Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Therapists’ Experience of Working Through the COVID-19 Global Emergency using Transactional Analysis

Abstract

This is a qualitative research study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) (Smith, 1995) into the experiences of UK-based Transactional Analysis therapists working with clients prior to and during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Aimed at identifying what it is like to transition from working therapeutically in established, predeominantly in-person, relationships with clients to abruptly having to manage major adjustments both personally and professionally in parallel with clients navigating analogous challenges in their own lives, findings suggest that the participants experienced traumatic stress reactions. Participants initially felt unprepared to manage the multiple challenges of moving from in-person to online therapy with clients. In addition to technological and ethical issues, they experienced changes to the quality and nature of the therapeutic relationship. However, they also found positive aspects of online working as time progressed and experienced a sense of professional empowerment. They perceived the role of professional bodies and training establishments as significant. The diversity of online training available across countries and communities was appreciated although the quality of the learning experiences varied.