The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a rapid shift to remote therapy, a modality that has proven indispensable for maintaining mental health care services. The research article "Teaching the Fundamentals of Remote Psychotherapy to Psychiatry Residents in the COVID-19 Pandemic" provides valuable insights into how practitioners can enhance their skills in this domain.
Here are some key takeaways and actionable steps to improve your remote therapy practice:
1. Building Telepresence
Telepresence is the feeling of being present with your patient in a virtual space. To enhance telepresence:
- Orient the patient to the virtual environment by explaining eye contact differences and what happens when you look away.
- Discuss emotions and positive experiences to increase engagement.
- Minimize distractions by adjusting the environment, such as turning off email notifications and reducing background noise.
2. Maintaining Boundaries
Remote therapy can blur professional boundaries due to the informal nature of video calls. To maintain boundaries:
- Schedule sessions during typical working hours.
- Ensure both the therapist's and patient's environments are professional and private.
- Discuss and role-play boundary issues with supervisors.
3. Cultivating a Therapeutic Alliance
A strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for successful therapy outcomes. To build this alliance:
- Agree on treatment goals and tasks with the patient.
- Foster a positive bond by being present and empathetic.
- Consider hybrid sessions for patients with limited digital access.
4. Special Populations
Remote therapy may require specific considerations for different patient groups:
- Patients with psychosis may prefer phone calls or a hybrid approach.
- Children and teenagers might find remote sessions more comfortable.
- Victims of trauma may benefit from the privacy and reduced stigma of remote therapy.
Implementing these strategies can significantly enhance your remote therapy practice, ensuring that you provide effective and empathetic care to your patients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Teaching the Fundamentals of Remote Psychotherapy to Psychiatry Residents in the COVID-19 Pandemic.
