Counseling in Virtual Spaces and Into the Metaverse: A Framework for Reflection, Conversation, and Future Scholarship

Authors

Staci Hayes, MetaVoice FoundationFollow
Yahyahan Aras, John Carroll UniversityFollow
Kathy Caputo, John Carroll UniversityFollow
James Hoag, John Carroll UniversityFollow
Lindsay Ibos, John Carroll UniversityFollow
Sania Khan, John Carroll UniversityFollow
Kelly Smith, John Carroll UniversityFollow

Abstract

Given the success of Virtual Reality (VR) in the gaming community and strides in mental health, both VR and the Metaverse provide limitless opportunities and possibilities in the field of counseling. This article aims to provide important definitions, an overview of the use of VR in clinical counseling, clinical supervision, counselor education and its potential emergence into the Metaverse. Implications are presented in hopes of prompting conversation on how we may accept technological and cultural shifts and remain true to our counseling roots. Specifically, how to maximize the potential benefits with counseling specific rationale and address the limitations and potential dangers to clients.

Recommended Citation

Hayes, Staci; Aras, Yahyahan; Caputo, Kathy; Hoag, James; Ibos, Lindsay; Khan, Sania; and Smith, Kelly (2024) "Counseling in Virtual Spaces and Into the Metaverse: A Framework for Reflection, Conversation, and Future Scholarship," Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision: Vol. 5: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61888/2692-4129.1049
Available at: https://digital.sandiego.edu/tces/vol5/iss2/4