Exploring Therapists’ Experiences of the Therapeutic Relationship in Videoconferencing Psychotherapy: A Qualitative Study

• DOI: 10.22541/au.169106268.86734033/v1
• Publication Date: 2023-08-03T11:38:10Z
• Authors: Gloria Lagetto; Arianna Teti; Lucia Fortunato; Chiara Urone; Salvatore Gullo; Gabriele Ciccarese; Pier Paolo Lardo; Omar Gelo
• Keywords: Therapeutic relationship; Thematic Analysis; Therapeutic approach

Background. The exponential growth of videoconferencing psychotherapy (VP) due to pandemic restrictions has required a more specific conceptualization the therapeutic relationship in VP. We, therefore, investigated nature VP from clinicians’ perspective. Methods. We conducted three focus groups with 27 therapists different orientations through semi-structured interview focusing on their experience Data analysis relied inductive thematic analysis. Results. Results comprised following themes: construction and management online setting, meaning request for help process, patient therapist involvement relationship, new elements introduced by VP, nonverbal aspects corporeality differences quality emotional relational level treatment satisfaction drop-out, personal characteristics that influence Conclusion. These results suggest some features distinguish it face-to-face psychotherapy. Future research should consider this specificity adequately investigate example, development measures or investigating reference approaches.