As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology, understanding and enhancing the therapeutic alliance with our clients is paramount. The recent research article "Therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy across online and face-to-face settings: A quantitative analysis" provides valuable insights that can help us improve our practice, especially in the context of the increasing prevalence of teletherapy.
The study, conducted at the Adult Outpatient Clinic of Sigmund Freud University in Vienna, measured the therapeutic alliance using the Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAQ) across three different time points: before the switch to online therapy, during online therapy, and after returning to face-to-face therapy. The findings revealed a statistically significant small improvement in the quality of the therapeutic alliance over time, with no differences due to the change in therapeutic setting.
Here are some key takeaways from the research that can be implemented in your practice:
- Consistency in Therapeutic Alliance: The study found no significant difference in the quality of the therapeutic alliance between online and face-to-face settings. This suggests that maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance is possible regardless of the medium used. Practitioners should focus on consistent communication and relationship-building techniques across all settings.
- Client Satisfaction: Clients rated their relationship with therapists higher than therapists did themselves. This indicates that clients may feel more positively about the therapeutic process than practitioners might perceive. It’s essential to regularly seek feedback from clients to understand their perspective and improve the therapeutic relationship.
- Technical and Organizational Preparedness: The qualitative findings emphasized the importance of having a stable therapeutic relationship to manage technical and organizational challenges. Ensure that both you and your clients have access to reliable technology and a private, undisturbed space for sessions.
- Flexibility and Convenience: Many clients appreciated the convenience of online therapy, particularly the elimination of travel time. This convenience can enhance client engagement and satisfaction. Consider offering flexible scheduling and remote sessions even outside of pandemic conditions.
By integrating these insights into your practice, you can enhance the therapeutic alliance and potentially improve outcomes for your clients. Continuous improvement and adaptation to new research findings are crucial in providing the best possible care.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy across online and face-to-face settings: A quantitative analysis.
