Disruptions, Challenges and Opportunities in the Provision of In-Person Psychological Therapy During the Era of COVID-19: A Review of the Literature
The outbreak of COVID-19 signaled an unprecedented era of unforeseen events which, among others, affected in-person psychological therapy (IPT). On the one hand, it could be argued that psychological therapy had the foundations to make the transition to remote delivery, but on the other, it was uncl...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
|
| Series: | Psychology International |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2813-9844/7/1/10 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | The outbreak of COVID-19 signaled an unprecedented era of unforeseen events which, among others, affected in-person psychological therapy (IPT). On the one hand, it could be argued that psychological therapy had the foundations to make the transition to remote delivery, but on the other, it was unclear what consequences the pandemic held for therapists and clients. This paper reviews the existing literature and explores the impact of the pandemic’s outbreak on IPT. Several studies suggest that IPT was abruptly interrupted, with a number of challenges observed in clients’ attendance, the transition to remote delivery and in the therapeutic process and relationship. Conversely, positive experiences and opportunities in the provision of therapy were reported too, such as convenience and flexibility in the process, improved accessibility and the continuation of therapy during the crisis. Finally, a number of studies report positive shifts in therapists’ attitudes towards remote delivery, while others highlight the importance of preparedness and previous experience. Following a review of the available studies and according to the pandemic’s trajectory, the current paper attempted to conceptualize findings in the revolving phases of regression, transition and adaptation, ultimately providing a starting point for further discussions and research in exploring the provision of psychological therapies in the future. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2813-9844 |