New upcoming interview

I was contacted recently by a man named Kevin, conducting interviews on health and wellness in Second Life. Sharing the rough draft of questions and answers here:

1) The first question I have for you is, how does the Second Life user relate to his/her Avatar? I know this is a very broad question, but it is very interesting to me. I have heard theories that say the Avatar is the virtual representation of one's ideal self. Do you think that's true?
Yes and no. We have actually done some pretty extensive studies into the idea of avatar and identity in SL, and have found as many variables as there are residents. Some do use the avatar to represent ideal self, no question. Some take great pains to make the avatar as much like the person's RL appearance as possible, including wrinkles and grey hair. More and more avatars are less Barbie-doll like and more realistic. Some choose to be furries, nekos, or tinies. Some to represent an ideal, a fantasy...some just because we can.

2) Your work is all about people. How effective is SL as a medium for connecting with people? Does it have advantages compared to Real Life?
Surprisingly effective. I would not have been able to predict the ability to create a therapeutic alliance with a client over a two-dimensional, text-based medium - but it happens. The effectiveness correlates with my RL connections with RL clients. Where it falls short, as a clinician who makes every effort to maintain professional integrity and ethics, is that there is no responsible way to offer the same services in-world as we can in person. I don't have medical records, identifying information on all clients (even if it is offered, it may not always be accurate), or most important, the person right there in front of me. Let's say a person comes in to talk, and reveals they are actively feeling suicidal. My limitations in SL are never more apparent in situations like that. I offset that by making sure I provide clear information on policies, procedures, and limitations before I ever sit down with a client. And more often than not, referral to RL help is what I find is most needed.
Advantages though are many. Anonymity, low cost, accessibility (whether geographic or due to a person's inability to get out of the home) are a few benefits. In addition, most RL mental health clinicians will likely see Second Life as a symptom, not necessarily as the medium in which the symptoms occur, if that makes sense. They will hear "I met a woman in a virtual world and we are having problems" and not be able to get past "virtual world" as the perceived problem.

3) Do you have any success stories about SL residents that have reached out to you for help who have consequently made a positive change in their real life? If so, is there any way you can share an example with me?
Many such stories, yes. In order to preserve anonymity of my clients (which is as important to me in SL as it is in my RL work), I can share some generalities. Number one I think are the times working together in Second Life results in the client feeling more comfortable with reaching out for connections in Real Life. In a safe space, they may gain confidence, a sense of normalcy, a feeling of hope. For many I have been the first, safest step toward connecting with wellness in the broadest sense. Second Life also can provide a platform in which to work through RL issues, whether they are social anxiety, negative body image, or difficulty communicating.

4) You entered unchartered when you became the first in-world counselor. Since that time, SL has become a popular place for universities, large corporations, clothing brands, real estate developers, and now health clubs. Why do you think SL has taken off as a place for these various ventures and activities?
First, to clarify, I was not the first in-world counselor...maybe the second or third. Wellness Island was the first sim devoted entirely to mental health resources and support, and perhaps we are the most mainstream and RL-like service.
That said, since 2006 the number of people signing up with the hope of becoming in-world counselors has skyrocketed. Sad to say most of these are not licensed, credentialed, certified, degreed...they may be well-meaning, but many are not trained as therapists. My measure is this - if you are not qualified in RL, then don't claim to be qualified in Second Life. Peer counselor, student counselor...sure. But you may notice the proliferation of self-proclaimed doctors and psychologists, many of whom have zero qualifications. The implications of this are scary. Wellness Island offers a great deal of education material for consumers on choosing a qualified, ethical therapist.
The various ventures and activities you listed probably all have different reasons for exploring Second Life as a potential venue for their work. Retail businesses and entrepeneurs may see a potential for tapping into a great income. Universities and students probably see the potential for research and development as well. Those wanting to be clinicians but without training or experience may think that in a virtual world, less is okay - particularly since Linden Lab does not police their activities.
The actual potential for all of these may be less than hoped, as we see businesses coming in with a splash, then leaving after a time when the goldmine never materializes. I would definitely suggest contacting some of the ventures in question to ask what they had hoped for, and then what they found.