Key Research Findings
The editorial compiles studies that examine the impact of COVID-19 on psychological therapy, focusing on teletherapy and the implications of mask-wearing during face-to-face sessions. Here are some of the critical takeaways:- Teletherapy Acceptance: Both clinicians and clients found teletherapy to be an acceptable and effective alternative to face-to-face sessions (Appleton et al., 2021; Poletti et al., 2021).
- Challenges in Online Therapy: Clinicians faced difficulties in establishing emotional connections, avoiding distractions, preserving confidentiality, and maintaining professional boundaries (Békés et al.).
- Therapist Fatigue: The limited access to non-verbal cues in online settings led to increased fatigue among therapists (Mancinelli et al.).
- Mask-Wearing Impact: While mask-wearing caused fatigue due to the effort required to detect non-verbal cues, it did not significantly affect the therapeutic alliance (Ribeiro et al.).
- Effectiveness of Online Therapy: Online interventions, particularly those based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness, were effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress levels (Chi et al.).
Practical Tips for Therapists
Based on these findings, here are some actionable strategies to enhance your therapeutic practice in the current landscape:1. Enhance Emotional Connection in Teletherapy
Building an emotional connection can be challenging in an online setting. To improve this:- Ensure a quiet, distraction-free environment for both you and your client.
- Use consistent eye contact and active listening techniques.
- Incorporate regular check-ins to gauge the client's emotional state.
2. Address Confidentiality Concerns
Maintaining confidentiality is crucial, especially in online settings. Consider the following:- Use secure, encrypted platforms for teletherapy sessions.
- Educate clients about the importance of privacy and confidentiality.
- Regularly review and update your confidentiality policies.
3. Manage Therapist Fatigue
To combat fatigue caused by the lack of non-verbal cues:- Take regular breaks between sessions to rest and recharge.
- Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine.
- Seek peer support and supervision to discuss challenges and share strategies.
4. Adapt to Mask-Wearing in Face-to-Face Sessions
While mask-wearing may be less common now, it’s essential to be prepared:- Focus on verbal communication and active listening.
- Use expressive body language to convey empathy and understanding.
- Regularly ask for feedback from clients to ensure they feel heard and understood.
Encouraging Further Research
The studies highlighted in the editorial provide a solid foundation, but there is still much to learn about the long-term effects of these changes. As a practitioner, consider engaging in or supporting further research to explore:- The long-term impact of teletherapy on therapeutic outcomes.
- Strategies to enhance the therapeutic alliance in online settings.
- Innovative approaches to manage therapist fatigue and improve well-being.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Editorial: How the COVID-19 security measures have influenced the psychological therapies procedures and therapeutic elements.
