Videotherapy and therapeutic alliance in the age of COVID‐19

Abstract

The arrival of the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic has confronted us with a global and unprecedented challenge of community‐wide psychological distress alongside reduced access to therapeutic services in the traditional face‐to‐face format, due to the need to self‐isolate. This previously unimagineable set of circumstances provides a unique opportunity, and indeed an imperative, for videotherapy to fulfil its potential in addressing mental health and well‐being needs from a distance. Historically, the uptake of videotherapy has been hindered by psychotherapist expectations of inferior therapeutic alliance and outcomes, in spite of considerable research evidence to the contrary. Research suggests that videotherapy provides a powerful pathway for clients to experience enhanced opportunities for self‐expression, connection and intimacy. This more neutral therapeutic ‘space’ provides clients with multifarious opportunities for self‐awareness, creative experience and collaboration, with potentially a greater sense of agency over their own experience. This paper explores ways in which videotherapy can lead to a revitalisation of the concept of the therapeutic relationship, in order to meet the challenges associated with COVID‐19. A number of specific considerations for videotherapy adaptations and etiquette in the midst of COVID‐19 are described.

Digital social work: Conceptualising a hybrid anticipatory practice

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Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Burnout in Health Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparing Mental Health Professionals and Other Healthcare Workers

“…This could be explained by most MHPs working remotely during the first phase of the pandemic, representing a significant change in their clinical setting. Indeed, some sensory and bodily characteristics of the face-to-face psychological and psychotherapeutic setting cannot be fully replicated in an online setting [51,52]. In particular, we should consider the impact of virtually getting into patients' houses and letting patients into one's own home, the slight delay in feedbacks from facial microexpressions and the sound of the patient's voice during videocalls, the different visual perspective, and the different interpersonal distance from patients.…”

Videoconferencing psychotherapy for couples and families: A systematic review

“…The same pattern is found in terms of therapeutic alliance ratings from both the therapists and clients. Although the therapeutic alliance can be perceived as lower initially, particularly, by therapists, this corrects after a period of familiarity (Ruskin et al, 2004; Simpson & Reid, 2014; Simpson et al, 2020).…”