The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the way psychological therapy is delivered, with telepsychology becoming a mainstay. This shift has brought about unique challenges and opportunities for therapists to create and maintain therapeutic holding environments online. Based on the research article “‘Ninja’ levels of focus”: Therapeutic holding environments and the affective atmospheres of telepsychology during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some practical insights to help you elevate your telepsychology practice.
Key Insights from the Research
The research highlights three critical findings:
- The limited viewing area of a flat screen makes it difficult for therapists to read and respond to their client's body language.
- Therapists implemented different affective and relational strategies online to ensure they were not missing important non-verbal cues.
- The traditionally ‘safe’ therapeutic holding space can be easily subverted by client-end interruptions and concerns around safety or personal privacy in the client's home environment.
Strategies to Enhance Your Telepsychology Practice
Here are some strategies derived from the research to help you improve your telepsychology practice:
- Enhance Visual and Auditory Clarity: Ensure that both you and your client have a stable internet connection, good lighting, and minimal background noise. This helps in better reading of non-verbal cues.
- Adapt Your Gestures: Use more pronounced facial expressions and hand gestures to convey empathy and understanding. Leaning forward slightly can also show attentiveness.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Discuss with your clients the importance of a private, quiet space for sessions to minimize interruptions and ensure a safe environment.
- Regular Check-ins: Periodically check in with your clients about how they are experiencing the telepsychology sessions and make adjustments as needed.
Further Research
While the findings from this research are insightful, further exploration is encouraged to continually adapt and improve telepsychology practices. Understanding the nuances of online therapeutic holding spaces can significantly enhance the therapeutic alliance and client outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: “‘Ninja’ levels of focus”: Therapeutic holding environments and the affective atmospheres of telepsychology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
