BTexact researchers create online virtual counsellors

BTexact researchers create online virtual counsellors BTexact is applying its unique multimedia technology to the world of therapy BTexact Technologies, BT's advanced research and technology business, is working with OnlineCounsellors.co.uk, a therapeutic IT research and training consultancy, to explore the possibility of creating virtual online counsellors. Using avatar technology, BTexact has already been able to create sophisticated computer-generated 3D photographic representations of individual counsellors. If coupled to speech recognition and a knowledge base of typical questions, such avatars would eventually be able to handle many of the basis enquiries dealt with today in various counselling centres. There are a number of advantages to using avatars for online and automated therapy; for example, avatar therapy provides a more intuitive and human interface than the purely text-based systems currently offered by therapists. In addition, clients who are restricted by geography or disability have instant access to specialists by means of a virtual session where bandwidth provision does not allow for videoconferencing. It is also hoped that these virtual counsellors will be able to offer online clients a more open relationship by avoiding some of the constraints of a face-to-face session; some individuals find having to look someone in the eye while revealing sensitive personal material intimidating and therefore avoid counselling all together. The avatar technology will help them overcome these whilst at the same time giving them a personal counsellor that they can relate to. Alternatively, the avatar can be configured to act as a virtual host on a web site or CD ROM, providing a 'human style' interface to an automated counselling information system. In this case, the avatar acts independently and uses a natural language engine and knowledge database so that it provides virtual intelligence and knowledge to the client. The work has also been extended to create virtual therapy groups. Group members can come from anywhere in the world and hold a session in complete anonymity and genuine safety. Any number of client avatars can be placed together in the virtual environment and controlled in real time by the clients from their remote locations. Virtual environments are extremely flexible and can be tailored to maximise comfort and facilitate the therapeutic work. For example, in child therapy it may be useful to have a room filled with toys, perhaps including interactive multimedia games to assist discussion. Kate Anthony, who runs OnlineCounsellors.co.uk said: "There are many areas of research within these concepts that need to be explored and examined, from a theoretical, practical and of course ethical point of view. But if clients demand a technological interface for receiving therapy, as many already do with email and internet chat, then we can create the technology and train therapists to use it properly" Matthew Lawson, head of BTexact's radical multimedia lab, said: "Avatar technology adds real value to online counselling facilities, and this can only improve as the technology matures and develops." About BTexact Technologies BTexact Technologies, BT's advanced research and technology business, offers expertise and experience in communications technology and e- business, backed by a team of more than 3000 technologists and one of the world's largest communications research and development facilities. As the centre of technical expertise for the BT Group, BTexact has established a record of world-first achievement and of successful delivery of projects, large and small. It has also created an intellectual property portfolio of some 14,000 patents based on almost 2000 inventions, some of which are being converted into valuable new businesses by BTexact's Brightstar incubator. BTexact helps businesses and organisations inside and outside BT Group gain maximum advantage from communications technology. It creates value and competitive advantage by combining a deep knowledge of networks and networked applications with proven skills in business consulting, change management and innovation. Its services are focused to help customers assess the value and performance of communication technologies and systems, identify potential risks and ensure they gain maximum advantage from investments in communications technologies and applications. BTexact's employees include many who are world leaders in their specialist fields, working at the forefront of standards development and new technologies in areas including multimedia, IP and data networks, mobile communications, network design and management, and business applications. Services are offered to customers directly or through world-class business partners, which include BT Group businesses such as BT Retail, BT Wholesale and BT Ignite. BTexact is headquartered at Adastral Park, at one end of the Cambridge- 2-Ipswich Hi Tech Corridor, and is a founder member of the Cambridge Network. It has offices and laboratories worldwide including locations across the UK and in Asia, continental Europe, and North America. About OnlineCounsellors.co.uk OnlineCounsellors.co.uk offers consultancy on the subject of using Information Technology for the provision of Counselling, Psychotherapy and other Mental Health services. They design and offer training programs, online and offline, for practitioners and organisations wishing to use the internet, based on empirical global research and leading expert opinion. Ongoing research topics include the use, efficacy and ethics of conducting therapy, training and Supervision using technology, as well as the application of radical technology to the field. Based in London, Kate Anthony is also a face-to-face Psychotherapist with Oxleas NHS Trust in South East London. For further information, contact: BTexact Technologies David Pincott, Pirate Communications, T: 0207 760 7052, Mob: 07866 261198 or email: david@piratecomms.com Justine Manché, Pirate Communications, T: 0207 760 7053, Mob: 07811 164724 or email: justine@piratecomms.com Joanna Hill, Pirate Communications, T: 0207 760 7057, Mob: 07812 348222 or email: jo@piratecomms.com OnlineCounsellors.co.uk Kate Anthony, OnlineCounsellors.co.uk, T: 020 8317 9954, Mob 07887 648490 or email: kate@onlinecounsellors.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/17/20020717BIT00520/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/17/20020717BIT00520/wkr0002.pdf