[Digitalization in Psychotherapy: A Qualitative Study on Psychotherapists' Experiences and Attitudes Toward Videoconferencing therapy].

Abstract

Due to the restrictions on healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, legal regulations enabled the integration of videoconferencing therapy into psychotherapeutic treatment in Germany. This study aimed to explore the experiences and attitudes of psychotherapists regarding videoconferencing therapy.Eight German psychotherapists were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Interviews were recorded, transcribed anonymously, and analyzed using Kuckartz's qualitative content analysis.Diverse positive and negative experiences with video therapy were reported. Eight positive and six negative factors regarding video therapy were identified. The majority of psychotherapists had a positive attitude toward video therapy, with only one therapist expressing a critical stance. The therapeutic relationship was generally viewed as stable, though some therapists reported deteriorations. The results also indicate the need for improvement in videoconferencing therapy. Despite the expected increase in videoconferencing therapy, most therapists express a preference for face-to-face-therapy.Therapists suggest that video therapy can be a promising treatment method in addition to face-to-face-therapy. The influence of personal attitudes on the usage and effectiveness was evident. Contradictions and negative aspects underscore the importance of individual assessment before implementing videoconferencing therapy. The need for enhancements in videoconferencing therapy was emphasized.The experiences and attitudes of therapists can serve as a valuable foundation for advancing video therapy, for example by creating guidelines, to ensure adequate quality and address gaps in care. Future developments should focus on further enhancing the quality of this treatment modality.