“It’s splendid once you grow into it:” Client experiences of relational teletherapy in the era of COVID‐19

Abstract

The novel Coronavirus pandemic (COVID‐19) and subsequent social distancing practices have altered the way we move through the world and access physical and mental healthcare. While researchers and clinicians have begun to explore the impact of telehealth delivery on psychotherapy and treatment outcomes, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of individuals in teletherapy, specifically those engaging in teletherapy with a romantic partner or family member. Using a thematic analysis of open‐ended online survey questions, we explored the experiences of 25 individuals who engaged in couple or family teletherapy after social distancing began. The resulting themes included “making do,” safe therapeutic space, convenience, logistical challenges, and therapist accommodation. We discuss the clinical implications of these themes to support effective couple and family teletherapy and offer suggestions and considerations for remote clinical interventions and practices. [Correction added on 22 March 2021, after first online publication: The term '19' has been changed to '(COVID‐19)' in the first line of the Abstract section, in this version.]

“There is Just a Different Energy”: Changes in the Therapeutic Relationship with the Telehealth Transition

“…Saidipour ( 2021 ) offers a Winnicottian metaphor to articulate a model for the therapeutic process including an enduring yet flexible TR/TF that is ‘good enough’ to survive a collective crisis and shared trauma. This is also consistent with findings of a recent study reporting that relational couples therapy clients had some challenges making the transition to teletherapy but were “making do” and found home-based treatment to provide a “safe therapeutic space” (Maier et al, 2021 , p. 310).…”

“…Family therapists were ahead of the curve in adopting videoconferencing before 2020 (Békés & Aafjes-van Doorn, 2020 ). In tracking use of teletherapy during the transition from pre- pandemic conditions through the early part of the pandemic, several studies determined that the focus on therapeutic goals had continued and that the majority of clinicians and their clients were pleased with teletherapy (Burgoyne & Cohn, 2020 ; Hardy et al, 2021 ; Maier et al, 2021 ). In one of the few studies to track the adjustment during a defined period very early in the pandemic (1 week in March 2020), Békés and Aafjes-van Doorn ( 2020 ) found that clients they interviewed were very positive about the transition as were psychotherapists, although much less so than clients.…”

The Feasibility of Providing Remote Functional Family Therapy with Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Study

“…In such situations it may be challenging, even counter intuitive, having to rely on parents. This information enriches previous findings regarding liaising with parents when working with children (Crum & Comer, 2016 ; Maier et al, 2021 ; McLean et al, 2021 ) and points to some of the challenges around this collaboration with certain types of families.…”

“…Several of the adaptations required closer collaboration with parents to manage the situation in the home, from set-up to making sure all family members are attending and engaging. Although this corresponds with previous research around teletherapy with children (Crum & Comer, 2016 ; Maier et al, 2021 ; McLean et al, 2021 ), therapists in this study mainly talked in terms of the need to ‘rely’ on parents, as it could be problematic to request parents to collaborate when parents didn’t feel capable or willing to support the therapist. These families often experience problems within family functioning, communication, parent–child relationships and parenting behaviour (Deković & Bodden, 2019 ).…”

Apart, but still together: Separated parents living in limbo during COVID‐19

“…They got creative about housing, as they tried to navigate among the constraints imposed by uncoupling, parenting, and dealing with COVID‐19 mitigation restrictions and regulations. They continued to see therapists, and utilized the benefits and convenience of telehealth (Lebow, 2020; Maier et al, 2021). They pointed out many ways that society should intervene, but unfortunately, system‐wide efforts have not yet come to fruition.…”