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Abstract

Background: COVID-19 can be described as a catalyst for changes in remote therapy. Previous research in this area has investigated therapists’ experiences of and attitudes towards remote therapy during the lockdown of the pandemic. However, the lockdown may affect experiences as it was a stressful period where practitioners had to adapt to a new way of working. There is limited research addressing clients’ experiences of remote therapy, especially now that restrictions have been lifted and the pandemic has entered a more stable phase. Research investigating experiences of a particular theoretical orientation may account for specific barriers and facilitators in the remote therapy experience to be informed in practice.

Objective: The primary objective of the study is to explore clients’ subjective experiences of receiving remote cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) outside the context of lockdown. Finding

Methods: Seven participants were recruited. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews online which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Findings: The analysis resulted in four Group Experiential Themes (GETs) with corresponding subthemes that represent participants’ subjective experiences: ‘The Remote Paradigm Eliminates Obstacles: Ease and Freedom from In-person Barriers’, ‘Interferences as Barriers to Engagement: Accepting or Rejecting When Things get in the Way’, ‘Establishing a Therapeutic Relationship Using the Communication Device: Bridging the Distance’ and ‘The Impact of No Physical Presence: A Sense of Being Disconnected’

Conclusion: The research uncovers new viewpoints into the different elements of the remote paradigm and how each one may hinder or benefit the therapeutic process. The relationship between these elements means that remote therapy becomes a paradoxical dilemma for which there are mutually conflicting and dependent elements. Findings also have significant implications for practice.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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