According to Reis, Matthews, and Grenyer (2020), several characteristics were identified that promote the efficacy of online interventions for adolescents experiencing symptoms of personality disorder. These include:
- Timeframes of one to two months
- Regular confidential therapist contact
- Simple interactive online components and modules
- Inclusion of homework or workbook activities to practice new skills
Implementing these characteristics can significantly enhance the effectiveness of online therapy for adolescents. Here’s how you can incorporate these findings into your practice:
1. Structured Timeframes
Design your intervention to last between one to two months. This duration is optimal for maintaining engagement without overwhelming the adolescent.
2. Regular Therapist Contact
Ensure regular, confidential contact with your clients. This can be through secure messaging systems or scheduled video calls. Regular check-ins help build trust and provide consistent support.
3. Interactive Components
Incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, games, and video demonstrations. These components can make the therapy sessions more engaging and relatable for adolescents.
4. Homework and Workbooks
Assign homework or workbook activities that allow adolescents to practice new skills outside of sessions. This reinforces learning and helps them apply skills in real-life situations.
These recommendations are grounded in the data-driven findings of the study and can help you create more effective online therapy programs for adolescents with personality disorders. Additionally, ongoing research and adaptation of these methods will further enhance the efficacy of online interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Characteristics of effective online interventions: implications for adolescents with personality disorder during a global pandemic.
