Key Findings from the Research
The study revealed several critical aspects of the transition to telepsychotherapy:- Loss of Therapeutic Rituals: The transition to teletherapy resulted in the loss of physical and geographical spaces that previously enhanced the therapeutic experience. The rituals surrounding therapy sessions, such as the travel time and the physical therapy room, were lost, leading to a perception of therapy as less valuable.
- Impaired Sense of Rapport: Patients reported difficulties in communication due to the lack of non-verbal cues and the increased relational distance. This impaired the sense of rapport with their therapists.
- Less Therapeutic Work: The transition restricted the range of therapeutic work. Therapists were perceived as losing their therapeutic stance, and therapeutic boundaries became more ambiguous.
- Being Less Emotionally Available: Patients found it more challenging to access and share emotional content, leading to a more intellectual and less emotionally present therapeutic process.
- Feeling Freer: Some patients felt less self-conscious and more open in teletherapy, finding it less demanding and more convenient.
Implementing Research Outcomes in Teletherapy Practice
To enhance teletherapy skills and create better outcomes for children, practitioners can implement the following strategies based on the research findings:1. Re-establishing Therapeutic Rituals
- Encourage patients to create a dedicated therapy space at home, free from distractions.
- Establish pre-session routines, such as a brief period of reflection or mindfulness, to help patients transition into the therapeutic mindset.
2. Enhancing Communication and Rapport
- Utilize video calls whenever possible to capture non-verbal cues.
- Incorporate techniques to improve emotional presence, such as maintaining eye contact and using expressive gestures.
- Regularly check in with patients about their comfort and feelings during sessions.
3. Maintaining Therapeutic Boundaries
- Clearly define session boundaries, including start and end times, and adhere to them strictly.
- Discuss and agree on the goals and methods of teletherapy with patients to ensure clarity and focus.
4. Addressing Emotional Availability
- Encourage patients to express their emotions and provide a safe space for them to do so.
- Use therapeutic techniques that promote emotional openness, such as reflective listening and validation.
5. Leveraging the Convenience of Teletherapy
- Highlight the benefits of teletherapy, such as flexibility and accessibility, to patients.
- Ensure that technical issues are minimized by using reliable platforms and providing technical support if needed.
Encouraging Further Research
The research highlighted the need for further studies to explore the experiences of different patient groups, particularly those with introjective personality orientations. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting their own research and sharing their findings.Conclusion
The transition to teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic has presented both challenges and opportunities. By implementing the research outcomes discussed above, practitioners can enhance their teletherapy skills and create better outcomes for children. Continued research and adaptation are essential to meet the evolving needs of patients in a post-pandemic world.To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Loss of Rituals, Boundaries, and Relationship: Patient Experiences of Transition to Telepsychotherapy Following the Onset of COVID-19 Pandemic.
