Therapeutic groups via video teleconferencing and the impact on group cohesion

Abstract

Background: The use of synchronous telemental health for therapy group is a relatively new area of exploration. While telegroups have demonstrated they can be helpful in providing psychoeducation, there is less known about whether synchronous remote groups can develop group cohesion and whether patients can receive the benefit of a supportive group setting.Methods: A pilot study was conducted comparing group cohesion between patients who participated in a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) group via video teleconferencing (VTC) and patients who participated in an in-person group.Results: Findings indicate that while both groups felt equally connected to the facilitator, there were significant differences between the online and in-person groups on the group cohesion scale. Those in the online group did not feel as connected to other group members as those in the in-person group. Qualitative statements indicate that while an in-person group may have been preferable, the convenience of the online group outweighed any negative effects. Attendance was significantly better in the online group, suggesting that use of this technology may help to overcome barriers preventing treatment participation. The focus of this study was on group cohesion and changes in psychiatric symptoms were not evaluated.Conclusions: The use of telemental health for group therapy appears to be a viable alternative to traditional in-person groups, especially when no other treatment options are available. However, facilitators may need to take extra steps to build group cohesion when members are participating remotely.

Business as usual? Psychological support at a distance

“…Overall feasibility and accessibility of group e-therapies was also found to be high ( Banbury et al, 2018 ). Whilst some participants expressed a preference to access in-person groups, this preference was outweighed by the perceived benefit of the convenience of online groups ( Lopez et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Virtual group therapy creates the issue of the ‘disembodied group’, where group members cannot easily respond to cues such as the use of gaze as prompts to talk. Some studies have suggested that virtual groups are able to replicate group processes such as bonding ( Banbury et al, 2018 ), whilst other studies offering anger management and DBT found participants feel less connected ( Lopez et al, 2020 ), and exhibit lower alliance with the group facilitator than participants in face-to-face groups ( Greene et al, 2010 ). However, online groups and improved access may also lead to the strengthening of other therapeutic factors.…”

The Impact of Social Distancing on People with Borderline Personality Disorder: The Views of Dialectical Behavioural Therapists

“…The group skills training component of DBT has been trialled as a standalone intervention with a range of populations and problems with promising results (Valentine et al, 2015). The facilitation of online skills groups is a relatively new endeavour and pilot studies have demonstrated that it is feasible, although participants may not feel as connected to other group members compared to face-to-face groups (Lopez et al, 2020). However, for some people the anxiety associated with attending a face-to-face group may lead to premature drop out; Whilst for others identification and loyalty to the group may assist the individual to keep attending and remaining with the programme when there are potential alliance ruptures with individual therapists .…”

Drawing in not encouraging away: systemic team formulation to support the trauma-informed care of a lady with intellectual disabilities, in the context of COVID-19

“…In this case, delivering a collaborative and meaningful team formulations session via video call was problematic. In a study comparing therapeutic groups delivered in person and via video call, it was found that while connected to the facilitator was equal in both groups, group cohesion was rated as significantly lower in the group facilitated via video (Lopez et al, 2020). The current context has shone a light on the need for reflexivity and flexibility to respond to challenges.…”