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Bradford AB, Johnson LN, Anderson SR, Banford-Witting A, Hunt QA, Miller RB, Bean RA. Call me maybe? In-person vs. teletherapy outcomes among married couples. Psychother Res 2024; 34:611-625. [PMID: 37703549 DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2023.2256465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of teletherapy compared to in-person couple therapy in outcomes such as couple satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and the therapeutic alliance.Method: Data from 1157 married clients seeking couple therapy were examined. Individual growth curve models were used to analyze changes in the aforementioned outcomes, with teletherapy as a predictor. The study also examined client age and clinic type as moderators.Results: The results indicated that overall, teletherapy is as effective as in-person therapy in improving outcomes. However, there were notable differences in the development of the therapeutic alliance. The alliance improved at twice the rate in in-person therapy as in teletherapy. Clinic type was also found to be a moderator of changes in sexual satisfaction. Clients in group and private practices reported improvements in sexual satisfaction; whereas clients seen in training clinics reported decreases in sexual satisfaction.Conclusion: The study concludes that although teletherapy may be a viable alternative to in-person couple therapy, there are nevertheless differences in the development of the therapeutic alliance that warrant care and further investigation. The setting of the therapy also plays a role in the effectiveness of therapy, although not specific to therapy modality.
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Chuah XJ, Aw CB, Ong PN, Samsuri KB, Dhaliwal SS. Receptivity towards Remote Service Delivery among Social Work Clients and Practitioners during COVID Times: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE-BASED SOCIAL WORK (2019) 2023; 20:800-839. [PMID: 37401444 DOI: 10.1080/26408066.2023.2228791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize the available evidence on the receptivity toward, perceived advantages and challenges of remote service delivery among social work clients and practitioners during the context of COVID-19. METHOD Two electronic databases were searched from 2020 to 2022. Identified papers were screened against the established eligibility criteria, yielding 15 papers. Two additional papers were further identified through hand-search. As heterogeneity of studies was high, a narrative synthesis was performed to summarize the overall evidence. RESULTS Our review provides evidence that remote service delivery holds the potential to increase access to services among selected client populations as well as promote a sense of empowerment for clients and opportunities for practice enhancement for practitioners. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION The findings from our study highlighted the need for innovative solutions and practical considerations for ongoing remote service, including the careful considerations of social work clients' and practitioners' suitability, the need for provision of training and ongoing support to optimize practitioners' well-being. As the delivery of services transition to face-to-face or remain remote, further research is needed to assess the promise of remote practice in optimizing overall service delivery, while maintaining client-reported satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Jun Chuah
- Learning & Development, AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Ang Mo Kio, Singapore
| | - Chin Bee Aw
- Family & Community Support Division, AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Seng Kang, Singapore
| | - Pei Ni Ong
- Specialist Division, AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Ang Mo Kio, Singapore
| | - Khalisah Binte Samsuri
- Family & Community Support Division, AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Seng Kang, Singapore
| | - Satvinder Singh Dhaliwal
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western, Australia, Australia
- AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Ang Mo Kio, Singapore
- Office of the Provost, University of Social Sciences, Clementi, Singapore
- DUKE-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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van Lotringen C, Lusi B, Westerhof GJ, Ludden GDS, Kip H, Kelders SM, Noordzij ML. Compassionate Technology: A Systematic Scoping Review of Compassion as Foundation for Blended and Digital Mental Health Interventions (Preprint). JMIR Ment Health 2022; 10:e42403. [PMID: 37027207 PMCID: PMC10131870 DOI: 10.2196/42403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An essential value in mental health care is compassion: awareness of suffering, tolerating difficult feelings in the face of suffering, and acting or being motivated to alleviate suffering. Currently, technologies for mental health care are on the rise and could offer several advantages, such as more options for self-management by clients and more accessible and economically viable care. However, digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have not been widely implemented in daily practice. Developing and evaluating DMHIs around important mental health care values, such as compassion, could be key for a better integration of technology in the mental health care context. OBJECTIVE This systematic scoping review explored the literature for previous instances where technology for mental health care has been linked to compassion or empathy to investigate how DMHIs can support compassion in mental health care. METHODS Searches were conducted in the PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and screening by 2 reviewers resulted in 33 included articles. From these articles, we extracted the following data: technology types, goals, target groups, and roles of the technologies in the intervention; study designs; outcome measures; and the extent to which the technologies met a 5-step proposed definition of compassion. RESULTS We found 3 main ways in which technology can contribute to compassion in mental health care: by showing compassion to people, by enhancing self-compassion in people, or by facilitating compassion between people. However, none of the included technologies met all 5 elements of compassion nor were they evaluated in terms of compassion. CONCLUSIONS We discuss the potential of compassionate technology, its challenges, and the need to evaluate technology for mental health care on compassion. Our findings could contribute to the development of compassionate technology, in which elements of compassion are explicitly embedded in its design, use, and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte van Lotringen
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Benedetta Lusi
- Department of Design, Production and Management, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Gerben J Westerhof
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Geke D S Ludden
- Department of Design, Production and Management, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Kip
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Saskia M Kelders
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs L Noordzij
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
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Better than expected: client and clinician experiences of videoconferencing therapy (VT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s1754470x22000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Videoconferencing therapy (VT) has been an emerging medium of psychological therapy, and during the COVID-19 pandemic there has been substantial growth in its usage as a result of home working. However, there is a paucity of research into client and clinician perceptions of VT. This study sought to assess client and staff experiences of VT. This mixed methods study produced both quantitative and qualitative data. Seven clients who had previously received VT and 11 psychotherapists who had previously delivered VT were recruited from two NHS sites. Clients and psychotherapists took part in qualitative interviews which were analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitative surveys were developed based on themes generated from the interviews and were completed by 172 clients and 117 psychotherapists. These were analysed using simple percentages. VT often exceeded client and psychotherapist expectations and overall experiences of VT were generally positive, although there were mixed findings regarding the therapeutic alliance. Several barriers to VT were cited, such as IT issues, and challenges identified in conducting behavioural experiments, and potential exclusion of certain populations were also cited. The medium of VT was received well by both clients and clinicians, with advantages around convenience seemingly outweighing losses in quality of therapeutic relationship. Future research should focus on overcoming barriers to accessing VT in populations prone to digital exclusion. NHS services not currently employing VT may wish to reconsider their stance, expanding choice of therapy delivery and improving accessibility.
Key learning aims
(1)
To gain insight into client and clinician experiences of VT during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(2)
To assess the acceptability and feasibility of VT within two NHS short-term psychological support services.
(3)
To identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of VT within two NHS short-term psychological support services.
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Kysely A, Bishop B, Kane RT, McDevitt M, De Palma M, Rooney R. Couples Therapy Delivered Through Videoconferencing: Effects on Relationship Outcomes, Mental Health and the Therapeutic Alliance. Front Psychol 2022; 12:773030. [PMID: 35185681 PMCID: PMC8855148 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.773030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Changing technology, and the pervasive demand created by a greater need in the population for access to mental health interventions, has led to the development of technologies that are shifting the traditional way in which therapy is provided. This study investigated the efficacy of a behavioral couples therapy program conducted via videoconferencing, as compared to face-to-face. There were 60 participants, in couples, ranging in age from 21 to 69 years old. Couples had been in a relationship for between 1 to 49 years. The 30 couples were randomly allocated to the face-to-face or videoconferencing group. They all took part in Couple CARE—a couples behavioral education program which promotes self-change in order to increase relationship satisfaction. The six session manualized intervention was offered in an identical manner to all clients, in each condition. Data analysis was based on several questionnaires completed by each couple at pre, post and 3-months follow-up. Results showed that therapeutic alliance ratings did not differ between groups, but increased significantly over time for both groups. Additionally, the results indicated improvements in relationship satisfaction, mental health, and all other outcome scores over time, which did not differ based on condition. This study uniquely contributes to the literature exploring the use of technology to provide therapy. Specifically, the study provides evidence for couples therapy via videoconferencing as a viable alternative to face-to-face interventions, especially for those couples who may not have access to the treatment they require. It is anticipated that the results of this study will contribute to the field of online therapy, and add to fostering confidence in agencies to allow expansion of services conducted via videoconferencing.
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Lange AMC, Delsing MJMH, van Geffen M, Scholte RHJ. Alliance Between Therapist and Multi-stressed Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Effect of Family-Based Videoconferencing. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2021; 51:593-611. [PMID: 34421286 PMCID: PMC8370056 DOI: 10.1007/s10566-021-09644-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background A strong therapeutic alliance or working relationship is essential for effective face-to-face family-based psychotherapy. However, little is known about the use of VC on alliance in family-based therapy. The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to a national lockdown during which most family-based therapy transferred to VC. Objective The current study analyzed the development and strength of alliance prior and during lockdown for multi-stressed families participating in Multisystemic Therapy (MST). Method Alliance with the therapist was reported monthly by 846 caregivers (81% female). Using latent growth curve models (longitudinal approach), the development of alliance was estimated for families participating in MST prior to the lockdown, transferring to VC early in treatment or late in treatment. Using regression analyses (cross-sectional approach), lockdown (yes/no) was included as predictor of alliance. In these analyses, type of family (regular; intellectual disability; concerns regarding child abuse or neglect) and gender of caregiver were included as moderators. Results Both analytical approaches showed that alliance was not affected by VC, except for families with concerns of child abuse, who reported lower alliances during lockdown. However, these results where no longer significant when controlling for multiple testing. Conclusions Strong alliances can be developed and maintained during family-based VC sessions with multi-stressed families. However, for some subgroups, such as families with concerns of child abuse, VC might not be suitable or sufficient. Future research needs to investigate the potential and limitations of using VC with families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelie. M. C. Lange
- Department of Psychiatry, Section of Medical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders, Halsteren, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marieke van Geffen
- Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders, Halsteren, The Netherlands
| | - Ron. H. J. Scholte
- Praktikon, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Tranzo, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Maier CA, Riger D, Morgan‐Sowada H. "It's splendid once you grow into it:" Client experiences of relational teletherapy in the era of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2021; 47:304-319. [PMID: 33721348 PMCID: PMC8251155 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The novel Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and subsequent social distancing practices have altered the way we move through the world and access physical and mental healthcare. While researchers and clinicians have begun to explore the impact of telehealth delivery on psychotherapy and treatment outcomes, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of individuals in teletherapy, specifically those engaging in teletherapy with a romantic partner or family member. Using a thematic analysis of open-ended online survey questions, we explored the experiences of 25 individuals who engaged in couple or family teletherapy after social distancing began. The resulting themes included "making do," safe therapeutic space, convenience, logistical challenges, and therapist accommodation. We discuss the clinical implications of these themes to support effective couple and family teletherapy and offer suggestions and considerations for remote clinical interventions and practices. [Correction added on 22 March 2021, after first online publication: The term '19' has been changed to '(COVID-19)' in the first line of the Abstract section, in this version.].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana Riger
- University of North Carolina‐Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
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Hardy NR, Maier CA, Gregson TJ. Couple teletherapy in the era of COVID-19: Experiences and recommendations. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2021; 47:225-243. [PMID: 33742712 PMCID: PMC8250910 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented times of the novel Coronavirus quarantine and subsequent stay-at-home orders have changed the way many couple therapists provide clinical services. Understanding couple therapists' experiences with teletherapy is important for optimizing future telehealth delivery with couples. Thus, the purpose of this mixed methods survey study was to explore couple therapists' experiences of transitioning from in-person/traditional therapy to online/telehealth delivery. A total of 58 couple therapists completed an online survey for this study. Reported are both quantitative and qualitative findings. Overall, this study found that couple therapists experienced a positive shift from traditional/in-person therapy to online/telehealth therapy, with a majority of couple therapists (74%) reporting they would continue providing teletherapy after the novel Coronavirus pandemic and social distancing regulations had ended. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from couple therapists' experiences related to advantages, challenges, and recommendations for practice. Implications for clinical training and future research are discussed.
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McLean SA, Booth AT, Schnabel A, Wright BJ, Painter FL, McIntosh JE. Exploring the Efficacy of Telehealth for Family Therapy Through Systematic, Meta-analytic, and Qualitative Evidence. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2021; 24:244-266. [PMID: 33492545 PMCID: PMC7829321 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-020-00340-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
There is a current escalating need for telehealth (TH) options in family mental health services. In the absence of replicated evidence, TH guidelines from peak bodies are largely based on assumptions of the effectiveness of TH methods. New investments in TH would optimally be based in evidence of clinical efficacy. To this end, we conducted three studies in which we (1) systematically reviewed eight professional guidelines for TH family therapy, (2) examined replicated evidence for the efficacy of TH family therapy through systematic review of 20 studies and meta-analyses of 13 effects, and (3) synthesised clinical accommodations to TH methodology from a study of 12 experienced TH family therapists. The studies found (1) a predominant focus in existing TH guidelines on operational matters pertaining to TH and relative neglect of therapeutic process; (2) meta-analyses of efficacy for child behavioural problems (k = 8) and parental depression (k = 5) showed equivalent outcomes in TH and face-to-face therapy and enhanced outcomes in TH relative to treatment as usual, resource provision (i.e. written materials), or wait-list control. Narrative review of 20 studies for a range of relational and mental health outcomes aligned with these findings; and (3) therapists defined clear conditions for enhanced engagement and therapeutic process via TH and reflected on cautions and accommodations for purposes of rapport building and mitigating risk. Given moderate-strong evidence for the efficacy of TH methods of family therapy for a range of conditions, we offer recommendations for future implementation of TH for family therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siân A McLean
- The Bouverie Centre, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3056, Australia.
| | - Anna T Booth
- The Bouverie Centre, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
| | - Alexandra Schnabel
- The Bouverie Centre, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
| | - Bradley J Wright
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Felicity L Painter
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer E McIntosh
- The Bouverie Centre, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
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