The Accidental Surfer:Learning to Swim On-Line

Adam H. NaylorBoston University

AAASP 2001 – Orlando, FL

Questions to ConsiderWhat role does technology play in your practice?How can technology enhance the quality of services you provide?What are the limits to using technology for consulting/counseling?What are the ethical concerns associated with technology and counseling?

Basic Professional RolesCounselor / Educator to AthletesCounselor / Educator to CoachesEducational Contributor to Websites

Realities…Sport at its highest level is globalAthletes striving to “make it” in their sport, 1) benefit greatly from sport psych support, 2) are fortunate to “break-even” financially, 3) must compete whenever and wherever opportunities ariseCoaches like a sounding boardInternet is often accessible where major sporting events are played

In the beginning…Cases for Study

A coach e-mails thoughts and concerns from the roadA top, international junior seeks to develop her mental approach to the game, lives in Atlanta, but has a strong relationship with the AcademyA young, Eastern European professional is referred and must be on tour in 2-weeks

Initial ConcernsLoss of the Human Element /

Relationship BuildingEthical

LogisticalAdherence / Compliance

Intervention Effectiveness

Helping a Coach Coach

Provided a forum for a coach’s stream of consciousnessGave structure/framework to his thoughtsProvide suggestions when appropriate

Familiarity through being part of a developmental team for 4-months

Current consult began over e-mail and was limited to e-mail

Distance Education

Relationship built by association and during phone timeEducated via e-mail on competitiveness/concentration/learning

Referred by Academy coachLimited face to face time

1 match observation1/2 hour introduction / initial interview

1 phone consult and at least 1 e-mail “dialogue” per weekPhone debrief following 2-months of matches

Taking on the World

Helped develop better emotional managementCounseled through professional successes and struggles

Training/competing at AcademyOpportunity to observe him in 2 Satellite

tournamentsIntensive 2-week counseling/skill developmentCounseling and skill maintenance via e-mail for 4-

months of competition

Individual Differences on the Web

Availability of E-mail

Embracing of E-mail

Coach High High

Junior Female

High Low/Moderate

Professional Male

Moderate High

ReflectionsWithout developing a strong relationship, the quality and your understanding of e-mails is limitedBe aware of logistical roadblocksBe aware of athlete’s abilities to express self verballyBe aware/prepared for cultural and language differencesBe flexible and creative

Further ThoughtsAvoid taking a technology based approach to consulting because it is “easy”

There are costs to the counseling relationshipConsider how you use the internet in your everyday work

Do you want a client e-mailing you regularly?How are your e-mails interpreted by clients?How will you respond to “Dr.Phil” questions via e-mail?