A Perspective on Client-Psychologist Relationships in Videoconferencing Psychotherapy: Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Telehealth

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated social distancing, increasing reliance on technology for remote interactions.
• Videoconferencing emerged as a key tool for mental health services, offering accessibility but posing challenges in replicating in-person therapeutic dynamics.
• Key information cues, such as body language, are often missed in remote sessions, impacting the psychologist-client relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a theoretical framework for future research on computer-mediated psychologist-client relationships.
• To examine the influence of videoconferencing on the therapeutic relationship and alliance process.
• To develop a model accounting for the computer's role in therapy interactions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Studies focused on communication dynamics and core concepts of the therapeutic relationship and alliance were included.

Main Results:

• Clients generally report satisfaction with videoconference therapy, including the therapeutic relationship and alliance.
• Psychologists frequently report challenges in establishing the same quality of therapeutic relationship and alliance via videoconferencing.
• The computer functions not merely as a communication conduit but as an active participant in the therapeutic interaction, influencing both emotional and cognitive work.

Conclusions:

• The computer should be recognized as an active participant, a "third party," in the psychologist-client relationship.
• This third-party presence can either facilitate or impede the communication and therapeutic process.
• Understanding the computer's active role is crucial for optimizing telehealth interventions.