The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed many aspects of our lives, including how we conduct therapy. A recent study titled Face-to-Face Clinical Practice Under COVID-19 Pandemic: How Psychotherapists Describe Their Experiences sheds light on the challenges and adaptations therapists have made during this time.
Conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Minho, this study explores the impact of wearing face masks on the therapeutic process. Here's a quick rundown of what they found and how you can apply these insights to your practice.
Key Findings
- Therapists’ Experience: Many therapists found wearing face masks during sessions to be uncomfortable and challenging, especially when working with new clients. The masks made it difficult to read facial expressions and communicate effectively.
- Adaptation Strategies: Despite these challenges, therapists developed various strategies to maintain the quality of their sessions. These included speaking more clearly, frequently checking for understanding, and discussing the implications of mask-wearing with clients.
- Therapeutic Relationship: The study found that while masks did create barriers, they did not significantly impact the overall quality of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists were able to adapt and find ways to connect with their clients effectively.
Practical Tips for Therapists
Based on the study's findings, here are some actionable tips to help you navigate face-to-face therapy sessions during the pandemic:
- Enhance Communication: Speak slowly and clearly, and frequently check in with your clients to ensure they understand you.
- Normalize Mask-Wearing: Discuss the use of masks openly with your clients. This can help reduce any discomfort or anxiety they may feel.
- Focus on Non-Verbal Cues: Pay extra attention to other non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice to gauge your client's emotional state.
- Use Complementary Modalities: Consider integrating video or email sessions to supplement face-to-face interactions, especially for initial consultations.
Encouraging Further Research
The study also highlights the importance of ongoing research to better understand the long-term impacts of mask-wearing on therapy. By staying informed and adapting our practices based on new findings, we can continue to provide high-quality care to our clients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Face-to-Face Clinical Practice Under COVID-19 Pandemic: How Psychotherapists Describe Their Experiences.
