The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in various fields, including the realm of therapeutic services. The transition to telehealth has been a notable shift, and understanding its impact on the therapeutic relationship (TR) is crucial for practitioners. A recent research article, “There is Just a Different Energy”: Changes in the Therapeutic Relationship with the Telehealth Transition, offers valuable insights into this transformation.
Key Findings from the Research
The study identifies three major themes regarding the impact of telehealth on the TR:
- It is a “much more remote experience”: Practitioners felt that telehealth created a more physically and emotionally distanced experience, leading to a loss of critical elements such as body language, eye contact, and the therapeutic frame.
- The “connection…remains surprisingly strong”: Despite initial concerns, many practitioners found that the therapeutic connection remained robust. Telehealth provided unexpected benefits like improved attendance and greater comfort for clients in their own homes.
- It is “energetically taxing”: Telehealth was found to be more demanding, leading to fatigue and a sense of working harder without the same level of interactive energy as in-person sessions.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
Based on these findings, here are some practical tips for practitioners to enhance their telehealth sessions:
- Embrace the change: Accept that telehealth is different and focus on leveraging its strengths, such as the flexibility it offers and the potential for deeper insights into clients' home environments.
- Maintain a strong therapeutic frame: Establish clear boundaries and routines to create a consistent and predictable environment, even in a virtual setting.
- Focus on self-care: Acknowledge the additional energy required for telehealth and prioritize self-care to manage fatigue and maintain professional effectiveness.
Encouraging Further Research
The research highlights the resilience of the TR despite the challenges posed by telehealth. However, further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts and develop strategies to optimize teletherapy. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed through continuous learning and to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: “There is Just a Different Energy”: Changes in the Therapeutic Relationship with the Telehealth Transition
