Art Therapy and Computer technology- A virtual Studio of possibilities, CATHY A. MALCHIODI

These are some notes I have made from her book:

Technology is growing in health care:

• computer- mediated therapy
• supervision
• professional networking
• research
• distance learning
  

Mental Health

• Therapy 'online' (therapeutic and psycho educational experiences)
• Supports their record keeping
• Communicate with other peer professionals

Art Therapy Practice:

• Electronic mail (email)
• Computer paint
• Photo programs
• Encourage therapy and creative expression
  

Computers: Used for:-

• Self expression
• Communication

Internet: good for:-

• Immediate access to research data.
• Health Care info.
• and other art therapists

'VIRTUAL'- Term used to describe the capabilities of technology to mimic reality.

The 'Virtual Art Studio' concept was inspired by SHAUN McNIFF: he discusses the 'Virtual Art Studio' and describes his own experiences with computer paint and photo programs.

• he says the inclusion of these new and exciting means of expression as options and virtual tools for art-therapists interaction. 
  
• Both for personal creative expression and as a medium for client-therapist interaction.
  
• Believes: Computer technology takes Art Therapy and Therapists into other Virtual Studios: including:
  
• Multiple worlds of unlimited possibilities for Communication.
  
• Self Expression
  
• Research
  
• Education
  
• Global Exchange:-
  

   - Online interchange - a virtual community of Art Therapists now exists which was not possible 5 years ago.

   - Internet used as a virtual library

   - Complexities of ethics and legal issues involved in using Computer, electronic and digital technology in: education, supervision and inter-collegial communication 

'The beginning'-

• The book skims the surface of what will continue to be a rapidly growing area
  
• Computer Technology impacts the practice of Art Therapy
  
• Has the potential to enhance therapeutic interaction and intervention 
  
• Can entice you into your own virtual studios of possibilities in your therapeutic work 
  
• Professional development and advancement, research and most importantly your own creative expression. 
  

THE INTERNET:

• Creates a virtual global community of art therapists through: email, online discussion groups and cyber chats
  

PRECEDENTS: Computer technology and health care:

• Online Communication offers unique opportunities to reach people who are unable to come to a clinic or therapists' office because of physical, geographical, or lifestyle limitations.
  
• There are organizations that advocate for people with disabilities have understood the possibilities and advantages of computer technology in establishing and maintaing contact with homebound individuals or those whose physical or mental illness limits their ability to leave their residences (e.g. 'ALLIANCE FOR TECHNOLOGY ACCESS' AND 'CAST')
  

Computers have: 

• Made it possible for individuals to be productive
  
• Self Supportive and independent
  

Without them:

• These individuals may have remained unemployed and dependent on others for economic and daily living assistance
  

Computers, electronic and digital modalities in health care has rapidly become a new field of study in - 

• Psychology
  
• Psychiatry
  
• Medicine
  
• Social work
  
• Counseling 
  

and is referred to by many names:

• Computer Mediated Psychotherapy 
  
• Cyber Therapy
  
• Web Counseling 
  
• Tele-health
  
• Tele-medicine
  
• E-therapy 
  
• Tele-psychiatry 
  
• and Cyber-counseling
  

TELE-HEALTH:

• Is probably the best known and most used term to describe the use of telecommunications technologies (telephone, video-conferencing, e-mail and other) to increase access to health care and to offer services through diverse means. 
  
• Is emerging as a potentially cost-effective way to supply health care services across distance and has entered the mainstream of health service delivery.
  

HISTORY:

• The first tele-health programs included closed-circuit television links to provide psychiatric and other health services in the late 1950's.
  
• Later rural and urban programs were developed that used satellites or video transmissions
  
• The 1980's and 1990's brought significant changes and improvements to tele-health care, mainly because technology costs decreased and the internet became accessible to the public.
  
• American Telemedicine Association 1999
  
• International Society for Mental Health Online (ISMHO) Organized to 'promote the understanding, use, and development of online communication information and technology for the international mental health community.'
  

MEDICINE:

• Virtual health care is a growing area for patient treatment. e.g. Virtual Clinics on the internet can now check people with diabetes for insulin levels without ever leaving their houses or place of work.
  
• A new type of health care is being created, e-clinic.
  
• They have the possibilities to gather detailed records from patients and revive the 'house call'. 
  
• WEBMD.com has also given patients access to vast amounts of medical info and become more knowledgeable about procedures and available treatment options. 
  
• Psycho-educational websites
  
• Psycho- pharmacological interventions
  
• Live video counseling 'real time'
  
• The American Counseling Association (ACA)
  
• The American Psychological Association (APA)
  

Using text based counseling by internet:

INTEREST 

• Delivery of therapeutic services via computers
  
• Less expensive
  
• Allows people to receive services at home
  

CONCERN 

• Limited by lack of audio or visual aspects
  
• Therapists have to be keenly aware of ethical concerns such as confidentiality when using online communication for intervention. 

PRECURSORS TO COMPUTER-MEDIATED ART THERAPY:

Electronic arts, video and photography in therapy

• Forerunners e.g. Electronic arts (Computer technology as intervention and treatment)

Electronic arts: generally used to describe the use of any electronic equipment to generate, modify or manipulate images. 

Technologies used in Art therapy:-

• Photocopying 
• Filmmaking
• Videotaping
• Photography
• Magazine manipulation/collage
• Photo collage
• Printers
• Scanners
• Photo enhancement software

Therapeutic uses of photography have been used over the last 25 years by many therapists.

Video proceeded the use of computers in art therapy (McNiff and Cook 1975; Weiser 1999) 

McNiff says:- He used portable video technology in art therapy in a state hospital. It took place at a time when conservative voices in art therapy insisted the discipline should be restricted to drawing, painting and modeling with clay.