How to Boost Engagement in Online Therapy: Insights from Recent Research

The effectiveness of online therapy, particularly Internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (ICBT), is well-documented for treating anxiety and depression. However, a recent study titled "Mixed-method evaluation of an online motivational intervention as a pre-treatment to internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy: Immediate benefits and user feedback" sheds light on how incorporating a motivational intervention (MI) can further enhance ICBT outcomes. Here’s what practitioners need to know to leverage these findings for better client engagement and outcomes.

Understanding the Study

The study evaluated an online MI intervention designed to be a pre-treatment for ICBT. The intervention aimed to increase participants' motivation to engage in and complete ICBT. The intervention included:

• Three videos: Introduction, ICBT Expert, Conclusion
• Five exercises: Values Clarification, Importance Ruler, Looking Back, Confidence Ruler, Looking Forward

Participants were divided into two groups: those with previous ICBT experience and those without. They completed pre- and post-intervention surveys to assess changes in motivation and perceptions of the intervention.

Key Findings

The study found that the MI intervention had a significant positive impact on participants' confidence to change. This was true for both groups, indicating the intervention's broad applicability. Here are the main takeaways:

• Increased Confidence: Post-intervention confidence scores were significantly higher.
• Positive Perceptions: Participants rated the intervention as logical and successful in preparing them for ICBT.
• High Engagement: 95% of participants expressed interest in continuing with ICBT after the intervention.

Implications for Practitioners

For speech-language pathologists and other practitioners working with children, these findings are particularly relevant. Implementing an MI intervention as a pre-treatment can:

• Enhance client engagement: Increased motivation can lead to higher completion rates.
• Improve outcomes: Higher motivation is linked to better treatment adherence and symptom reduction.

How to Implement These Findings

To incorporate these insights into your practice, consider the following steps:

1. Introduce an MI module: Create a short online course or series of videos and exercises similar to those used in the study.
2. Monitor motivation: Use pre- and post-intervention surveys to track changes in client motivation.
3. Adjust based on feedback: Regularly collect and analyze client feedback to refine the intervention.

Encouraging Further Research

While the study shows promising results, more research is needed to explore the long-term impact of MI on ICBT outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to:

• Conduct follow-up studies: Examine how sustained motivation impacts long-term outcomes.
• Collaborate with researchers: Partner with academic institutions to explore new intervention methods.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Mixed-method evaluation of an online motivational intervention as a pre-treatment to internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy: Immediate benefits and user feedback.