Relational Work Through Technology: Understanding the Impact of Telemental Health on the Therapeutic Alliance

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid shift to telemental health (TMH) during the COVID-19 pandemic left mental health providers scrambling to adapt, raising concerns about the effect on the quality of the therapeutic alliance. This article explores the impact of TMH on the therapeutic alliance and how relational psychotherapists can support their patients and engage best practices in a way that helps all participants feel connected to the work. It defines the therapeutic alliance, explores the concepts of tasks, goals, and therapeutic bonds, and highlights the importance of developing a positive bond in the context of relational therapy. The paper also describes common challenges encountered while providing psychotherapy virtually, provides guidance on what contributes to a more positive attitude toward TMH interventions, offers a list of recommendations for improving the therapeutic alliance in TMH, and makes recommendations for future study.