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ACAT is moving to a new website shortly. Due to unforeseen technical issues, the launch has been postponed briefly until Tuesday, 6th May.

In preparation, this website no longer lets members renew their membership. ACAT Administration are likewise unable to process membership renewals until the new site opens.

Please do not update any personal details on your member/friend profile, as changes at this point will not be transferred to the new site.

Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to a new website after the Early May bank holiday.

Technology Assisted Supervision and Training (TAST)

 

Definition of TAST

Refers to supervision or training assisted by technology via email/internet relay chat/VOIP (voice over internet protocol)/video webcam in real time (synchronous) or asynchronously, where the supervisor/supervisee are not in the same physical space at the same time. 

Guidance on TAST

ACAT aims to advise members of information and guidance on TAST, and to develop knowledge of the safest systems. Given the fast changing landscape of the interface between tech and therapy/supervision, members who use TAST need to be responsible for keeping themselves informed and up to date about new developments. There is a Special Interest Group to share learning and support members in this area, which also focuses on offering therapy on-line.

Below are some principles and basic information on the practical issues to consider when setting up TAST supervision, which presents opportunities and certain risks. ACAT would encourage those delivering TAST to consider their CPD needs and to ensure that, in line with ethical practice, they consider relevant codes of conduct in light of this dimension to their work. All supervisors should ask themselves if they have sufficient understanding of the specific issues that working online involves.  

  • Security, Confidentiality and Data Protection Issues are paramount because of the risks that technology poses to breaches.
  • Check in advance with your employer (NHS or other) that TAST work is acceptable.  You also should also check in advance that you are covered for such work with your private insurer.
  • Consider use of ‘fit for purpose’ platforms for computer mediated communication including video conferencing or email. Those made specifically for social networking are not recommended for professional use e.g. FaceTime, WhatsApp or ‘hotmail’ email. This knowledge is likely to require some research as technology develops apace.  Outside of the NHS it is possible to download and use free versions of platforms. ACAT does not recommend one platform over another specifically, not least because things are changing all the time but the following links are offered:
  • Consider virus protection on devices, VPNs for additional security, and use of passwords to protect word documents.
  • Bear in mind issues which may impact on communication and relationship. Because video conferencing uses high bandwidth, to mitigate against buffering or freezes, switch off additional programmes that might be running in the background e.g. Skype, Dropbox that could slow connection down.
  • Reliance exclusively on Wi-Fi may be problematic if the Wi-Fi signal is lost. Using an ethernet cable presents a more reliable option for connection. They are relatively cheap to buy.
  • Consider the supervision contract how this might be adapted. Make explicit ‘plan Bs’ for contact, and be clear about security & storage of data.  Does the supervisee understand the potential risks and challenges when technology is involved? What arrangements for contact and supervision will you make in the event of tech failure? What will the boundaries be around the supervision? What will be the arrangements if the supervisee emails to request urgent supervision or if their client is in crisis?
  • Bear in mind that with smart devices, and continual connection to the internet, the consequences of the ‘technology ecosystem’ (Mantovani 1996) might mean that you are uploading data or information unintentionally to clouds which may be situated in different geographical locations outside of UK jurisdiction and as such you lose control of its privacy.

Reference

Mantovani, G., (1996) New Communications Environments: From Everyday to Virtual CRC Press.

Recommended reading and resources

Stokes, A. (Ed.). (2018). Online Supervision: A Handbook for Practitioners (Psychotherapy 2.0 Series). Routledge. http://www.karnacbooks.com/product/online-supervision-a-handbook-for-practitioners/38887/?MATCH=1

 

June 2019

UK Council for Psychotherapy
ACAT Calendar for May
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Mo
Tu
We
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2
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88th May 2025
CPD Event: CAT and Reflective Practice: Skills for Facilitation - offered by Catalyse
9
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11
12
13
14
15
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1717th May 2025
CPD Event: EDI Race and Culture CPD workshop - offered by CAT Cumbria
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2222nd May 2025
CPD Event: ACAT: The embodiment of reciprocal roles as a reflective
2323rd May 2025
ACAT Annual Conference: 29th ACAT National Conference
ACAT AGM: Annual General Meeting
ACAT Annual Conference: ACAT National Conference 2025
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Contact Details

ACAT Administration Manager:Maria Cross

ACAT Administrator:Alison Marfell

ACAT Financial Administrator:Louise Barter

Postal Address:ACAT
PO Box 6793
Dorchester
DT1 9DL
United Kingdom

Phone:Click for details

Email:admin@acat.me.uk

Office Hours:Monday to Friday
9am to 5pm

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