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Chase M. Torbergson is a 2025 graduate of the Ph.D. Program in Counselor Education and Supervision at Antioch University, Seattle

Dissertation Committee

Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Chairperson

Najla Hrustanović, PhD, Committee Member

MemberColin Ward, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

counseling, media, short-form, counselor education, technology use, attention, mindfulness, psychotherapy

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

The research question guiding this study was: What is the perceived understanding of technology use by clinicians for their work with clients? Fourteen participants completed an online qualitative survey exploring their experiences with technology and media in clinical practice. A thematic analysis revealed four primary themes. The first theme, variations in counselor online media usage, highlighted differences in how counselors engaged with online platforms for education, client connection, and self-care. The second theme, counselor assessment of, and dialogue around, online media use, captured varying levels of intentionality in exploring clients’ digital habits, ranging from minimal inquiry to regular, structured discussions. The third theme, media use and impact on clients, reflected perceptions of technology as both beneficial and problematic, influencing connection, information exposure, attention, emotional well-being, sleep, and developmental trajectories. The fourth theme, technology as it impacts the counseling practice, emphasized the dual role of technology in enhancing accessibility and practice management while also introducing challenges related to misinformation, distraction, and emerging concerns about artificial intelligence. Findings underscore the need for counselor education, supervision, and professional practice to address the evolving role of technology, ensuring clinicians are prepared to navigate its benefits and challenges in supporting client well-being. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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ORCID No.: 0009-0000-0502-7489

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