The use of technology in psychotherapy training: some research-informed reflections part 3
Communication style
We have all, Iâm sure, had experience of miscommunication in emails and in the sphere of online training this is no different. Lack of tone of voice, facial expression and body language are highlighted by McArthur in McIntyre (2011 c). Irwin & Berge (2011) discuss the fact that this can lead to a sense of freedom of isolation and discomfort.
McIntyre (2011 a) states the need to have procedures in place for dealing with miscommunication, arguments or bullying and that “time is of the essence when resolving such issues, as they can quickly de-motivate students from participating.â Blackmore et al. (2008) concur, stating that “Unresolved conflict makes it more likely that a student will be rejected from the group and eventually drop out”.
Given the technological world we live in, I would imagine that most psychotherapy trainings today encourage communication between students and between students and tutors using email. If so, then style of communication already needs to be managed, so this is just a step further. It is clear that there are significant individual differences on comfort with this medium, just in the same way as some students will always phone with a question, others will email and others will wait until a live course day.
