As practitioners in the field of online therapy, understanding the intricacies of delivering guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) is crucial. A recent study titled "Therapists’ experiences with providing guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with mild and moderate depression: a thematic analysis" provides valuable insights that can help improve your practice. Here, we distill the key findings from this research to help you implement better strategies and outcomes in your online therapy sessions.
1. The Right Person at the Right Time
The study underscores the importance of selecting the right patients for iCBT. Practitioners found it challenging to predict which patients would benefit most from the program. Essential factors to consider include:
- Sufficient language skills and reading comprehension
- Basic computer skills
- High levels of motivation and willingness to engage
Patients with fewer personal complications and a supportive environment are more likely to succeed. Thorough assessments before starting iCBT are essential to identify these patients.
2. Demands on Clinics, Therapists, and Patients
Providing iCBT is not a simple solution. It requires substantial effort from both therapists and patients. Key demands include:
- For Clinics and Therapists: Adequate time allocation, sufficient training, and a supportive collegial environment are necessary. Therapists should not be overburdened with other tasks during their iCBT sessions.
- For Patients: High levels of personal responsibility and effort are required. Patients must be able to prioritize their treatment amidst other life responsibilities.
3. The Need for Contact
Maintaining contact between therapists and patients is vital for building a therapeutic alliance. While the email system within the iCBT program provides a channel for support, additional contact methods such as phone calls or video conferences can be beneficial. Personalized and well-thought-out messages can help tailor the treatment to individual needs.
4. Usability and Flexibility of the Program
While the structured nature of iCBT programs can ensure consistency, it also poses challenges. Therapists reported a need for more flexibility to tailor treatments to individual patients. Suggestions for improvement include:
- Incorporating various modalities like videos and interactive tasks
- Enhancing the usability of the program to reduce navigation difficulties
- Allowing therapists to customize the order of modules based on patient needs
Implementing these changes can make the program more adaptable and effective for a broader range of patients.
In conclusion, while guided iCBT has shown promising results, it is essential to consider the specific needs and circumstances of both patients and therapists. By addressing the challenges highlighted in this study, practitioners can enhance the effectiveness of their online therapy services.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Therapists’ experiences with providing guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with mild and moderate depression: a thematic analysis.
