"With the advent of the digital age, we are now also forced to address new and unforeseen ethical questions in using computer technology, electronic mail, the internet, and the impact of the growing field of "telehealth" on the practice of art therapy and the transmission of images" (Malchiodi, 200)
Ethics is a continual practice to ensure that we do no harm to our clients. It is important to consider the impact of how we use technology and the world wide web.
- Utilize tools appropriately. Technology applications and the internet are no different from traditional art medium. Be familiar with it's qualities and navigate it's challenges. You must know the material before you can offer it to a client (Rubin 1984).
- Treat the internet as a community studio space. There are another artists around. They can see your work and witness your process.
- What's really confidential on the internet? Assume the answer is nothing. Uploads are forever in cyberspace. Make sure clients understand this.
- Blogs are awesome, and they are accessible to anyone. Inspirations and opinions are just that: inspirations and opinions. Guide your client in the practice of taking what fits, and letting the rest just be. And always, if medical advice is needed or there is an emergency make sure clients know who to contact.
- Model Internet Etiquette
Ethical Issues in Art Therapy by Bruce L. Moon
A Facebook Fan Page for Your Private Practice? by Cathy Malchiodi
I am so excited that you are bringing these issues to light. Nothing is ever confidential on the Internet and really, nothing ever disappears. Films of clients posted on a Facebook page always can be found somewhere in cyberspace, they never disappear. That is only one of the issues we need to confront as a field-- and of course we need to talk more about client art images and the Internet, too!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work on your blog and let me know how your presentation goes.
Cathy Malchiodi