A qualitative exploration of patients’ experience of online psychotherapy

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore patients’ experience with online psychotherapy and integrate findings in the practice of online psychotherapy. Sixteen patients (N=16) of psychodynamic psychotherapy were interviewed after the closure of their psychotherapy process. The semi-structured interview explored the online experience compared to the in-room psychotherapy experience. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: (i) satisfaction versus dissatisfaction; (ii) depth of work; (iii) practicalities versus limitations; and (iv) relationship and therapeutic alliance. The results indicate that online psychotherapy is experienced as an optimal alternative Despite challenges, online psychotherapy appears to be a feasible method of intervention. Several factors which could have been expected to be limiting, could be overcome and used to the benefit of the process and results.

Keywords

• pandemic
• online psychotherapy
• in-room psychotherapy
• patients
• psychodynamic