Allians på distans? – Psykoterapeutens upplevelse av videosamtal

Sammanfattning

This study intends to examine the psychotherapist`s experience of videotherapy and therapeutic relation and alliance in videotherapy. Earlier studies show that videotherapy is a positive contribution to healthcare systems and increases accessibility for patients, but there are technical issues and limitations in non-verbal communication. The therapeutic alliance between patient and therapist is not negatively affected. The experience of the patient tends to be more positive than the experience of the therapist. This study´s approach is qualitative and inductive. Data are obtained from interviews with five licensed psychotherapists. The study shows that videotherapy is a good flexible alternative, but therapist attitude towards it, varies. A good therapeutic relation and alliance is possible and depends on both patient and therapist factors, though the quality is deepened in face-to-face sessions. The psychotherapists describe that some therapeutic interventions need to be modified and amplified, due to the unique settings.