Online Therapy in Turkey during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Examining the Experiences of Psychotherapists

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic affected many people worldwide, causing limited in-person interactions and restricted mobility. For, mental health professionals, this entailed replacing face-to-face therapy sessions with online settings. Although many studies have claimed that such online mental health services are effective, it was a new method in Turkey. Thus, this study examines psychotherapists’ experiences while providing online therapy during the pandemic. Drawing on the phenomenological method, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 14 Turkish psychotherapists. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. Three themes were identified: “technology,” “therapy process,” and “ethical issues.” The findings indicate that the therapists had difficulties preserving clients'’ confidentiality during online sessions and emphasized that a lack of training and supervision in online therapy contributed to ethical issues. Additionally, technical problems, including unstable internet connections, made it difficult to establish effective therapeutic relationships. The findings can help raise clinicians’ awareness of the potential risks of online therapy and suggest precautions for a better service. Psychotherapists in Turkey should also acquire internet-based intervention skills to enhance their confidence and online therapeutic competence.

Keywords

• internet-based therapy
• mental health professionals
• online psychotherapy
• pandemic
• technology

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