Distance Credentialed Counselor
As a national credential offered by CCE, the Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC) represents to employers and the public that credential holders have met the established requirements and adhere to the NBCC Code of Ethics and the Ethical Requirements for The Practice of Internet Counseling.
All applicants and credential holders are reminded that national credentialing is a separate process from state licensure. Licensure refers to laws which regulate professional practice or use of a title in a particular state. All credential holders and applicants must adhere to applicable state(s) licensure laws. For information regarding state counselor licensure boards, please visit www.nbcc.org/stateLicensure.
What is Distance Counseling?
A Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC) will be nationally recognized as a professional with training in best practices in Distance Counseling. Distance Counseling is a counseling approach that takes the best practices of traditional counseling as well as some of its own unique advantages and adapts them for delivery to clients via electronic means in order to maximize the use of technology-assisted counseling techniques. The technology-assisted methods may include telecounseling (telephone), secure email communication, chat, videoconferencing or computerized stand-alone software programs.
How is Distance Counseling different than face to face counseling?
There are many differences. Distance Counseling may be more convenient for clients. While telecounseling takes place in real time and does depend on "making an appointment", traveling and related formalities do not present obstacles. Asynchronous counseling communications via secure email adds even greater flexibility. On the other hand, telecounseling and various forms of email or synchronous chat techniques demand special counseling and communication skills from the counselor, and in certain ways, from the client as well. In its own way, Distance Counseling may also present its own special advantages beyond the replication of best practices from face-to-face counseling. For example, some clients prefer the anonymity of a Distance Counseling relationship and are more free to open up and self-disclose than they would be in a traditional counseling setting. We are also finding that the power of the written word in Distance Counseling provides a profound impact on both the counselor and the client.
How am I going to use this in my work?
Distance Counseling methods can be used as part of your counseling practice. They can help you reach a greater number of clients who need help. There will be times when your clients cannot see you face to face, and therefore you will need to help them using Distance counseling methods. We now know that certain clients actually seek Distance Counseling services for both practical/logistical and personal preference reasons. Questions regarding DCC certification should be directed to CCE at (336) 482-2856 or via email at cce@cce-global.org.