Videotherapy and therapeutic alliance in the age of COVID-19
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(Published version)
Date
2021
Authors
Simpson, S.
Richardson, L.
Pietrabissa, G.
Castelnuovo, G.
Reid, C.
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Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 2021; 28(2):409-421
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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 well-being 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 revitalisation of the concept of the therapeutic relationship, in order to meet the challenges associated with COVID-19. A number of specific considerations for videotherapy adaptations and etiquette in the midst of COVID-19 are described
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Copyright 2020 The Authors. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy published by John Wiley & Sons. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial No Derivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)