Videotherapy and Therapeutic Alliance in the Age of COVID-19.

Videotherapy and Therapeutic Alliance in the Age of COVID-19. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2020 Oct 10;: Authors: Simpson S, Richardson L, Pietrabissa G, Castelnuovo G, Reid C Abstract The arrival of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has confronted us with a global and unprecedented challenge of community-wide psychological distress alongside reduced access to therapeutic services in the traditional face-to-face format, due to the need to self-isolate. This previously unimagineable set of circumstances provides a unique opportunity, and indeed an imperative, for videotherapy to fulfil its potential in addressing mental health and wellbeing needs from a distance. Historically, the uptake of videotherapy has been hindered by psychotherapist expectations of inferior therapeutic alliance and outcomes, in spite of considerable research evidence to the contrary. Research suggests that videotherapy provides a powerful pathway for clients to experience enhanced opportunities for self-expression, connection and intimacy. This more neutral therapeutic 'space' provides clients with multifarious opportunities for self-awareness, creative experience and collaboration, with potentially a greater sense of agency over their own experience. This paper explores ways in which videotherapy can lead to a re-vitalisation of the concept of the therapeutic relationship, in order to meet the challenges associated with COVID-19. A number of specific considerati...
Source: Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Clin Psychol Psychother Source Type: research