Patients’ and therapists’ experiences of CBT videoconferencing in anxiety disorders

Abstract

Abstract Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) videoconferencing has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders and an equal alternative to face-to-face CBT. However, qualitative patient and therapist experiences of CBT videoconferencing have been less researched. Due to COVID-19, mental health services have shifted to remote therapy methods; thus, understanding patient and therapist experiences are crucial to better inform service policies and best practices. The current study focused on patient and therapist experiences of CBT videoconferencing at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma (CADAT). Researchers used qualitative content analysis to explore patients’ (n = 54) and therapists’ (n = 15) responses to an online survey. Results yielded four themes: behavioural experiments work well if the problem lends itself to videoconferencing, overall practicalities but some home environment implications, privacy and technical issues, high telepresence and the negative impact on the therapeutic alliance, and COVID-19 influences attitude positively. The findings have clinical implications for CBT videoconferencing, including a need for specific training in assessment and intervention for therapists using videoconferencing. Key learning aims Readers of this paper will be able to: (1) Describe patient and therapist qualitative experiences of CBT videoconferencing. (2) Identify areas to consider when delivering CBT videoconferencing in anxiety disorders. (3) Understand therapist training needs for CBT videoconferencing in anxiety disorders. (4) Inform own service protocols and best practices for the delivery of CBT videoconferencing.