Teletherapy Groups for Complex Trauma: Probing Patient Experiences.

Abstract

Group therapy is a key intervention for complex trauma, and virtual groups are becoming more widespread. This report provides a thematic analysis of feedback obtained from 26 patients with complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) who underwent 8-week teletherapy trauma-focused (tTFT) groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, crossing perspectives with their experiences in in-person groups. Patients reported on their sense of physical, emotional, and sanitary safety online and in-person, reflected on virtual factors affecting the group psychotherapy process, and commented on their sense of connection in the group, online or in-person. When given the choice, most patients preferred in-person groups.