty

2008-03-25T21:36:00.000+13:00

A quick explanation about the title...
As a clinician, responding is what I do, and what I observe, and what I experience.
Responsibility is what leads me to respond professionally, compassionately, ethically and encouragingly.
The two words to me sum up my work and leads to ideas like presence, authenticity and ethics

We'll see where we go from here

A lesson in empathy

2008-03-25T21:28:00.000+13:00

I have spent a long time not posting.
Initially because I didn't have time ( how much time could I need)
Then because I didn't have a title ( how can I come up with a title when I don't klnow what I'll be writing about
Then because I couldn't choose between blogger and live journal ( I need to use the most user friendly one)
Then because I needed to have the right layout ( what does my layout say about me)
And finally I needed the right Avatar ( Stimpy naturally, but it took a long time to get here)

So what do I take from this process?
Well I consider it to be a similar experience to my clients, when they come seeking help. So many barriers to struggle through before opening the door.
It has taken me two weeks to write, and yet there is little stigma attached to what I do. Admittedly, there is some fear of judgement - will this be good enough?

I'm reminded of what it takes for people to turn up to the online groups that I currently facilitate. All the feelings that I experience compounded by fear, shame, stigma and hope. I am honoured that people make their way through these barriers to arrive at our door.

I'm lucky to have the chance to have a glimpse of what that can be like.