Computer-assisted Counseling Resources for Children

Children are spending the majority of their waking hours interacting with technology. Why aren't we aggressively tapping into this time and using their interest to teach them useful skills?

To engage today's youth, we adults must be aware of the youth culture. What do you think a child would do if you gave them the option to learn something in a workbook, or learn it while interacting with a computer?

Resources that involve videos and interactive games engage children on "their turf." They feel less threatened because the technology is familiar to them. Their defenses are often lower when watching, or interacting, with characters in a computer program because it's less direct. They are able to relate to the situations and characters, but it's much less intimidating than a direct line of questioning.   

We have been noting the benefits of computer-assisted counseling techniques for several years while developing the Challenge Software Program for children (a program that uses video scenarios and games to teach children the basics of self-regulation). From our experience, there is really no comparison between the engagement of children when it comes to computer-assisted counseling techniques and traditional interventions. If you don't believe it, ask a child. Or better yet, try it for yourself:)


Brad Chapin, LCP, LMLP
brad.chapin@cpschallenge.com