The Therapeutic Alliance in Teleconsultation



The therapeutic alliance corresponds to the collaboration between the psychologist and his patient to achieve the established objectives of the treatment. It is essential during therapy, often considered more important than the techniques used by the therapist.

Qualitative Therapeutic Alliance

For a therapeutic alliance to be qualitative, three elements must be present.

  1. First of all, the patient and his therapist must agree on the goals of the therapy.
  2. Then, it is also necessary that they agree on the means put in place to achieve these objectives.
  3. Finally, the psychologist and his patient must build a quality emotional bond. This allows the patient to feel confident and to be able to share personal and necessary information for good care.

The Considerable Increase in Teleconsultations

More and more individuals are interested in remote medical or psychological consultations. This phenomenon has been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has required digital adaptation in many areas, including health. In addition, remote support can be via video consultation exchanges, phone calls, or email. Some follow-ups may offer more independence for patients, and they can consult at any time and from anywhere. Indeed, there are even some applications with modules to be completed by the patient independently.

However, could the emergence of this consultation format influence the construction of the therapeutic alliance?

General Attitudes Towards the Therapeutic Alliance in Teleconsultation

Indeed, many individuals think that the virtual is a barrier to the effectiveness of therapy. They think that the video consultation would make it more difficult to establish a therapeutic alliance between the patient and his therapist. Some concerns relate to trust and proximity between caregivers and patients. The image of the virtual can also be associated with a certain distance and dehumanization of patients.

The Advantages of the Therapeutic Alliance in Teleconsultation

However, the scientific literature affirms that online consultations do not compromise the quality of care or the construction of a qualitative therapeutic alliance. Indeed, many studies show that online cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies effectively manage many pathologies or problems. Virtual sessions can even bring certain benefits for caregivers and patients alike.

Accessibility is one of the most notable advantages of choosing teleconsultations. Indeed, this format entails a few constraints. For example, patients do not need to travel, take the bus, or the car. The possibility of being monitored from home saves time and can also be perceived as more comfortable.

The Advantages of Teleconsultations for Psychologists

On the therapist's side, virtual sessions also offer advantages. For example, some therapists say they find it easier to concentrate during online consultations. In addition, it allows them to be more flexible in scheduling appointments with their patients.

Virtual Therapy Offers New Possibilities For Care.

Digital and virtual tools offer new support tools. For example, virtual reality therapies allow the patient to be immersed in a simulated and interactive environment.

This allows him to confront his phobias and his anxieties in a secure, practice, and also more accessible environment. This 3D immersion makes it possible to offer patients rich and relevant exposure exercises.

For example, a patient with a phobia of spiders can be accompanied using this tool. Through virtual immersion, he can get used to having a more reassuring perception of a spider. This mental simulation would also impact their perception of their fear in the real world.

Other tools are currently being developed, such as the use of robots and algorithms that can identify certain depressive symptoms. This artificial intelligence could then propose exercises to reduce these symptoms. It is a promising format and could be offered in the near future.

Thus, virtual psychological care offers great accessibility and makes it possible to use new relevant tools. Current studies have been able to deconstruct certain received ideas by proving the effectiveness of online cognitive-behavioral support. In addition, caregivers and patients claim to be satisfied with this format by their efficiency, comfort, and, above all, their accessibility.

Dr. Wendy M. O'Connor is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Los Angeles, California. If you are looking for a Psychologist, visit The TrafficLight Center website and book your session.

 

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