Therapeutic relationship in online video therapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding key factors influencing therapeutic relationship and engagement in the context of videoconferencing psychotherapy among NHS Talking Therapies services.
IRAS ID
333493
Contact name
Robert Nirsimloo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Talking therapies are used to help people with mental health problems. NHS Talking Therapies is a service that provide therapy for depression and anxiety disorders. Therapy is often done in person. Yet, most NHS services now offer online therapy. This is where clinicians speak with clients over an online video call. This change occurred with the development of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services and was spurred on due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A core part of CBT is the bond between therapist and client. Research shows that a good relationship leads to better results from therapy. It is important that there is evidence that this still happens in online therapy. There is currently little research about this. To find out, we will talk to people who have had online video therapy. We will ask them about their relationship with the therapist. We will also ask if this was affected by the therapy being online.
This research will help inform best practice around online therapy. It will help therapists enhance their abilities to develop therapeutic relationships online. This will then help clients get the most from therapy.
Adults who have received online video therapy, or are currently recieving online video therapy would be eligible to take part in the study. Participants will take part in an approximately 60 minute interview, via video call or telephone. Recruitment for the study will run until December 2024.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0184
Date of REC Opinion
18 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion