In the evolving landscape of digital mental health support, the development and maintenance of therapeutic relationships are paramount. A recent study titled Exploring the development and maintenance of therapeutic relationships through e-Health support: A narrative analysis of therapist experiences provides crucial insights for practitioners working in e-therapy, particularly with young people. This blog aims to distill the findings of this study to help practitioners enhance their online therapeutic skills.
Key Findings from the Study
The study conducted narrative interviews with eight e-therapy practitioners from Kooth, an online mental health service. The analysis revealed four primary themes:
- Learning Experience: Practitioners described transitioning to online therapy as a steep learning curve. The need to adapt existing therapeutic skills to the digital format was highlighted as a significant challenge.
- Rapid Relationship Building: Online environments often facilitate quicker relationship building due to the anonymity and perceived safety by the clients. However, practitioners must be cautious to ensure that trust is built at a sustainable pace.
- Risk Management: Managing risk in online settings is complex due to the anonymity of the clients. Practitioners expressed feelings of helplessness when unable to engage emergency services effectively.
- Maintaining Relationships: Techniques such as follow-up messages, reviewing transcripts, and using emojis were found to help maintain therapeutic relationships. However, some practitioners raised concerns about these methods potentially blurring professional boundaries.
Practical Recommendations
Based on the study's findings, here are some actionable recommendations for practitioners:
- Adapt and Learn: Embrace the learning curve associated with online therapy. Engage in continuous professional development to refine your digital therapeutic skills.
- Build Trust Carefully: While relationships may form quickly online, ensure that trust is built gradually and sustainably. Tailor your approach to each client’s unique needs.
- Effective Risk Management: Develop clear protocols for managing risk in online settings. Ensure you have support systems in place, such as supervision and team consultations.
- Maintain Professional Boundaries: Use digital tools like emojis and follow-up messages judiciously. Balance maintaining a warm, empathetic connection with upholding professional boundaries.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is essential to deepen our understanding of online therapeutic relationships. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to and stay updated with ongoing research to continuously improve their practice.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Exploring the development and maintenance of therapeutic relationships through e-Health support: A narrative analysis of therapist experiences.
