[Online schema therapy: a cross-sectional survey among Dutch therapists]

Long waiting lists exist for the treatment of personality disorders, which can be shortened by using videoconference treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, by necessity, videoconferencing was used to provide schema therapy, a specific treatment for personality disorders.

To investigate therapist experience of schema therapy via videoconferencing during the pandemic.

In an observational cross-sectional study, 83 schema therapists completed a questionnaire about the period prior to, and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated their experience, use of, and attitude toward videoconferencing, as well as the extent to which the effectiveness of videoconferencing and face to face (F2F) schema therapy for personality disorders was found to be comparable.

Schema therapists rated their experience with videoconferencing therapy for personality disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic positively, its use increased during this period, and therapists’ attitudes became more positive. However, the majority found videoconferencing therapy less effective than F2F treatment. Almost half of the therapists used shorter sessions or adapted exercises during videoconferencing therapy.

Although therapists were increasingly positive about video conferencing therapy, they believed that F2F treatment is more effective. Randomized efficacy studies of videoconferencing therapy compared to F2F therapy are needed, also examining patients’ experiences with both forms.