Throughout the duration of this semester, I have focused a lot of my learning and attention to the idea of online therapy. Specifically, I have considered how my interest in supporting adolescent parents and my newfound knowledge of blended/online learning could go hand-in-hand to provide counselling to new parents. When assigned to create a course profile and online modules, I chose an Online Counselling Program for Adolescent Parents. In its early developments, I really questioned whether or not an online counselling program “made sense” or if I was just creating some far-fetched dream. To my pleasant surprise, when in the midst of self-doubt, I heard Dr. Katherine Owens on the John Gormely Show. Dr. Owens spoke of a new Saskatchewan online therapy program for those faced with anxiety, depression and other health issues like pain management. That day I tweeted:
Listening to Dr. Owens explain the benefits of this new online therapy program and it’s accessibility for people across Saskatchewan really encouraged me to continue my vision of creating an online counselling program for adolescent parents. I began to research her online therapy program by exploring its website and reading an article about her initiative. Statistics from Dr. Owens online therapy program, such as those shown below, affirmed my belief that an online program would allow people who are in challenging situations the support they require but for numerous barriers, go without (access, set days/times, cost, etc).
Fast forward to the last week and after creating my first module for EC&I 834, I started to wonder if agencies within Regina would be interested in creating an online counselling program for new parents. I began to consider how organizations that already support families within Regina (in face-to-face contexts) could make their resources and programs accessible through LMS options where parents could participate in modules in the comfort of their own home, on their own schedule. I contacted two agencies within Regina that work closely with teenage parents and young families regarding this class, my course profile and online modules. Both agencies were interested in hearing more about this idea and exploring it’s potential. I am excited to meet with both of these agencies this week and see where this idea could possibly take my interest in supporting this target audience and my knowledge of online/blended learning. Any advice on how to navigate this (very new) idea/opportunity would be greatly appreciated!
Kelsey
Awesome. If there was a way to have a potential user try it out for you and give you feedback that might be useful. Have you searched out other services like this in the online world. Seems like you are on to something. Good luck with your journey. Lots of potential to reach out to those who might not have this important support otherwise.
Those are great suggestions – I hadn’t thought of either of those things and they are both something to consider and try. Thanks for the encouragement, Dean! Appreciate it.
Kelsey, I think you really have something. There are many times in my life that I wish I had access to help or information other than reading , at one time an article or book to present a web site. Young parents are always in need of support and do not always have access to it. Good luck, I hope this works out as it will benefit many.
Thanks so much, Colette. Appreciate the support and encouragement!
Kelsey, this is amazing! Congratulations on putting your idea into action. I don’t have kids personally but my friends who do complain all the time about lack of resources and if there is something they wish to attend, how hard it is to find time and then either get a sitter or haul their kids somewhere. Having an online option for support and advice would likely be the perfect outlet for them to access help! This would also be so good for communities up north that don’t have access to these services in person. š Good luck with everything.
Thank so much, Dani. Really appreciate it!
I, too, think you are really onto something here. The whole concept of an online support system for young parents is very timely. This course will be very useful for the demographic it is being designed for and I look forward to seeing it progress as you continue designing! Way to go, Kelsey!
Thanks a lot, Kyla!