Author Description

Arriving in the 21st Century No matter how much some may wish them away, new technologies—devices, apps, experiences—are here, and more arrive daily, it seems. I FaceTime with distant clients, have a website with an email contact option, and text back and forth about scheduling. I’m not on Facebook and find it disconcerting when LinkedIn suggests I connect with a former client—how does it know I know her? We are inundated with communication vehicles (among other things) that inherently alter how we are with clients. Certainly one may choose to keep one’s work tightly boundaried, with technology on the far side, but it behooves us at least to consider what is upon us. This issue of Voices has been masterfully curated by guest editors Lisa Kays, Rosemary Moulton, and Eileen Dombo. Their reach into diverse therapist communities brings a wealth of perspectives and information that will inform, teach, and possibly disturb readers. We hope it provokes some conversation and welcome letters to the editor in response. Here’s a look at what’s inside the issue: Marilyn Schwartz leads off with a comprehensive review of how professional ethics plays out with new technologies. Penelope Norton, Campbell States, and Erin McCarthy look at how new technologies affect children and teens, in and out of our offices. Using the graduate school classroom as a primary source, Kynai Johnson compares in-person to online teaching; Eileen Dombo considers the effect of technology use by therapists in training on learning attunement. Leyla Kenny reports on a workshop by Todd Essig. Bringing a wider view, Mike Giordano writes candidly about online dating; Erika Bugaj muses on her life as a text-based therapist; and Anonymous shares their process figuring out what boundaries to establish as they bridge identities as performer and therapist. Lisa Kays shares an hour with Damon Blank and Loretta Sparks in our interview. How technology interfaces with her ADD is shared by Rebecca Wineland. The editori