Couple and Family Therapy Students’ Experience of Transitioning to Teletherapy and Telesupervision in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of students enrolled in COAMFTE-accredited Couple and Family Therapy programs who transitioned to telehealth and telesupervision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Likert scales and free response prompts, 77 graduate students provided insight into how their academic programs and external internships prepared them for the transition. Results indicated webinars, articles, and additional supervision were the most frequently used training methods. Many participants reported feeling supported by their academic program and external internship supervisors, particularly through well-being check-ins, candid and open discussion, and increased availability of supervisors. A smaller proportion of participants experienced a lack of communication from leadership, leading to feelings of disorganization and isolation. These results highlight specific ways supervisors and instructors can support students in times of transition and crisis. Recommendations regarding communication with students and engagement of interns for academic programs and external internship sites are provided.