I\u2019ve been considering acquiring an iPad for some time now.\u00a0 As I was doing some research I came across a number of counselling-related apps for smartphones and iPads.<\/p>\n
I thought I would share two of the apps that stood out for me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The first app was recommended by four different counselling websites so I decided to try it out.\u00a0 Breathe2relax<\/strong> is a stress management app and it\u2019s free.\u00a0 You gotta like free.\u00a0 I downloaded it to my phone and started using it.\u00a0 I like the way the designers have structured it. It\u2019s easy to use. \u00a0If you are unfamiliar with how to do effective belly breathing [to use their term] there\u2019s a video that demonstrates how to do it.\u00a0 Before you begin a breathing exercise you are asked to rate how stressed\/relaxed you are.\u00a0 You can personalize the music and visuals and you can adjust the length of inhalations and exhalations to suit your own rhythm.\u00a0 Finally, there\u2019s a body scanner where you can learn how stress affects different areas of your body.\u00a0 I will definitely be sharing this one with my clients.\u00a0<\/p>\n The second one is\u2013 Traxitall<\/strong>.- a goal setting, motivational, habits building, all-in-one daily log\/tracking system (to use the designers\u2019 words).\u00a0\u00a0 The cost for this one is $1.99.\u00a0 Not bad.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy to use and follows the SMART approach to goal setting. \u00a0\u00a0For each goal you are tracking you get three choices about how to track your progress.\u00a0 There is a screen where you can enter your daily progress and a goal bar that shows you how close you are to achieving your goal.\u00a0 One feature that appeals to me is you can use this app to track multiple goals. Again, I would recommend it to clients.\u00a0<\/p>\n I looked at other apps that track one\u2019s mood or assist people to deal with depression, anxiety or OCD.\u00a0 The jury\u2019s out on those at the moment.\u00a0 My main concern is privacy and confidentiality.\u00a0 Not so much from the point of view of purchasing one of them.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Rather \u2013 what happens if a client loses a phone or tablet on which these apps are installed?\u00a0 Or what if a friend or colleague sees what the client is doing when they are tracking their symptoms?\u00a0 I imagine, that in addition to the basic security features, there are other measures one can take to protect one\u2019s privacy.\u00a0 So, I will do more investigation into the subject and get back to you.<\/p>\n